Resources By Topic: Copyright Guides

All aspects of the performing arts require an understanding of copyright law. From using excerpts for a class presentation to scheduling a new composition on a concert program, the musician is required to gain the needed performing rights and/or permissions if it does not fall within the guidelines of fair use.

Online Guides

There are a variety of print and Internet resources available on copyright:

• Copyright for Music Librarians (MLA)
• Copyright Center (Music Publishers Association)
• Copyright & Fair Use (Stanford University)
• U.S. Copyright Office
• ASCAP: American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers. Performing Rights organization that consists of American composers, songwriters & music publishers.
• SESAC: Performing rights organizations, such as SESAC, are businesses designed to represent songwriters and publishers and their right to be compensated for having their music performed in public.
• BMI: Performing rights organization.

Print Resources at the Robinson Music Library

• Music Distribution and the Internet: a Legal Guide for the Music Business by Andrew Sparrow. CIM Reserve ML3790.Sp26m
  
  
• This Business of Music: the Definitive Guide to the Music Industry by M. William Krasilovsky. CIM Reference ML3790.Sh44t 2000
  
  
• International Copyright: Principles, Law, and Practice by Paul Goldstein. CIM Stacks K1420.5.G577in