Understanding OCP’s licensing: What it is and why it matters
Music (even church music) is protected by copyright. That means if you want to record, print, broadcast, or distribute music, even for worship, you need permission from the copyright holder or their administrator. OCP administers a large catalog of sacred music used in churches, and they provide different kinds of licenses depending on how you plan to use a song.
If you don’t get the right license, you risk infringing on the composer / copyright holder’s rights, something that applies even to Mass settings, livestreams, or printed worship aids. For more information, please browse our FAQs.
For a brief overview, here are the licenses we offer:
- Mechanical License: For producing a new audio recording of an existing copyrighted composition. Use this if you’re doing a cover version, or otherwise recording a piece for distribution.
- Master License: Allows use of an existing “master” audio recording (i.e. a previously recorded track), rather than re-recording. Good when you want to use a professionally produced version instead of making your own.
- Broadcast License: For using an audio recording on radio. Enables radio stations (or similar) to legally play OCP music.
- Internet Broadcast License: For streaming audio online (e.g. podcast, YouTube, livestreamed Mass). Lets you broadcast OCP music over the internet.
- Reprint License: For reproducing the text and/or tune (sheet music, lyrics, melody) in a physical or digital printed format that is sold or distributed. Use this when you want to publish printed songbooks, hymnals, or other works for sale.
- Sync License: For synchronizing OCP music with visuals: i.e. in film, TV, video games, or other video media. Use this when you pair a song with video content.
Why are there so many license types?
Music rights are more complicated than they seem at first because there are different “layers” of rights.
- The composition (lyrics + melody) is one copyright.
- The sound recording (a particular performance / version) is another.
Depending on whether you want to reproduce the composition, record your own version, use an existing recording, print lyrics, broadcast, distribute, or sell; each action is governed by different rights.
Because of that, what you need depends heavily on your use: a worship aid, a livestream, a commercial album, or a YouTube video are all different use-cases.
Further, for worship and congregational use, rights-holders often allow more flexible licensing frameworks (via blanket-style licenses like ONE LICENSE), to make it easier for churches to stay compliant without negotiating complex deals for each song.
Practical Advice: How to Choose the Right License
- Start with your use case. Are you printing lyrics? Streaming Mass? Recording a cover? Syncing to film? Record your use-case first. That determines which license(s) you’ll likely need.
- Check if the song is covered by ONE LICENSE (or similar agency) especially if your use is worship / congregational / projection / livestream. If yes, that’s usually the easiest, most affordable path.
- For any commercial, distribution, or media-production use, contact OCP directly (or via the license request form) and ask for the appropriate license (mechanical, master, sync, reprint, etc.).
- If you plan to distribute recordings or print songbooks, make sure you get a license that allows duplication or publication, not just congregational use.
- When in doubt, ask. Use OCP’s contact request form or license request form. Because copyright laws are strict, it’s better to get permission than guess.
Understanding the different types of licenses OCP offers, and when each one applies, empowers churches, musicians, creators, and ministry leaders to use sacred music confidently and responsibly. Whether you’re printing worship aids, livestreaming services, recording new music, or creating digital media, the right license protects you legally while ensuring composers are fairly compensated for their work. By taking the time to choose the proper license, you not only support the creative ministry behind the music but also help make sure that the songs you love can continue inspiring communities for years to come.
