How Much Does a Music License Cost in the US?

In the US, a traditional music license typically costs US$800 to US$5,000 or more per year across the four PROs, depending on your business type, size and how you use music. Fees are set by the four Performing Rights Organizations: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR. And that figure is just the license: the music itself is a separate cost on top. Here is the full breakdown, and how to cut the total to US$6.99 per month.

License costs by business type

Business type	Typical annual cost (four PROs + music source)
Small retail store (under 2,000 sq ft)	US$1,200+
Restaurant or café (under 3,000 sq ft)	US$2,500+
Hair or beauty salon	US$800+
Gym or fitness studio (recorded music + classes)	US$2,000 to US$5,000+

Each PRO charges separately and rates vary by venue type, size and music use. Figures include a typical streaming subscription and are indicative.

The cost they do not mention

The license only covers the legal right to play music. It does not include the music itself, so you still pay separately for a streaming source. And Spotify or Apple Music will not do: their terms prohibit commercial use, so even with a paid consumer subscription you would still need the license on top.

The US$6.99 per month alternative

Melodial includes both the music and the license in one subscription. Every track is owned or directly licensed by Melodial, and none of the catalogue is registered with the PROs or any other collecting society, which means there are no royalties to collect and no license fees to pay.

Business type	PRO fees + music source (per year)	Melodial (per year)
Small retail store (under 2,000 sq ft)	US$1,200+	US$69.99
Restaurant or café (under 3,000 sq ft)	US$2,500+	US$69.99
Hair or beauty salon	US$800+	US$69.99
Gym or fitness studio (recorded music, classes)	US$2,000 to US$5,000+	US$69.99

PRO fees vary by business type, size and music use, and each of the four PROs charges separately. Totals shown include a typical separate music streaming subscription.

Your Melodial subscription is your license. No middlemen, no tariff schedules, no annual audits, and a Certificate of Compliance you can download instantly.

What happens if you skip the license?

In the US there is no single “fee” for getting caught. The PROs sue for copyright infringement in federal court. Statutory damages run from US$750 to US$30,000 per song, and up to US$150,000 per song if the infringement is willful, plus the rights holders’ attorneys’ fees, under the US Copyright Act. See the full breakdown of fines and penalties in the US.

Switching takes three minutes: subscribe, play Melodial exclusively, and download your Certificate of Compliance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I negotiate my PRO fees?

Not usually. Fees are based on published tariff schedules, tiered by business type and size. Payment plans may exist, but the total is not typically negotiable for small businesses.

Do license fees increase every year?

Tariffs are reviewed and often increase annually. Melodial’s price stays flat at US$6.99 per month, with no increases based on venue size or business type.

Is Melodial really just US$6.99 per month?

Yes. One flat price per stream. No per-zone charges, no per-class surcharges, no hidden fees. Music and license included.

What is the catch?

You can only play Melodial music. If you also play mainstream radio, Spotify or CDs, you still need a PRO license for that music. Play Melodial exclusively and no other license is required.