What’s my membership (CAE) number?
Every member is allocated a unique 9-digit CAE (Compositeur, Auteurs et Editeurs) number that you will find on any correspondence to you, statements etc. Please contact our Members Services department if you still require your number.
How do I check details of a work?
Search our database is an online service that allows you to quickly locate details about a particular piece of music or recording. There are a variety of search options available to suit your needs and to enable you to find what you are looking for quickly and easily.
Access Search Our Database
Once my membership application has been accepted, from which date will my membership be effective?
PRS: This is normally the 1st January or 1st July immediately preceding the date your completed application form is received at our offices.
MCPS: Membership commences when you receive notification from us that your application has been accepted.
How do I register my music?
Music is generally registered online, although paper and other electronic formats are available on request. You are only required to register music which has been or is about to be recorded, broadcast or performed.
To register your works online, log in to your online account and select 'Register/amend music' to begin searching for the information you are looking for.
View a step-by-step guide on how to register and amend your works.
How do I amend a piece of music that is already registered?
Firstly, find the existing version of the work using the Search Our Database function.
Open the full details by clicking on the icon. Within the Work Type area, there is a "Register an Amendment to this Work" option; selecting this will load all the existing work details into the ‘register my music online’ form. The amendment will be checked before being applied to the database.
View a step-by-step guide on how to register and amend your works.
What song writing splits do I give to my co-writers?
If you are a writer, it is completely up to you on how you split the shares between the interested parties. If you are published, you will have to agree the splits with your publisher prior to registering the work.
My music has been published, should I register my works on the PRS for Music database?
It is likely that your Publisher will have already registered your works. Please check with your Publisher regarding your work information in this instance.
How do I open an MCPS or a PRS back-claim request?
MCPS back-claims arise when the status of a piece of music changes (e.g. if you register music that has already been released and was previously unregistered). They allow you to claim royalties owed to you for the use of your music.
View more information about MCPS back-claims.
If you wish to proceed with making a back-claim, please select the appropriate team from Service Request section.
PRS back-claim requests varies between revenue streams.
View more information about PRS back-claims.
When are the MCPS and PRS for Music distributions?
MCPS makes monthly payments to its members resulting from the licensing of their musical works.
View more information about what is paid when.
PRS distributes royalties to its members 4 times a year:
- April
- July
- October
- December
View more information about PRS for Music distributions.
What is my upcoming distribution amount?
For MCPS distributions you can call us towards the end of the month, for PRS you can call us a week prior to the quarterly distribution. You can find details of the distribution dates below:
MCPS Payment Schedule
PRS Payment Schedule
I don't understand my statement - where can I find out how to read it?
MCPS statements
PRS statements
I submitted information about my songs during the joining process, why do i need to register them?
No works are put on our database at the point of joining - in order to get paid you will need to register with us the songs you expect will generate you royalty money. This can be done online once you have signed up for an online account.
Can I see my distribution statement online?
Currently you cannot, but we are committed to expanding our services further in the future.
How much would I get per minute for a particular broadcast?
The information provided on the following link is the detailed per minute value tables for each of the revenue sources paid in distributions over the last 3 years (sample dates are now included where applicable).
View the PRS for Music per minute value tables.
What are the minimum distribution thresholds?
The minimum payable amount of royalties for all UK members is £30, while the minimum for all overseas members is £60.
View details on the minimum payment amount for MCPS distributions.
View details on the minimum payment amount for PRS distributions.
How do I collect my overseas royalties?
MCPS - You should notify us if you know your music has been released overseas provided you are not sub-published in the country of release. View information about MCPS International Royalty Claims.
PRS - If you haven’t received royalties you were expecting in , you should check the PRS overseas payment schedule. Find out more information.
How much will I get paid for my live performance?
UK Concert Venues and Festivals
If you perform at a Concert Venue or Major Festival the royalty generated is dependant on the amount taken at the box office.
Find out information on how live royalties are calculated
UK concert venues are typically those venues whose principle business is promoting regular musical events.
Find out more about UK Concert Venues and Festivals
UK Gigs and Clubs Scheme
If you perform at a pub, club, bar, community centre or hotel each event will generate a net royalty of roughly £6.
Find out more about the Gigs and Clubs Scheme
How do I submit a cue sheet or check you have received a cue sheet?
Before raising queries with Member Services, members should work through the following process. Using the Search Cue Sheets online service may provide the answers you require.
Access Search Cue Sheets.
How do I submit set lists?
UK Concert Venues or Festivals
To submit set lists for single performances or tours (as a headliner or support act) at UK Concert Venues or Festivals please click here
UK Gigs and Clubs Scheme To submit a claim for performances at pubs, clubs, bars, community centres or hotels please click here
How do I raise a service request?
Please select the appropriate team from the Service Request section and select 'Request Service'.
How do I change my personal details?
You can update your personal details by completing the relevant form.
How do I get legal advice?
As we cannot provide this type of advice, we've compiled a list of qualified music business solicitors who have agreed to help you. The first hour is free.
View the Legal Referral List.
How do I protect my copyright?
Currently, no official form of registration is available. In the UK, all original music is protected by copyright from the time it is recorded/written down in some format.
Read our overview of copyright.
View a more detailed guide on copyright law.
I want to release/use a cover version - what do I need to do?
If you have not altered any of the arrangement, melody or lyrics, you do not need permission to use the work as the royalties will be distributed to the copyright holder.
Should I notify you of broadcasts?
No, normally under the terms of our agreements with broadcasters, they must supply us with complete returns of all music they broadcast. However, if you haven’t received royalties you were expecting in the appropriate distribution, the more information you can supply PRS for Music the better.
Do I need to join overseas societies?
No. We have reciprocal agreements with the vast majority of our sister societies throughout the world which collect, distribute and account to us for broadcasts, performances and mechanical usage of our members repertoire in their territory. You are therefore effectively already covered by your membership for the world.
Find out more about international royalties
I want to rearrange a work, what do I need to do?
If you are to change any part of the arrangement or are still unsure as to how to proceed , view our arrangements policy.
View a more detailed guide on copyright law.