Four revenue maximising tips for classical musicians

PPL’s Classical Repertoire Manager Ben Hogwood has, for over 16 years, been helping performers make the most of their work, so they can receive the money they may be entitled to for broadcast and public performance of their recordings.

Fundamentally, Ben’s job aims to continually improve completeness and quality of repertoire data held by PPL within the classical genre.

Ben explains that if you are an active member of an orchestra or choir, you could have made hundreds of commercially available recordings owned by PPL members.

“It’s not always the recordings you expect to do well that get airplay, so it’s really important to make sure you’re registered on all of your repertoire if possible”

“You might be surprised how much money those recordings could earn, both in the UK and internationally. It’s not always the recordings you expect to do well that get airplay, so it’s really important to make sure you’re registered on all of your repertoire if possible.”

In his time with PPL, Ben has come to realise the importance of performers ensuring they are listed on PPL’s repertoire database on all their repertoire, as without this, PPL cannot always identify where they may be entitled to royalties.

“There is often crossover between classical and other genres”, he says, “and quite often orchestra players forget they have done pop work. It’s especially important for performers to make sure they are listed on these other projects.”

Both working in rights management, and as a classical musician in his own right, Ben has garnered a wealth of knowledge on maximising income for classical musicians.

These are Ben Hogwood’s Top Four Revenue Maximising Tips for Classical Musicians

Tip #1:

Make sure you’re registered with PPL, for both domestic and international collections.

Your recordings might be getting airplay outside the UK, and if you complete an international mandate with PPL, we can collect international royalties on your behalf. You might be pleasantly surprised by your international popularity! Check your statements to make sure, and get in touch with PPL’s Member Services team if you need help.

Tip #2:

Check your repertoire list, especially if it’s been a while since you last looked at your PPL account.

Ensure your repertoire list is comprehensive and up to date, covering all periods and genres of your work.

Tip #3:

Consider pop session work if you are able, for your earning legacy.

Recording a pop session or two increases the chance of being on a hit pop record – in which case a few hours or days work just might give you a lasting supplement to your classical income.

Tip #4:

When in rehearsal, check the person next to you is registered!

Just because one member of an orchestra or choir is registered with PPL doesn’t mean they all are. Support your fellow musicians and ensure they can receive the payments they are entitled to.  

If you think your repertoire data needs updating, check it via your myPPL account; if you’d like to register with PPL, please register online at www.ppluk.com; or get in touch with our Member Services team today at memberservices@ppluk.com or call on 020 8068 1054

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