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Music and Copyright: Resources

Copyright Resources for MUSC 6403

SongView and SoundExchange

BMI's Songview allows users to search for songs licensed by BMI or ASCAP.

Search Songview here: https://repertoire.bmi.com/

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For sound recordings that are digitally transmitted, licensing may be handled by SoundExchange.

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Music Publishers Association Copyright Resource Center

The Music Publishers Association provides a variety of resources from this webpage. Included are their introduction to copyright as it relates to music, links to publisher/copyright holder agencies' contact pages, frequently-asked questions, and resources for distance education and streaming music. Additional useful tools at this site include:

Copyright for Music Librarians

This site is maintained by the Legislation Committee of the Music Library Association (MLA) as a resource for anyone interested in issues of copyright as they apply to the fields of music and music librarianship. Access Copyright for Music Librarians here: https://copyright.wp.musiclibraryassoc.org/ 

Notable resources on this page include a model for purchasing and licensing of digital scores, a glossary of terms, and links to selected relevant court cases. 

US Copyright Law: A Guide for Educators

Provided by the National Association for Music Education, this Guide for Educators begins with a basic overview of US copyright law, then addresses several educational uses, including reproduction of musical works and recordings, recording copyrighted works, preparing derivative works (such as arrangements), distribution and performance. Links to relevant agencies such as the Harry Fox Agency and the Music Publishers Association are included. 

Access the US Copyright Law: A Guide for Educators here: https://nafme.org/resource/united-states-copyright-law-a-guide-for-music-educators/ 

Additional resources from NAfME:

Selected List of Free Music Providers

Try multiple options for images, video, or music at the Creative Commons Search: https://search.creativecommons.org/

Creative Common Licenses

Creative Commons licenses build on copyright law and are selected by the creator/rights holder to let users know up front what they can do without needed to ask permission. (Although if your intended use goes beyond the license, you can seek permission.)

University of Illinois Library Guide: Music Copyright

Well-regarded guide from the University of Illinois Library. Pages include overview of copyright, public domain, "Can I Use This?" and orphan works. 

Of note is the "Understanding Copyright Ownership" page, which addresses joint ownership, transfer of copyrights, and copyright in sound recordings.

Access the UI Copyright Resources for Music here: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/musiccopyright

Copyright Tutorial for Musicians

Written by Jodi Griffin for the Public Knowledge Project, this Copyright Tutorial for Musicians gives an overview of copyright ownership, including joint ownership and works for hire. This Tutorial also provides an overview of licensing, including Creative Commons licensing options and the administration of public performance licenses. 

Among the most helpful parts of this Tutorial are:

  • Rights most significant for musicians (reproduction, adaptation, distribution, public performance, and the right to perform by digital transmission); and 
  • Mechanical licenses, including broadcast licenses and compulsory license for digital performance.

Access the Copyright Tutorial for Musicians here: https://publicknowledge.org/copyright-tutorial-for-musicians/ 

ECU's Copyright Regulation

East Carolina University's Copyright Regulation details ownership of materials created by faculty, staff, and students. It also describes the disclosure process for items that may be commercialized.

View the Copyright Regulation here: https://policy.ecu.edu/10/40/02

For any questions, contact the Copyright Consultant at Copyright@ecu.edu

Copyright @ ECU

The Copyright @ ECU webpage provides descriptions of and links to East Carolina University's Copyright Regulation, online tools and resources, and Frequently Asked Questions. The website contains pages on Fair Use and Permissions and Teaching Exemptions, as well as providing contact details for the Copyright Consultant.

View the Copyright @ ECU webpage here: https://copyright.ecu.edu/