Someone asked a question relating to classical music licensing and copyrights:
“Why is it Beethoven’s compositions still existing? Is it really because they are protected with the copyright law?”
The short answer is YES. The details are as follows. There are two forms of copyright that is important to classical music. The first is the copyright of the composition. This protects the following elements:
a.) Music – its notes, timbre, harmony etc. Music is written out by the composer into musical sheets which are tangible and can be seen thus copyrightable.
b.) Accompanying lyrics – in some compositions which are not instrumental by nature, it includes lyrics which are also protected by the copyright of a musical composition.
Copyright of musical composition has a duration or life. In some countries or most countries the duration is around 50 years since first registered or created. After this period, if the author is already dead or no heir that will renew or continue the copyright ownership, the music will be placed in public domain. Once in public domain, anyone can copy the compositions and decide whatever they wish to do with the compositions without the need to asked permission to the author or to anyone.
Click here to read this content…
According to this source: http://blog.reverbnation.com/2011/03/29/survey-results-75-of-indie-artists-seek-a-label-deal-sony-top-label-of-choice/; 75% of indie artist seeks a label deal. Are you one of them? If yes, then this tutorial will increase your chances how to get signed to a record label and start to make money with your music. This is how you do this (there is no shortcut and there is no luck factor involved):
Step1.) Write great songs. Of course, you might argue songwriting talent is not needed but it is. A lot of recording labels today are cutting music publishing cost and they are signing artist that write songs for themselves so that they can negotiate a much lower mechanical licensing fees for each song. If you have a lot of great songs, then you have secured step 1. Go to step 2.
However, the problem on this step is that a lot of wannabe artist believes their song is great when in fact its not. Try to get an honest opinion from the wide variety of sources about your song. Make sure they are not your mama, papa, friend or brother because they do not tell the truth. Give it to a real music critic, someone who is unrelated to you so that you can receive honest opinion about your music. Do not proceed to step 2 and the rest of the steps if you are not sure you have “lots” of quality songs.
Click here to read this content…
I received an inquiry from a reader of this blog. This is regarding about how to find the owners of the rights of the song. Here it is:
Hi -
I’m serious struggling with finding the owners of the rights of an old bluegrass song entitled Brown Mountain Lights. BMI has said they don’t have it and none of the 2 other big companies have replied to my inquiries. Do you have an idea how I can move forward? My job depends on it…
Thank you…
Roy
Click here to read this content…
