Anne wrote:

Just a sideline about the songbook query ... you can also buy copies of playscripts. But if you wanted to put on a performance of the plays in question you have to buy a license to do this, whether or not you're making a profit (hollow laughter there for most drama groups!). It's the way it is. On the other hand (and perhaps this is the analogy for the session/singaround) if you were using scenes from the plays for acting classes then no license fees are payable. So buying the songbook doesn't give you the right to play the songs in public royalty-free any more than buying the playscript gives you the right to put on a production of the play.

Good point but there's still a difference in that if someone puts on a play, it's with the intention of having an audience and it is a 'performance'. Sessions aren't necessarily for an audience - they are usually for the participants. In my local session there's often nobody but the sessionaires in the room, although we can be heard in the next bar, not that they take much notice. We don't consider ourselves to be performing. (... and therefore shouldn't attract the attention of the Performing Rights Society). Phhhhhhhrp!

J