Music

The following sites provide some guidance for the use of music in performances, projects, and publications.

• A Guide to Copyright for Music Librarians -- FAQs, current issues, guidelines, and resources pertaining to the use of recordings and scores, particularly in academic settings.

• Digital Audio Reserves: Copyright Policy

• Guidelines for Educational Uses of Music -- Developed in 1976 by the Music Publishers' Association of the United States, Inc., the National Music Publishers' Association, Inc., the Music Teachers National Association, the Music Educators National Conference, the National Association of Schools of Music, and the Ad Hoc Committee on Copyright Law Revision. New guidelines are available at Music Publishers' Association Web site.

• Historical Recording Coalition for Access and Preservation (HRCAP) -- "Established in 2008 to advocate for changes in U.S. copyright law to enable better preservation of and access to America’s rich recorded heritage, without harming the legitimate interests of creators."

• Licensing and/or Performing Arts Organizations
  • ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). ACE Title Search
  • BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.). Repertoire Search.
  • SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers). SESAC Repertory.
  • For brief explanation, see UT Austin's Permissions page (scroll down to Music Performance).
  • Music Performance Licenses (Brown) -- Summarizes the benefits and limitations of university ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC's licenses.

• Music Education Copyright Center from MENC (National Association for Music Education) et al. -- Guide for educators, teaching copyright to students, FAQ, and links to licensing agencies.

• Music Publishers Association Copyright Resource Center -- Extensive site for printed music. Includes Copying Under Copyright: A Practical Guide, Copyright Search Center, licensing organization, forms for requesting permissions, FAQs, guides, and links to other copyright information.

• PD Info: Music in the Public Domain -- Explains PD and helps identify public domain songs and music. Points to other resources. Also discusses royalty-free music (for presentations, advertising, etc.).