Music Editing

Terms of Service

Our Terms of Service are here to make sure that your project runs smoothly and is fair to everyone involved. Please take a couple of minutes to read over the process so you know what to expect, what we promise to do and what will be required of you.

The Process: What to Expect and What's Required of You

Below are some details of how a typical project progresses. Even though our methods are tried and tested, we're flexible and can accommodate different ways of working should you require them.

Timescale

We usually suggest allowing 5 days to complete a project but they are often completed much quicker. Below are some things to consider that will help your project be completed quicker.

1) Video

We start with a video of your routine from which we lift the tempo (speed) of your horse at each gait and section of your routine. Armed with the exact tempo of your horse we can selected music that is truly in sync with your routine - where the footfalls of your horse land on strong beats and the horse really appears to move to the music. We have the hardware and software to work with any modern video format. You can send us a copy over the internet (we'll help you) or post us a copy.

Things to consider:

If sending a physical copy of your video (in the post) please factor in delivery time.

Please do not send original or only copies as we cannot guarantee to return them.

We can work with any digital or disc-based format but not outdated formats like VHS and Mini DV.

Please make sure that your video is as close to a competition run as possible. If this is not possible please be clear about where you expect your performance at competition to differ.

2) Shortlist

We spend hours looking for the right music - combining your input with the tempo requirements. We'll send you a shortlist of tracks to choose from. We don't limit ourselves to a record collection - we buy in music to fit your requirements.

Things to consider:

Sourcing tracks that fit all the requirements of your project (style, tempo, no vocals etc) is usually the most time consuming. There are a few things you can do to speed the process up.

Please be clear about any ideas or requirements you have before we begin editing.

Changing the music choices once we've started editing (see below) can add considerable time to a project so please take enough to be sure before confirming which tracks you'd like us to work with.

We'll draw on our experience and skills to select music that meets the technical requirements of your project (tempo etc) as well as the more artistic ones (style, genre and overall impression). Shortlisting tracks before editing saves time long term and is the best way to ensure that the rider is confident in the music they'll be riding to.

3) Editing

We have years of experience writing and producing high-end music for TV and radio and bring those skills and experience to Dressage. We make sure the music is beat-matched so your horse really appears to move to the music. Our transitions and edit are seamless - no clumsy edits, gaps or lazy volume fades.

4) Preview

We'll send you a copy of your video synced to your music over the web before you give us the final OK.

Things to consider:

If you are unable to receive a digital copy of the preview video please factor in additional time for a physical one to be sent. Failing that we can send you watermarked mp3 version but that won't have the same impact as seeing your routine with perfectly matched music.

Major adjustments (changing music choices, changing your routine etc) at this stage will add considerable time to the process and may incur additional charges).

5) Secure Payment

We don't take deposits or part payments. Once you've seen your video and approved what we've done we'll send you an email invoice via PayPal. We never see or handle your personal details and everything is dealt with by PayPal's secure payment system.

Things to consider:

We do not take deposits or part payments

Please only pay when you are totally satisfied - we cannot offer refunds

PayPal is the most secure and efficient payment method. We will send you an invoice which you can pay with your PayPal account or credit card. We never handle your personal details - everything is dealt with by PayPal

Final version will be delivered once payment has cleared

PayPal 'eCheque' payments can take longer to clear than instant payment

We also accept cheque but final version will be posted 6 days after the cheque was paid in. NB: although funds usually appear after 3 days, a cheque can still bounce up to 6 days after being paid in.

Invoices will be in pounds sterling (£)

Changes to your routine after payment will incur additional charges

6) Delivery

Personalised CD anywhere in the world by priority mail. We can also provide you with a digital copy of your music.

Things to consider:

Our standard licence fees cover one copy of your CD. Additional copies may incur additional licence and delivery fees

We will deliver by Special Delivery (UK only). Your package will arrive before 1pm the following day and will require a signature. Please ensure that someone will be at your specified address to take delivery.

We use the quickest and safest postage options available but cannot accept liability for delays in delivery.

*Delivery outside mainland Europe may incur additional charges (always at cost).

Gift Certificates

We have some reasonable terms conditions for our gift certificates:

Certificates cannot be refunded once issued and are non-transferable.

Certificates are valid for 12 months from date issued.

Certificates are valid for the agreed package only

Exclusivity

Tracks used in our editing service are non-exclusive. Tracks that are for our bespoke services are exclusive for one year. Once that period has expired we may publish that material as part of our editing service. We will not re-sell your floor plan or the routine in its entirety.

Paper Work

British Dressage have clear guidance for what paperwork needs to accompany music for competition.

Contact us if you have any questions.

Music Licensing

The legalities of the music industry can be a little baffling so here's what you need to know as a freestyle dressage rider. It is important to get these things right both to maintain the reputation of Dressage and support music industry. There are 3 main agencies; PPL, PRS and MCPS.

Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) licence the transmission/performance of a recording. British Dressage have a licence with PPL, which will be sublicensed to you. This allows, with conditions, music in the PPL repertoire to be used in dressage routines at competition and for practice with (i.e. a public performance).

We will endeavor to fulfill all British Dressage's requirements and we will check that any music you select for your routine is in the PPL repertoire. However, the ultimate liability falls to you, the sub-licensee.

The Mechanical Copyright Protection Society Limited (MCPS) licence the physical copying of music (physically and digitally) needed to get music from a CD or iTunes (etc) into a dressage routine. This only applies to our editing service where we use music not composed by us.

We cover the MCPS licence for our editing service. Music supplied by someone other than the copyright holder without an MCPS licence is illegal.

The Performing Rights Society (PRS) are changed with licensing the underlying composition. So, where PPL remunerate whoever owns and performed on a version of a song, PRS cover the rights of the composer. The venue you perform at should have a PRS licence.

Copyright

The copyright remains with the copyright owner. When you buy a package from us (including exclusive and bespoke packages) the copyright is not transferred to you. We reserve right to exploit our material elsewhere once any exclusivity commitments have been fulfilled.