Thread: Teacher Professionalism

Originally Posted by Ainsley

As an aside, when I was in ballet classes growing up (har har), we were always accompanied by a pianist -- our instructor didn't used canned music at all. Could it be that it is actually cheaper to pay an accompanist than to cough up the licensing fee?

No, the music licensing fees go to the COMPOSERS of the music. It doesn't matter who performs it, ASCAP and their ilk are representing the composers. That's why so many bands write their own material, so they can make money on the licensing of their songs even if played by other people.

Something tells me that the estate of Mohammed Abdel Wahab does NOT receive any licensing payouts from belly dance teachers who use "Cleopatra" in class....

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

Forgive me if I'm not the first in line to pay outrageous music licensing fees on my $35-50 a class teachers salary. I mean, I KNOW I'm taking money out of the pockets of millionaires but really, a girl's got to buy her costumes, you know?

Edited to add: Sorry for the sarcasm, but I get really irritated about this whole music licensing thing, when it comes to the music I use in class. I mean, what the heck is music for if I can't use it to dance too, except in my own house?? It bothers me that people have to pay to play music. If I buy the CD, isn't that enough???

especially when the potential for your students to go out and buy the cd is there. you're promoting their music to buyers, and belly dance students love spending money when they can. i don't understand the licensing thing as you are basically helping to sell their product. really they should be paying YOU commission for every cd you sell for them!

uh yeah dancecap...figures i always chime in late after a hundred other people said the same think...eheh

Originally Posted by Bellydancingcaroline

Well, if you don't pay your tax, they will get you in the end.

yeah, irs = the government's mob working for war

that is where a large percentage of your federal taxes go. i don't think it should be required, and they do "get you" but if everyone who believed that stopped paying all at once, there would be no way they could, or would want to, "get" all the little guys who make $20000/year or so. but until then, i keep paying them enough to be legit. i am really tired of borrowing credit to make the mortgage because i have to pay quarterly taxes. this debt thing is starting to get old.

there has to be a better way, i do not like it...but that's off topic now isn't it.

Originally Posted by Arwen

Private use is what buying a $10-$25 CD is for. You pay for the physical CD and the right to listen to it. Music licensing is paying to use someone else's hard work for your profit. It's the same reason why you can't buy Spiderman on DVD and show it at your house for $1 movie night. It is illegal. And I have no sympathy for $35-50 class teachers. I get $10.40 an hour after my taxes, music licensing, insurance, etc. are paid.

you think the artist actually sees any money? guess again. the label takes it. they put out the cd, they take the licensing money. can't tell you how many artists i've heard stories from about how they were ripped off by the label...

Originally Posted by *Shira*

No, the music licensing fees go to the COMPOSERS of the music. It doesn't matter who performs it, ASCAP and their ilk are representing the composers. That's why so many bands write their own material, so they can make money on the licensing of their songs even if played by other people.

Yes, I know. Obviously, when someone is playing Classical music for a ballet class, licensing fees do not apply. Question stands.

you think the artist actually sees any money? guess again. the label takes it. they put out the cd, they take the licensing money. can't tell you how many artists i've heard stories from about how they were ripped off by the label...

If you would steal the CD and send the artist $5 in the mail, the artist would make more money that way than if you just bought it in the store. Not advocating theft of any kind, but artists, even big name ones, get screwed out of money very easily. Concerts and merchandise are normally where they're making their money.

Originally Posted by *maria*

I'm Italian from Brooklyn and Queens too! I knew we'd get along!
Let's start looking people up!
LOL!

Note to self...stay on Maria and Daniela's good sides.

I find it an overblown concern. If you are teaching 5 students in your home studio - I think it's private use not to mention marketing if you have the CDs for people to buy. Puh-leeze.

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

It is a huge blanket statment - encompassing almost all bellydance teachers but yet forgetting that most dance and aerobics teachers of and and all styles do the exact same thing you described.

Originally Posted by *maria*

Gia, I'm sending my guy over to collect.....
.....

Fugghetabodit! My Godfather's Phil Leotardo....w.: ,m::
Gia