Susan Fontaine Godwin
Susan Fontaine Godwin is an educator and long-time member of the worship community with 24 years of experience in the Christian music industry, church copyright administration & copyright management. Her mission is to help Christian organizations be fully copyright compliant through administration, consultation & education. Her passion is to build bridges between copyright owners and users of their content. She is affectionately known as the Copyright Queen.
Articles by this Author
What's Different About Christian Copyrights?
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published September 29, 2009
- Copyright and Publishing
- Unrated
The one element that distinguishes Christian works of authorships from other copyrights is that they are birthed, fashioned and empowered by the Word of God. In the midst of daily business activities, it's important to frequently meditate on what that really means.
Rehearsal Tracks and Copyright
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published June 12, 2009
- Copyright and Publishing
-
Rating:




Is your church complying with copyright laws when it comes to your rehearsals? Let's see what the Copyright Queen has to say.Scoring Highlight Videos with Popular Artists Music
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published May 24, 2009
- Copyright and Publishing
- Unrated
It’s the perfect gift for youth groups and campers—capturing the colors, sights and sounds in highlight videos to chronicle their life-changing summer adventures. User-friendly technology makes it easy for youth leaders and camp staff to film and produce multimedia visuals, and mixing popular Christian artist music on their audiovisual footage sweetens the experience. But is it LEGAL?
Many youth leaders are unaware that it’s illegal to “lift” songs from their favorite artists (whether from a CD or MP3 download) to score scenes from camp activities—unless prior permission is obtained. Licensing can be obtained directly from publishers and record labels or through the online VideoReady License at Christian Copyright Solutions.
Every Church Needs a Copyright Cop
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published May 19, 2009
- Copyright and Publishing
-
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This article is written by Gary Godwin, Director of Client Relations for CCS.
The “Copyright Cop” designation rests squarely (often uncomfortably) on the head of a church staff member who may also serve as: Senior Pastor, Worship Pastor, Creative Arts Pastor, Music Minister, Administrative Pastor, Communications Minister, IT Director, Praise and Worship Pastor, ad nauseum. Rest assured, the words copyright compliance evoke a feeling of nausea for many in the worship sanctuary!
Churches Can Now Legally Host 2009 Super Bowl Events
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published January 16, 2009
- Copyright and Publishing
- Unrated
Instant replay shows no penalty, and thanks to bipartisan action by U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Arlen Specter (D-PA), churches are no longer penalized so they can legally show the Super Bowl at their facilities (under certain conditions).
The Four-Letter Word: PLAN System Works for Copyright Compliance
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published January 13, 2009
- Copyright and Publishing
- Unrated
Worship leaders have just caught their breath from the flurry of Christmas programs, but it's now time to start planning and working on Easter programs. Here are practical tips on how to include copyright clearances in your P.L.A.N.
Illuminating the Word: Promoting Christian Visual Arts
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published October 22, 2008
- Visual Art
- Unrated
For monastics, literacy and collection, care and preservation of books, the Bible in particular, have always been foundational to their spiritual identity and to the work and prayer of their daily lives. In the spirit of that tradition, Saint John's University sponsors The Saint John's Bible and the "Illuminating the Word" Art Exhibit. Today's Christian visual artists need our support and encouragement to assure that their creative gifts flourish in the contemporary Church.
Copyright Board Freezes Mechanical Royalty Rate
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published October 6, 2008
- Copyright and Publishing
- Unrated
Great news for Churches, Consumers & Record Producers, but how will it affect Songwriters & Publishers? The CRB's long-awaited ruling to not increase the mechanical rate of 9.1 cents will keep costs down for CDs, digital downloads & rehearsal recordings.
Youth Ministries Know No Fences
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published September 28, 2008
- Copyright and Publishing
- Unrated
During copyright workshops, there's usually one table in the most remote corner of the room that avoids eye contact, keeps their heads down and starts squirming in their seats. As I begin outlining various activities that require prior permission from copyright owners, the discomfort is palpable.Does Our Church Really Need All These Licenses?
- By Susan Fontaine Godwin
- Published July 23, 2008
- Copyright and Publishing
- Unrated
“I am really confused. First we got the CCLI license. Then we were told we needed a BMI license to perform our worship music publicly. So we now have a CCLI and a BMI license. Then we're told we need CVLI because we show and use video clips. Are we purchasing duplicating subscriptions and licenses? We want to be covered and do everything right, but we also don't want to buy two things that cover the same issues.” - Perplexed Worship LeaderSound familiar? If you’re like many worship leaders, all these different copyright licenses can be very perplexing. I can understand your confusion, and I hope the following explanation will bring some clarity.
