LibGuides: Music Management: Legal

In case you missed them, our Top Resources also have information on these topics, plus more!

Research Databases

Nexis UNI (LexisNexis) This link opens in a new window
Access to U.S. and international legal citations, briefs, and law reviews, plus current business news and company information.

Music Law by Richard Stim
Call Number: KF390 M87 S85 2015 [Allen shelves]
Explains how to use samples, do covers legally, protect your copyright, trademark your band's name, sell your music, understand record contracts, deal with taxes, and more.
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.
What They'll Never Tell You about the Music Business by Peter M. Thall
Call Number: ML3790 T43 W43 2016 [Allen shelves]
An in-depth look at all facets of the music industry, from how artists can best maximize their chances for long-term financial health to what snares and pitfalls to avoid when signing an employment contract.

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The 11 Contracts That Every Artist, Songwriter, and Producer Should Know by Steve Gordon and Ryanne Perio
Call Number: ML3795 G67 C6 2017 [Allen shelves]
Presents sample agreements, then breaks down the nuances of the legal and business sides of the arrangements.
The Enterprising Musician's Guide to Performer Contracts by David R. Williams
Call Number: ML3795 W55 2017 [Allen shelves]
Explanations of common legal agreement clauses such as gig contracts, artist-management contracts, and producer agreements. Reveals how to avoid pitfalls and amend content to address musicians' needs.

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Call number	Subject
ML 3790	Music trade (general)
ML 3795	Vocational guidance

Looking for more information on copyright, licensing, public domain, or fair use?
See our guide to Copyright for Music.

Copyright Law of the United States
Complete version of title 17 of the U.S. Code. Physical copy available in Allen Library Reference at call number K1419.2 2011.
Copyright in General (from Columbia University)
Explains fundamental principles of copyright law and answers questions about fair use, managing your copyrights, negotiating publication agreements, posting materials online, and more.
Music Copyright Tutorial (YouTube)
Created by students and librarians at the College of William & Mary. A great introduction to copyright issues in music.

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.
Moser on Music Copyright by David J. Moser
Call Number: KF3035 M67 M67 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2006
Provides a thorough understanding of copyright law, what it protects, the benefits of registering a copyright, and what to do when your copyright has been infringed. Controversies involving copyright and online music are also discussed.
Music Law in the Digital Age by Allen Bargfrede
Call Number: KF3035 B37 2017 [Allen shelves]
A plain-language guide that explains how copyright law drives the contemporary music industry.

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Call number	Subject
KF 3035	Music licensing
ML 70	Music copyright

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).