Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a teacher in a classroom, or an individual wishing to replay a favorite piece of music, it’s important to be aware of music copyright laws. Here is an overview of music copyright laws and how they can affect the public in general.
What Are The Basics of Music Copyright Laws?
The music copyright law is a legal concept designed to protect a musician from having his or her music stolen or reproduced by another without the copyright owner’s permission. When a musician creates or records music, it becomes the property of the musician or the creator--even if it has not been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Some people mistakenly believe that if the music is not registered, it is available to copy or reproduce. Although registering the music gives the owner proof and more credibility regarding ownership in the case of a lawsuit, the music is still solely the property of the creator whether it’s registered or not. The moment the music creation is put on paper, on a computer or recorded, it is considered the same as being copyrighted. Therefore, if you wish to use this music for any purpose, you need to seek permission from the owner.
What Musicians Should Know about Music Copyright Laws
Even if you’re a new or aspiring musician, you’ve probably already looked into music copyright laws. In the past, it was not unusual for singers to remake a popular song into their own version by changing some of the music. However, more musicians today are not only recording their music but writing down the lyrics as well so they own the copyright to their music in several ways. Here are some things musicians should know about music copyright laws.
- If you, as a musician, want your work protected, it should be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Just knowing you’ve created the work may not be enough if you are forced to sue someone for copyright infringement.
- You can copyright your work even if you’ve never produced or recorded it.
- When you copyright your music, it gives you the exclusive rights to creating, transferring, recording, reproducing, or performing the music.
- Copyrights can be bought and sold.
How Do Music Copyright Laws Affect You When Buying or Using Music?
Ever since we were gifted with the Internet, people have been listening to music, buying music, and even copying music. While listening to music is encouraged, copying music can be illegal. When you buy music, such as a cd, you are the owner of the music in that you can listen to it anyway you like but cannot use it in a media production or public performance.
If you purchase what’s known as “copyright-free music” or royalty-free music, then you can use it as you see fit. But you need to be aware of what type of music you’re buying or using. The best way to do this is to check into the music’s copyright and production.
