LibGuides: Copyright for Music: Licensing/Permissions

Online Resources

Asking for Permission (Columbia U.)
Explains the process and includes sample letters for asking permission to user another's work.
Obtaining Copyright Permissions (U. Michigan)
Further explains licenses, performance rights organizations, and YouTube licensing.

Getting Permission by Richard Stim
Call Number: KF3002 .S75 2022 [Mortensen shelves], KF2995 S85 G47 2016 [Allen shelves]
Shows you how to get the rights you need with step-by-step instructions and more than 30 forms. Find out when permission is required, who to ask, when (and how much) you can expect to pay, and more.
Kohn on Music Licensing, 5th ed. by Bob Kohn
Call Number: KF3035 K64 2019 [Allen shelves]
Takes you through the various music licensing processes, type-by-type and step-by-step. Offers guidance to both rights owners and prospective licensees.
Older editions also available.
The Musician's Business and Legal Guide by Mark Halloran
Call Number: ML3790 H37 M87 2017 [Allen shelves]
Covers how to protect name and copyright; legal issues with sampling, digital downloads, and streaming; and more. Includes clause-by-clause contract analyses for 360 record deals, music publishing, management, and producer agreements.

Browse the catalog by subject:
Copyright licenses

Creative Commons License
A Creative Commons license helps you dictate how your intellectual property may be used, and allows others to specify how you may use their content.

ASCAP
One of the two largest performing rights organizations in the US. This website provides information and resources for performing rights and licensing fees.
BMI
One of the two largest performing rights organizations in the US. This website provides information and resources for performing rights and licensing fees.
SESAC
A smaller performing rights organization, but still representing many big-name musicians.
Sound Exchange
A performing rights organization that manages the rights for streaming audio, including satellite radio, internet radio, and more.
Harry Fox Agency
Handles mechanical and digital licenses. This should be your starting point if you are looking to secure the rights to produce a recording.

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).