I think, Al, that if your friend was to tell PRS that she was only playing public domain music on a piano then they should, repeat should, leave her alone. But she may need to take it to a higher level within PRS because the person on the phone may not understand the issues.

If, however, she is using recordings then the counter arguments above apply - as they do with any business (it's not PRS's fault that her business is small - they have a duty to be even-handed (ha!) across the board).

The only way to change things would be to apply/lobby for a special opt-out for educational use. I'm not sure what the rules are for schools at the moment, there may be an existing loophole for education, but if not, then there would be a case for trying to make one.

PRS are not going to do it themselves though.

Someone has to actually take on the battle and try to effect some change.

That's the only way things ever get better

Tom