Copyright+Resources

Copyright Law Resources Back to Copyright Concerns]
It’s best not to assume anything when it comes to Fair Use, Public Domain, and other copyright issues that crop up in music education scenarios. There are dozens, if not hundreds, or Web resources that explain the copyright law as it pertains to educators. Here are a few:
 * MENC Copyright Information (www.menc.org/information/copyright.html#1)
 * U.S. Copyright Office
 * (www.copyright.gov/)
 * What Is Copyright Protection?
 * (www.whatiscopyright.org/)
 * Fair Use of Copyrighted Materials, University of Texas (www.utsystem.edu/OGC/IntellectualProperty/copypol2.htm)
 * Copyright and Fair Use in the Classroom, on the Internet, and the World Wide Web, University of Maryland
 * (www.umuc.edu/library/copy.html)
 * Copyright and Schools, Missouri Dept. of Education (www.dese.state.mo.us/divimprove/curriculum/copyright/** ) **
 * Music Publishers Association
 * (www.mpa.org/copyright.faq.html)
 * Bands of America Copyright Resources (www.bands.org/Public/resourceroom/copyright/)
 * When U.S. Works Pass Into Public Domain
 * (www.unc.edu/~unclng/public-d.htm)

If you want to obtain copyright information regarding a piece of music, you could always start with the publisher. However, composers in the U.S. are usually affiliated with one of three major performing rights agencies. In exchange for a percentage of fees paid to license protected music, these groups monitor performances and broadcasts and return a royalty to the composer. Each of these organizations has an online searchable database that you can use to obtain copyright information about a piece.
 * ASCAP (www.ascap.com)
 * BMI (www.bmi.com)
 * SESAC (www.sesac.com)

If you want to make a recording of protected music, you should consult the Harry Fox Agency. The Harry Fox Agency represents more than 27,000 music publishers and is the primary place to turn for a mechanical use license (music reproduced in any media such as CD). Harry Fox Agency (www.harryfox.com)

Finally, if you want to post recorded protected music (such as a CD produced by a record label) on a Web site, you need a Sound Recording License. SoundExchange.com is a nonprofit performance rights organization designated by the U.S. Copyright Office to collect and distribute statutory royalties to sound recording copyright owners artists. Visit their site to obtain a license.
 * www.soundexchange.com