Funeral Services

OneMusic administers licences for the use of essentially all commercially released music by funeral homes and independent funeral directors.

Click 'Apply Now' to view licence fees, download, save and complete your application. Return to info@onemusicnz.com.

The OneMusic Funeral Services licence covers your use of our music, lyrics, and sound recordings in various ways such as copying music into presentations and when playing music outside of the funeral service itself.

The Funeral Service licence allows you to:

  • Copy Music for the purpose of making Audio Programmes to be played at Funeral Services;
  • Copy Music for the purpose of making Audio Visual Programmes to be played at Funeral Services;
  • Copy Music into PowerPoint presentations (or a similar program) for presentation at Funeral Services;
  • Copy lyrics contained within an AMCOS Work into a presentation, on a projector or for distribution to attendees via hard copies at Funeral Services; and
  • Make and distribute up to 50 copies of a Video/Film recorded at a Funeral Service for distribution via a Delivery Platform free of charge, to relatives and friends for personal and domestic use; or
  • Reproduce and communicate Music as part of a Funeral Service for live, on-demand or time-delayed streaming over a Website (for a period of 60 days) for the comfort and convenience of those who are physically or geographically unable to attend the Funeral Service in person.
  • Play music in general areas and waiting areas.
  • Play music in the workplace by employees in office areas.
  • Play music on hold used via your phone system.

Delivery Platform means the physical device by which a programme is delivered which may include DVDs, USBs and hard drives.
Website means a website owned or controlled by the Licensee, accessed via password.

OneMusic does not charge a licence fee for the public performance of music during a funeral service.​

I am a member of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand, do I need a licence?

Yes. The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) and OneMusic have negotiated a discounted rate for the use of music in funeral services for FDANZ members. If you are a member you can obtain the Funeral Services aspect of your licence at this discounted rate directly with them as part of your membership fee.

If you play music in the following ways you will also need to hold a licence directly with us. 

  • Play music in general areas and waiting areas.
  • Play music in the workplace by employees in office areas.
  • Play music on hold used via your phone system.

 

If you are an independent funeral home or funeral director, you should apply for all aspects of music use by completing the Funeral Services Licence Application, click 'Apply Now' above.

Why does my business need a music licence?

Under the Copyright Act (1994), having permission from music creators to use their music in your business is a legal requirement. This permission is required regardless of how you play music – whether you play the radio, CDs, use digital music services, or have live performers play in your business. Your OneMusic licence gives you permission to play essentially all commercially released music from here and around the world.

I am an Independent Funeral Director, do I need this licence?

Yes. As an Independent Funeral Director, the OneMusic Funeral Services licence travels with you regardless of where the service is held, e.g. funeral home, church, school hall.  

It covers your use of our music, lyrics, and sound recordings in various ways such as copying music into presentations and when playing music outside of the funeral service itself. 

The Funeral Service licence allows you to: 

  • Copy Music for the purpose of making Audio Programmes to be played at Funeral Services; 
  • Copy Music for the purpose of making Audio Visual Programmes to be played at Funeral Services; 
  • Copy Music into PowerPoint presentations (or a similar program) for presentation at Funeral Services; 
  • Copy lyrics contained within an AMCOS Work into a presentation, on a projector or for distribution to attendees via hard copies at Funeral Services; and
  • Make and distribute up to 50 copies of a Video/Film recorded at a Funeral Service for distribution via a Delivery Platform free of charge, to relatives and friends for personal and domestic use; or 
  • Reproduce and communicate Music as part of a Funeral Service for live, on-demand or time-delayed streaming over a Website (for a period of 60 days) for the comfort and convenience of those who are physically or geographically unable to attend the Funeral Service in person. 

Delivery Platform means the physical device by which a programme is delivered which may include DVDs, USBs and hard drives. 
Website means a website owned or controlled by the Licensee, accessed via password. 

Is holding a licence to play music a legal requirement?

Yes it is - the Copyright Act (1994) clearly establishes public performance rights, protecting the rights of music creators. The Copyright Act also outlines the penalties for anyone in breach of the Act. You can access the Copyright Act (1994) here.

I use a digital music service - why do I need a Music Dubbing licence?

When you play music in a business you need the permission to do so. Additional permission is also needed when you download, copy, or use a digital music service in your business.

Learn more about Music Dubbing here.

Who is OneMusic?

OneMusic is a joint licensing initiative between APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ. Many music creators around the world earn an income by granting organisations, like ours, the right to collect and pay their royalties.

OneMusic simplifies the licensing process and allows music users to meet their copyright obligations to play our music in their business.

Where does the money go?

When you hear about music royalties, that’s what we do. Licence fees are distributed to songwriters, composers, publishers, recording artists and record labels, by APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ, who are the companies behind OneMusic. Click here to find out more.

The funeral is held in a church, do I still need this licence?

Yes. Even when the funeral is held in a church and/or the funeral celebrant is a member of the church. The Funeral Services licence covers your use of our music, lyrics, and sound recordings in various ways such as copying music into presentations and when playing music outside of the funeral service itself.

 

Want to know more? Read the full FAQs here, or call us on 0800 800 663 - we're here to help.