Line Dancing and Music Licensing
If you run line dance classes, socials, or events, this is one of the most misunderstood (and risky) parts of the job. Choose a region below to see a focused snapshot, then read the rest for context everyone should know.
Personal streaming subscriptions do not usually authorise music use in dance classes, socials, or business premises. In many countries, you need the relevant public-performance licence for your location and use, and separate permissions may be required for online video, livestreaming, or platform uploads.
Author: Raz FrimanThe Biggest Myth: "Spotify Covers Me"
It does not. A consumer subscription (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and similar) is for private, personal listening — not for public or commercial use. Classes, socials, workshops, and events are usually public performance, and need the right licences. Even a small class is not "just at home".
What Is a Music Licence?
A music licence is permission to play copyrighted music in public. It helps ensure songwriters, publishers, artists, and labels are compensated, and it reduces your legal exposure. Without it, playing recorded music in public can be copyright infringement.
How It Usually Works
Most countries have one or more collective management or licensing bodies to collect and distribute fees. In many places you need to cover (at least) these two layers:
Composition / musical work
Songwriters and publishers — the underlying song.
Sound recording / neighbouring rights
The specific recording — artists and labels.
Some territories bundle these in one scheme; others need separate deals. Always check what your local body offers.
Pick a region
Australia is shown by default. Use the list on small screens or tap a card to switch region.
🇦🇺 Australia
Licensing body: OneMusic Australia (APRA AMCOS and PPCA combined for many public-performance uses). For instructors, see the Dance Schools and Performance Instructors licence category.
You will typically need a public performance licence for things like classes, socials, hoedowns, and public events. Personal streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, and similar) are not a substitute. Responsibility can depend on who operates the class, controls the premises, contracts for the event, or uses the music, so get written confirmation before relying on someone else's licence.
Venue licences are not a guarantee. Some venues that hire you to run a dance night, hoedown, or event do hold current licences that cover your event — but be aware that some venues are only covered for live music by bands and artists, not for recorded playback. Always confirm in writing before you press play.
Licence details matter. OneMusic notes that its dance-school and performance-instructor scheme has category details and exclusions; for example, Zumba classes are handled under a separate fitness/wellbeing scheme. If music is used without the right permission, OneMusic says legal action can include licence fees that would have applied, damages, and legal fees.
LDAA Blanket License option
The Line Dance Association of Australia (LDAA) membership form includes an option relating to the LDAA Blanket music license for members. Check the current form and LDAA instructions for eligibility, required class and venue details, timing, and fees.
- Choose the relevant LDAA membership type. The form currently lists Associate, Junior, and Professional membership options.
- Use the LDAA membership form to indicate whether you want the OneMusic blanket licence for classes and socials.
- The LDAA blanket licence year runs from 1 March to 28 February. Full class information, including venues and class numbers, and full licence renewal fees are required by 14 February to ensure cover. You can also apply at any time during the year, with OneMusic Australia applying a prorata fee for the remainder of that licence period; for example, a June application would cover that instructor from June through to February.
- For questions, call 0427 667 860 or email secretary@ldaa.com.au.
Use the current LDAA form for payment instructions and the latest membership/licence terms.
What about venues?
Sometimes a venue already holds licences — do not assume. Check whether its licence covers your specific use of recorded music for dance classes, socials, or ticketed events, and whether it covers all relevant rights in your jurisdiction. Some venues are only covered for live music by bands and artists, not for playback of recorded tracks. If a question or dispute comes up, responsibility can depend on who controls the premises, organises the event, operates the business, or uses the music.
Where can instructors get music?
Start with your local licensing body, because the licence is what makes public playback lawful for your class or event. Then use a music source whose own terms allow business use. A personal Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music account is normally still personal-use only, even if you also hold a public-performance licence.
Commercial music suppliers can help with the playback side. For example, Soundtrack explains that business playback can involve public-performance rights as well as licences for streaming, storing music on a device, and on-demand use. Check whether the provider covers your country, your venue, and the exact use you need.
What about videos and social media?
Treat recorded or streamed videos as a separate question from playing music in a room. A class licence often covers public performance; posting a video can also involve synchronisation, master recording, communication-to-the-public, platform, and monetisation rules.
If TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube provide music inside their own editor, that use is governed by the platform terms and the licences the platform has arranged. If you upload a class video with commercial music already embedded, the platform may mute it, block it, restrict it, or send ad revenue to the copyright owner even if you hold another licence.
For YouTube or on-demand lesson libraries, look for music that explicitly permits video use, obtain direct sync/master permission, or ask your local licensing body about an online dance/fitness licence. Some licences do not cover content posted on third-party platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, where platform terms and copyright requirements still apply.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a personal streaming account to run a class or event
- Assuming a small class is "private" use
- Relying on the venue without written confirmation of coverage
- Assuming insurance or association membership automatically covers music rights
- Assuming background radio is automatically cleared
- Assuming an in-person class licence automatically covers videos or social uploads
- Assuming you will not be checked
Practical steps for instructors
- Contact the music licensing body in your country for the use you need
- Work with venues that can show valid, relevant coverage
- Join industry or dance associations; some can point you to licensing resources
- Use a music supplier or service whose terms allow business playback
- Check separately before livestreaming, recording, or uploading videos with music
- Budget for music licensing as a normal operating cost
- Keep records of licences, correspondence, and permissions
Simple rule of thumb
If other people can hear the music and you are not at home alone… you probably need a licence. Confirm with your local authority.
Why it matters
Licensing is not just compliance: it is how creators and the industry that line dancing depends on get paid. Getting it right reduces the risk of backdated licence fees, civil claims, injunctions, legal costs, and cancelled events. The process is often straightforward once you know who to call.
Disclaimer: This page is general information only and may be incomplete or out of date. Licence fees, civil remedies, penalties, and platform requirements change. Always confirm with your local licensing authority or a qualified professional for your specific situation and region.