Music Copyrights: The Do’s & Don’ts Every Musician Should Know!
January 17th, 2025
You might not think about it when you’re practicing your favorite hymn or scoring your next big performance, but copyright laws are lurking in the background, making sure that artists and creators get the respect (and pay!) they deserve. Whether you’re a pianist, choir director, or a brass enthusiast, navigating the world of music copyrights doesn’t have to be intimidating. Let’s break down the key do’s and don’ts to keep you on the right track while supporting the arts. 🎶✨
DO:
✅ Sample Music Legally – Whether it’s checking out Score&Sound on YouTube or flipping through sample pages online, always review music before buying. You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it, right? Same goes for music!
✅ Get Creative with Public Domain – Good news! You can arrange folk songs, carols, hymns, and spirituals freely. Go ahead and put your own spin on these classics for your ensemble or congregation.
✅ Make Emergency Copies When Necessary – We get it, sometimes life throws curveballs! If you’re in a bind right before a performance, emergency copies are okay—as long as you purchase the replacement quickly after.
✅ Support the Arts – Nothing beats the good feeling of legally purchasing music. Your investment directly supports composers and creators. Plus, you get access to top-notch, quality scores.
DON’T:
❌ Avoid Purchasing by Downloading Free Samples – Tempting, we know, but copying sample pages and skipping the purchase is a no-go. Honor the creators and the music you love by supporting their hard work.
❌ Make Unlicensed Arrangements – Trying to make your own arrangement of a copyrighted song without permission? Big red flag. Always check with the copyright holder before you remix.
❌ Practice ‘Practice’ Copies – You might think it’s harmless to make a “practice” copy for your students, but sharing copyrighted music in this way is still a no-no. It’s important to follow the rules to set a good example for your students.
❌ Post Copyrighted Content Online – It might seem innocent enough to upload that beautiful choir performance online, but even digital copies of copyrighted music require permission. Stay on the safe side.
The Bottom Line:
As musicians, we’re all part of a beautiful ecosystem that thrives when creators are supported and respected. We don’t just want to follow the rules—we want to be an example for the next generation of musicians. So, before you make that copy or hit “post,” take a moment to think about how you’re respecting the music, the artist, and the community.
Need more info on music copyright? Check out these resources, and keep your knowledge fresh:
🔗 MPA.org
🔗 Copyright.gov
🔗 Copyright Handbook for Music Educators
Stay tuned for more insights, tips, and music inspiration straight from Day Murray Music!