License

Last updated 13 October 2026

In short. Buying a score buys one ensemble the right to perform it and to print the parts its players need. It does not transfer ownership of the music, and the files are not to be shared beyond that ensemble.

What you are buying

Every title in the catalogue is sold as a digital PDF containing the full score and parts. Your purchase grants a non-exclusive, perpetual license to one ensemble — the band, group or individual named at purchase. The copyright in the music remains with the composer, Fred Mbesi.

What the license allows

Printing as many copies of the score and parts as your ensemble's own players require, including replacements for lost or damaged copies.
Rehearsing and performing the work in public, as often as you like, for as long as you like. There is no per-performance fee.
Recording or streaming your own performance, including on social media and video platforms, provided the work and composer are credited.
Marking up the parts — bowings, breath marks, cuts and cues — for your own use.

What the license does not allow

Passing the PDF, or printed copies made from it, to another ensemble, school, band or individual. Each ensemble performing the work needs its own license.
Reselling, sublicensing or redistributing the files, in whole or in part, including on file-sharing or score-sharing sites.
Uploading the score or parts to any publicly accessible site or library.
Arranging, re-orchestrating, transcribing or creating derivative works without written permission. Ask — permission is often granted.
Using the music in film, television, advertising or any other synchronisation context without a separate license.

Credit

Please credit the composer in programmes, recordings and video descriptions as Fred Mbesi, together with the title of the work. For arrangements, the original composer and lyricist should also be credited as given on the score.

Arrangements of other composers' music

Some titles are arrangements of works by other writers. The license sold here covers this arrangement only. Depending on where you perform and what you do with the recording, the underlying song may carry its own obligations to its rights holders — in most cases these are already handled by your venue's or broadcaster's performing-rights license. If you are unsure, check with your local performing-rights organization.

Questions and permissions

Requests to arrange, to license for film or broadcast, or to cover a use not described above are welcome at mbesimultimedia@gmail.com, or through the contact form.