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.

Stephan Moccio

SOCAN member Stephan Moccio co-writes global hit songs. He co-wrote Céline Dion’s “A New Day Has Come,” which topped the Hot AC charts for 21 weeks; “I Believe,” the official theme of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games; Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” which has sold more than 5 million copies in the U.S. alone, and has gone gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in 14 countries worldwide; and The Weeknd’s “Earned It” – the end credit song for Fifty Shades of Grey – which earned an Oscar nomination, a Grammy win, and went platinum or multi-platinum in a dozen countries. Moccio is currently composing movie soundtracks in the upper echelons of Hollywood.