Copyright Guidelines for Music

Copyright in Music

This copyright site is intended to bring clarification of copyright laws and the rights to use copyrighted materials to Washburn University faculty and staff. It is an overview of the licensing practices and copyright laws and issues relating to education.

As in the quiz, each situation must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The quiz and this site should give faculty/staff the ability to make those evaluations with regard to copyright laws.

The following will provide you with a basic framework to apply copyright law and Fair Use as it pertains to music.

Rules of Thumb

Use of music with video, film, graphics, etc. for synchronization purposes must
have copyright permission from the owner of the musical composition.
Copying musical compositions for the purposes of performance are prohibited.
Copying scores and sound recordings purchased by the University is allowed for
preservation purposes only.

Take a Copyright Quiz!

In this quiz you will be asked a series of 6 True or False questions. Select ANSWER and you will be shown the correct answer along with a brief explanation of why the answer is correct. To proceed to the next question select NEXT.

Washburn University Resources

Additional Resources

Broadcast Music Association (BMI) - American Performing Rights organization that
collects license fees on behalf of creators.
American Society of Composers, Authors, & Publishers (ASCAP) - U.S. performing
rights organization created and controlled by composers, songwriters, and music
performers.
Harry Fox Agency -information source, clearinghouse, and monitoring service for
licensing musical copyrights.
Music Library Association - A guide to copyright for music librarians.