MUSIC COPYRIGHT

When hearing songs on the radio or the TV there are two separate copyrights. One of them is the musical composition and the other one is the sound recording. There is a clear difference between these two as they are two separate works of copyright and can be independently enforced or licensed. The musical composition consists of music and lyrics/words that the composer and the lyricists work together to create. Their work is in the form of a notepad copy or tape. The sound recording results of a series of musical, spoken, and other types of sounds. The author of the sound recording is usually the performer.

There are exclusive rights which have to be used when dealing with copyright music:

• Reproduction

The right of reproduction allows you to decide who can copy your work. This varies from it being used in movies or publishing the notepad sheet music online.

• Distribution

This right allows you to decided who can sell the copies of your work.

• Derivative Works

This right allows you to decide who can make a new project based of your original work.

• Public Display

Public display is most commonly seen in other copyrighted works for example in art. This is not applicable to music.

• Public Performance 

This right controls the performance of your song on the radio, in clubs, on TV or anywhere in public.

I will ensure to not use music that already exists to avoid copyright as I understand that it is a big deal. I will look for non copyright music that will be best suited for my form and style. I have searched for websites that can help me with this.