- Who is PPL PRS Ltd?
PPL PRS Ltd was created to provide customers with a streamlined music licensing service – TheMusicLicence – with a single point of contact to make it easier to legally play and perform music in public. PPL PRS Ltd is equally owned by PPL and PRS for Music.
PPL PRS Ltd started trading in 2018. Prior to 2018, businesses and organisations would have had to purchase two separate licences from PPL and PRS for Music instead.
- Who is PPL and PRS for Music?
PPL and PRS for Music are both collective management organisations. They issue licences and collect royalties for certain uses of copyright-protected music, on behalf of their many hundreds of thousands of members. They then distribute those royalties to members.
PPL represents record companies and performers for the use of recorded music, while PRS for Music represents songwriters, composers and music publishers for the use of musical compositions and lyrics (for both recorded music and live performances).
PPL and PRS for Music set up PPL PRS Ltd to offer a single joint music licence, on behalf of them both, for playing and performing music in public (see ‘What does playing music ‘in public’ mean?’).
- What does playing music ‘in public’ mean?
Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, permission is needed from the relevant copyright holders – those who create, record and publish music – in order to play or perform music in public.
Broadly speaking, this includes any presentation of music outside of a domestic setting. For example, it will include using music in the following ways as part of your business or organisation (for the benefit of customers and/or employees): playing recorded music via any device including the radio, TV broadcasts such as sports or other audio-visual content containing music; or putting on live performances of music.
There are a range of tariffs to cover the different uses of music across various venue types. However, the use of this music will require permission from the copyright holders and TheMusicLicence will give you that permission, covering the vast majority of commercially released music.
- Is it illegal to play commercial music in my salon, barbers or beauty salon without TheMusicLicence?
If you play or perform music in your salon or barbers, the chances are you need TheMusicLicence
Under The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, permission is needed from the relevant copyright holders – those people who create music – in order to play or perform music in public
Obtaining TheMusicLicence gives you this permission, in relation to the vast majority of commercially available music. This ranges from grassroots and independent artists and composers through to the biggest names in the business.
- How can I play music in my salon?
Whether it’s playing background music for your customers via digital devices or by tuning into the radio.
- Radio & TV
- Streaming services - this may require a commercial streaming service. Before using platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube etc, please check that their terms and conditions allow for commercial use before playing music in your salon.
- CDs, MP3s & other recordings
- Live Music
- I already have a TV licence, why do I need TheMusicLicence for my salon?
It is easy to forget that music is used all the time within TV programmes, advertisements during commercial breaks and other broadcasts.
TheMusicLicence gives you permission to use the music contained in television programmes . A TV licence only allows you to receive the broadcast signal for the television. If you wish to use the TV in public, such as your business premises, you will need TheMusicLicence (see ‘What does playing music ‘in public’ mean?’).
- I only play the radio in my hair salon, why do I need TheMusicLicence?
If you are playing the radio in your hair salon, barbers or beauty salon, you’ll usually need TheMusicLicence. Although the radio stations pay both PPL and PRS for Music for the right to broadcast, it does not include playing the radio in public, such as business premises.
TheMusicLicence allows you to legally play music for employees, customers or visitors in your salon.
If you're unsure about whether you need a licence, please contact us.
Speak to our friendly team today
(8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 3pm Friday)
- How do they distribute the royalties from my hair & beauty music licence fee?
PPL and PRS For Music receive reporting and information on recorded music played by the TV broadcasters, radio stations, music suppliers and UK businesses that they license. In some cases, this information is provided on a track-by-track basis, which is then reviewed against the data they hold to identify the applicable performers and recording rightsholders members whom they should pay.
Where it is not feasible to receive track-by-track usage information, such as from smaller TV and radio stations and businesses, they use a combination of methods to identify the music that has been played. This includes the use of data captured at the point of licensing and through market surveys (in relation to the types of music used by different types of customers).
- Where does the money go after I've paid my hair & beauty music licence fee?
Your music licence fees are distributed to music creators via PPL and PRS for Music (after deduction of our running costs).
Hairdresser, Barber & Beauty Salon Music Licence
Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons can legally play music in a variety of ways with TheMusicLicence.
Whether you’re playing music on the shop floor or in backroom break areas, listening to the latest songs on the radio or sub-genres through streaming services; you’ll usually need a music licence.
In order to play or perform music legally in your salon, barbers or beauty salon you may need a music licence. This ensures permission is granted from the relevant copyright holders in relation to the vast majority of commercially available music.
By obtaining TheMusicLicence you’ll be able to play PRS for Music and PPL music legally and enjoy its benefits whilst ensuring that its creators are fairly rewarded for their work.
Do I need a music licence for my salon?
You might not realise it, but music is protected by copyright, and businesses and organisations have to get permission from the music creators to play or perform their works in public.
A music licence allows you to legally play music for customers, employees in your salon, barbers and beauty studio through the radio, TV and other digital devices.
By obtaining TheMusicLicence you’ll be able to play virtually all commercially released music legally and enjoy its benefits whilst ensuring that its creators are fairly rewarded for their work.
Playing music in your beauty salon
It’s time to turn your low-lights into high-lights!
As the hair and beauty sector becomes more competitive, it’s essential to provide your customers with an experience that stands out. If you’re a hairdresser, barbershop or beauty salon owner, you’ll know the value playing music can have on your customers and your employees.
From preventing any unwanted silences, to starting the buzz before a Saturday night out; playing music can create an enjoyable, engaging atmosphere and add to your customers experience.
Playing music could:
Improve…
- Productivity
- Atmosphere and environment
- Retention
- Health and wellbeing
- Team spirit
- Brand identity
- Customer satisfaction
Decrease…
- Clock watching
- Staff turnover
- Awkward silences
Music & customer experience
Whether it’s tuning into your salons favourite radio station or creating a bespoke playlist via streaming services – music can be an important part of day-to-day life for many people. So, consider this. Would something seem missing in your hair and beauty premise if music wasn’t playing?
Playing music could help your salon or barbershop feel more relatable, give your staff a boost during those busy weekends and ensure you retain a fresh and vibrant feel.
Music gives us the ability to connect to clients, not just to talk but really connect, it allows us to reflect our brand, our vibe & evoke feelings in our clients that make them feel great.“
RE:NU
As you know, providing beauty treatments and cutting hair can be quite personal. You need your client’s trust and for them to be at ease.
Music has the potential to create a more comfortable space and make your customers feel more relaxed, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. Music can also stimulate the environment, prevent any unwanted silences and help to make your customer’s experience feel more memorable.
Music & customer spend
How could playing music in your salon, barbers or beauty premise affect your customers spending habits?
Well, a tailored soundtrack could help to define your brand and distinguish you from your competitors, creating a loyal customer base in the process. Did you know 53% of UK businesses that we surveyed agree that music is an important part of their brand and helps to keep their customers loyal?*
Furthermore, playing different genres of music can evoke a range of emotions that can influence our behaviour. For instance, take Pop music. 37% of people that we surveyed say this genre tempts them to try a new hairstyle. Moreover, Moody Rock Anthems (19%) and Soul Melodies (18%) are also likely to leave customers craving for change.**
In brief, the right soundtrack could alter your salons atmosphere and change your client’s outlook whilst in the chair. It could influence your customers to try something new and it may lead them staying for longer, opting for additional treatments or products as a result.
**A survey of 2,101 UK respondents by Perspectus Global in September 2021.
Music & employee engagement
It’s not just your customers who could benefit from the music that’s played, it could have a significant benefit to your team as well.
“Music is one of those languages that can travel throughout the world and really help boost people’s morale. It can help start conversations, it can help people’s mental health and for us in here, it really helps us tick on a day-to-day basis”
Music could help to drive collaboration with colleagues and interaction with customers, potentially leading to improved levels of service and a better customer experience overall.
Furthermore, listening to music has a significant impact on wellbeing, which could help to prevent staff feeling overwhelmed and stressed. 88% of UK businesses that surveyed agreed that music is enjoyable to staff and customers.*
Music could improve concentration and productivity whilst also helping to make staff feel more engaged and valued, especially if they are involved in choosing the music selection. This could lead to an overall improvement in the satisfaction and engagement of your employees.
What’s more, we surveyed 500 people of which 34% strongly agree that they feel more engaged and focused when background music is playing at their place of work with 51% of people agreeing.***
***We surveyed 500 people in the UK who are working in offices and workplaces currently playing background music. Survey conducted via Attest in January 2023.
Music & statistics
88%
said that music is enjoyable to staff and customers
53%
agreed that music is an important part of my brand and helps to keep their customers loyal
93%
agreed that music has a positive effect on their business
50%
said that they enjoyed visiting businesses where music is played
88%
agreed that music lifts the mood and creates a more welcoming atmosphere
93%
agreed that the atmosphere would be different without music
How does a music licence cost for my hair & beauty salon?
The cost of a music licence for hair and beauty salons and barbers depends on a number of factors, including your type of venue and how you use music in your day-to-day operations, whether that be for background purposes or other usages such as music on hold.
How is the cost calculated?
The cost of TheMusicLicence depends on a number of factors, including your type of venue and how you use music in your day-to-day operations, whether that be for background purposes or other usages such as music on hold.
On hold music
Starts from...Background music
For up to five treatment chairs*All cost examples are subject to change, price correct as of February 2023
Quote Checklist
Before contacting us, please ensure you’ve read our Quote Checklist for each section that is applicable to you and have the relevant information ready so we can provide an accurate quote for your shop or store music licence.
Background music
- The areas where music is played, such as the shop floor, office areas and café.
- The square meterage of each area where music is audible.
Specially featured entertainment events
- Number, capacity, duration and attendance of in-store specially featured entertainment events held per year.
- The square meterage of each area where such events are held.
Music videos
- Number of TV screens music videos are played on.
Telephone music on hold
- Details of any telephone on hold music.
Hair & Beauty FAQs
Get a quote
Related articles
How to create a great customer experience with tips from the New World Trading Company
Whether you’re starting up, looking to step up, or anything in between, your business just wouldn’t be the same without your customers.
How music & nature harmonise
Two-thirds of UK adults say music influences their spending habits, with POP a popular choice
How to make the cut this World Barber Day
Late summer is one of the best times to rest and recharge, but it is one of the best times for a
Health, happiness & harmony
From long weekend spa breaks to express trips to the salon, or even just an afternoon tea with friends, health and beauty
Grizzly’s Male Hair Salon
Formed in 2017 by owner, Chris O’Sullivan, Grizzly’s are a full-service male hair salon inspired by Canada and the Rocky’s.
Keeping your barbers on track with music
Keeping your barbers on track A business without music can fall flat! Music creates a mood. Maybe you want your clients to
Thinking about playing music in your salon or studio and want to know more?
What is TheMusicLicence?
What is TheMusicLicence
Do I need a music licence?
Do I need a music licence?
Where does my money go?
Where does my money go?
How do I get TheMusicLicence?
Call us on 0116 290 0525
(8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 3pm Friday)
Alternatively you can complete the online form and an adviser will be in touch.
