Copyright

Music can be an important part of teaching, from setting the tone in the classroom to analyzing lyrics or composition. Instructors can include music in instruction when it meets Fair Use or another exemption.

• ✅ Use brief clips or excerpts, not entire songs
• ✅ Tie the music to course objectives or learning outcomes
• ✅ Use music in a face-to-face classroom or password-protected system like Canvas
• ✅ Avoid using pirated, unauthorized, or streaming-only versions

💡 Tip: Just because a song is on YouTube doesn’t mean it’s legal to use. Stick to legal sources and instructional purposes.

Fair Use can allow the use of copyrighted music in your class if it meets the four-factor test. Unlike print materials, there are no set limits for how much of a song you can use—but shorter excerpts are usually safer.

• ✅ Use music for analysis, commentary, or illustration of a concept
• ✅ Use only the portion necessary for your teaching purpose
• ✅ Provide attribution when possible
• ✅ Avoid copying full albums, playlists, or full-length recordings without a license

💡 Tip: Want to document your decision? Try a fair use checklist.

There are a few situations where copying music is clearly legal, especially when it supports teaching and learning.

• ✅ Purchase individual scores or recordings for classroom use
• ✅ Use sheet music provided by the publisher with permission for duplication
• ✅ Use library-licensed music collections that allow educational use
• ✅ Use works in the public domain or with a Creative Commons license

💡 Tip: The Library has streaming audio databases available to instructors—contact us for help!

Not all uses of music are allowed under copyright law. These uses may require permission or licensing.

• 🚫 Copying sheet music for an entire ensemble instead of purchasing individual parts
• 🚫 Sharing copyrighted recordings on open websites or YouTube
• 🚫 Reproducing or arranging music that is marked “do not copy” without explicit permission
• 🚫 Using music for performances outside the classroom without proper licensing

💡 Tip: Just because something is “for education” doesn’t mean it qualifies as fair use. Always consider the context.

If you’re unsure whether your use of music qualifies under fair use or an exemption, the Library can help you:

• 🎵 Review your use for copyright compliance
• 🔗 Suggest licensed alternatives or public domain options
• 📥 Assist with permissions or streaming requests

💡 Tip: Reach out early—some requests take time to process.