Streaming Your Piano Cover of Titanic: What You Need to Know About Licensing and Royalties

Have you ever wanted to repurpose a beloved film score, like the iconic theme from Titanic, into your own piano arrangement and share it on YouTube? If so, you may be wondering if you need to worry about paying royalties to the original composer. In this article, we'll explore the legal considerations and steps you should take to ensure you're not infringing on someone else's rights.

Do You Need Royalties for a Piano Arrangement?

If you're considering creating a piano arrangement of a copyrighted film score like the Titanic theme and sharing it on YouTube, the short answer is yes, you do need to be concerned about royalties. Copyrighted material is protected by law, and simply rearranging a song does not make it yours. The original composer deserves credit and payment for their work.

Understanding the Legal Aspect

1. Unauthorized Posting Consequences
You cannot post your own version of a song without permission and/or paying royalty or licensing fee. It’s not your song, even if you can perform it exceptionally well. The original composer is entitled to credit and payment.

2. The Need for a Mechanical License
To legally record and distribute a recording of someone else's song, you need a mechanical license. This license grants you the right to reproduce and distribute the song. It’s important to obtain this license before creating and uploading your cover version.

How to Obtain a Mechanical License

The best place to start is the Harry Fox Agency (HFA), which is a licensing organization that issues mechanical licenses for recordings of published songs. However, the music you’re interested in might also be covered by a performance rights organization (PRO) like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC. Make sure to check their websites to ensure you're covering all your bases.

What Happens If You Don't Have the License?

1. Copyright Strike
If the original copyright holder or their representative initiates a copyright strike on your YouTube video, this could lead to several negative consequences. One major issue is that you cannot monetize the video. If there is any dispute over the use of the song, the ad revenue will go to the copyright holder, not you.

2. Legal Action
In severe cases, you may face legal action or demands for compensation from the original composer or their representatives. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.

Steps to Take Before Uploading Your Video

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure you're not infringing on anyone's rights:

1. Check with Harry Fox Agency
Visit the Harry Fox Agency's website and submit your request for a mechanical license. Follow their instructions to complete the process.

2. Use a PRO
If the music is also covered by a PRO, ensure that you obtain clearance from them as well. This is especially important if you start receiving notifications that your copyrighted material is being used without permission.

3. Monitor Your YouTube Channel
Keep an eye on your YouTube analytics for any copyright strikes or notifications. If you receive any, take the necessary steps to address the issue right away.

Conclusion

Creating a piano arrangement of a copyrighted film score like the Titanic theme and uploading it to YouTube is a great way to share your music with the world, but it's important to respect the intellectual property rights of the original composer. By obtaining the necessary mechanical license and following legal guidelines, you can ensure that your cover version is both legally sound and enjoyable for your audience.