Yoga Studio & Wellness Music: Licensing Without the Hassle
Direct answer: Playing commercial music in yoga or Pilates classes triggers PPL PRS's "Exercise Tariff," calculated per class — this can cost £400+/year for a small studio. Switching to royalty-free music via Sonosfera (£19.99/month) removes that tariff entirely and saves most studios over £200/year.
Fast facts
- PPL PRS Exercise Tariff is calculated per class or per instructor, not a flat annual fee (PPL PRS)
- Sonosfera costs £19.99/month and removes the Exercise Tariff obligation (/pricing)
- Freelance teachers renting hall space are personally responsible for their class music licence — the venue's licence doesn't cover you
- Online classes (Zoom, YouTube Live) require a separate broadcasting licence under standard PPL PRS terms
| Class Type | Recommended Genre | Sonosfera Station | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyasa / Power Yoga | Ambient house, world beats | Yoga Flow | Synchronise movement with breath |
| Yin / Restorative | Drone, deep texture | Deep Meditation | Allow the mind to drift |
| Pilates | Minimal electronic | Pilates Pulse | Focus and precision |
| Meditation | Binaural beats | Deep Meditation | Reduce cortisol |
You create a sanctuary. You light the incense. You guide your students into Shavasana. And then you get a bill for £400 from PPL PRS.
Music licensing for exercise and wellness studios is notoriously complex—and expensive.
While a shop pays a flat fee, fitness industries (including Yoga and Pilates) are often charged based on the number of classes or instructors. This "Exercise Tariff" can cripple a small independent studio.
Here is how to set the mood without breaking the bank. (For the full picture on business music legality, see Can I Play Spotify in My Salon?)
The "Exercise Tariff" Trap
If you play commercial music (e.g., a "Chill Pop" playlist on Spotify) during a class, PPL PRS considers this a "performance." You are using the music to drive the exercise.
The PPL tariff for "Exercise to Music" is calculated per class. The PRS tariff is often calculated per session or per member.
It adds up fast. (See a .) And if you're caught playing , you face additional issues.
