Composers

> Who Socan Works With > Music Talent > Composers

If you’re a composer whose music has been performed, you should join SOCAN in order to claim the money that you’ve earned in royalties for the use of that music. If you’re an screen composer whose scores are performed in movies or on TV, SOCAN obtains information related to those performances globally, collects the money that’s owed for them, and distributes it to you as royalties. If you’re a new classical composer whose symphonies, operas, suites, chamber music, choral work, or other pieces have been performed in SOCAN-licensed concert halls, auditoriums, conservatories or other venues, SOCAN similarly collects your royalties and pays them to you. We also lobby government to ensure that your copyright is respected, and that you’re appropriately remunerated for the use of your work. When it comes to getting paid for performances of your work, it’s our business to take care of you.

I think my event might qualify for a charitable exemption. What is my next step?

Section 32.2(3) of the Copyright Act allows for exemption from SOCAN license fees in the case where there is a performance in public of a musical work in furtherance of religious, educational or charitable objectives. Only performances by religious, charitable or fraternal organizations and educational institutions are eligible. For more information, see Examples of performances that would qualify for an exemption and complete the charitable exemption questionnaire. If you have any further questions about SOCAN licensing, please contact us.

Cristobal Tapia de Veer

TV series lovers in Québec, and all over the world, have gobbled up BBC America’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Série noire (SRC), and the British series National Treasure and Utopia – all of which were brilliantly scored by SOCAN member Cristobal Tapia de Veer. He’s a singular composer who doesn’t play by the rules, and the first screen composer to ever win the SOCAN International Award during the 2017 Gala in Montréal. He’s also won three other international awards for his work: the FIPA d’Or and BAFTA Award for Best Original Score for National Treasure, and the Best Original Score Award at the Festival de Film Gérardmer, in France, for The Girl with all the Gifts. His phone has rung off the hook since then.