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Our most popular post to date has been Dance Studio Music Licensing FAQ. If you haven't checked it out, it's worth a read whether you're a studio owner or instructor – including the comments!
After seeing more comments pop up, I became interested in researching royalty-free music. While there are not that many specifically for dance studios, I did come across some alternatives.
My favorite alternative for royalty-free class music is the use of live music! However, when live musicians are not easily available (or affordable), you maybe looking for some options.
You will notice that the prices for license-free music is much higher than the 99 cent or $1.29 per track cost of licensed music. Because license-free artists do not receive royalties, the prices are higher. Either way, here are the tracks which you can use in class or for performance without paying ASCAP, BMI or SESAC:
1) Lynn Stanford's Ballet CD collection – I love Lynn Stanford's ballet music – possibly because my ballet teachers used his CDs throughout my childhood and then again in college.
The only one available on iTunes is #8301 "More Music For Ballet Class" , but you can find the rest on danceclassmusic.com – The ballet music titles that are without license are: #8001, #8301, #8403, #8712, #9121, #9122 (prices range from $16.00-$30.00).
He also has Music for Modern Class ($26.00).
Just be aware…ASCAP will try to make you pay anyway. They will tell you it is "just in case you accidentally use" their licensed music. They will also lie to you and tell you some of those artists are members of their organization and insist that you pay them. I have personally asked Miro Magloire, Michael Roberts and several others if they are members. They have assured me, in writing, that they do not and will not work with ASACP, yet ASCAP lies and says they are members. ASCAP hires inscrutable reps who will stop at nothing to get your money. This comes from personal experience.