I am very blessed to live the life of a creative pauper. I am a full-time yoga instructor with about 15 classes a week as well as a full-time musician, singer and songwriter.
When I heard that SOCAN would be asking for dues from studios that use music in classes, it made sense to me. However, I’m in a seat that understands why that happens. There are a lot of businesses (coffee shops, night clubs, restaurants, etc.) that are paying regularly to SOCAN for the live or canned music being played in their venues. The idea is that the music adds value to their facility and therefore SOCAN, as an advocate for the creators of the music, asks that some of the monetary value created by that experience be extended to the artists/songwriters.
When I heard that SOCAN would be asking for dues from studios that use music in classes, it made sense to me. However, I’m in a seat that understands why that happens. There are a lot of businesses (coffee shops, night clubs, restaurants, etc.) that are paying regularly to SOCAN for the live or canned music being played in their venues. The idea is that the music adds value to their facility and therefore SOCAN, as an advocate for the creators of the music, asks that some of the monetary value created by that experience be extended to the artists/songwriters.
As the digital era is upon us, the sad reality is that it has become increasingly difficult to make a living as a musician. There is very little return on releasing music to the public and I have been so appreciative to have SOCAN acting on my behalf so that I might see even some of my (large) investment return.
I can completely understand the position of the small, struggling studio and how this may seem like an unnecessary or unfair expense. Perhaps consider the added value that music brings to your studio and classes. It’s easier to pay for more tangible things like water, heat and electricity, all of which are quite necessary for the enjoyment of a practice, but music creates an ambiance, an energy, and it too can add to the class experience as much as heat or lighting.
SOCAN is one of the ‘good-guys’. They have made a commitment to be a proponent of musicians– making sure that there will continue to be the opportunity for us to do the work that we love, and to share our music through as many channels as possible.
Tanya Ryan
www.tanyaryan.ca
I can completely understand the position of the small, struggling studio and how this may seem like an unnecessary or unfair expense. Perhaps consider the added value that music brings to your studio and classes. It’s easier to pay for more tangible things like water, heat and electricity, all of which are quite necessary for the enjoyment of a practice, but music creates an ambiance, an energy, and it too can add to the class experience as much as heat or lighting.
SOCAN is one of the ‘good-guys’. They have made a commitment to be a proponent of musicians– making sure that there will continue to be the opportunity for us to do the work that we love, and to share our music through as many channels as possible.
Tanya Ryan
www.tanyaryan.ca