Music Copyright

Posted on November 5, 2008
Filed Under Legal and Law | Leave a Comment

What is Copyright?

The Copyright Act usually gives the copyright owner the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:

· To reproduce the work in written copies, mp3s, Cds, Dvds etc;

· To prepare derivative works based upon
the work;

· To distribute the written copies or Cds/Dvds of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;

· To perform the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works;

· To display the copyrighted work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic,
and choreographic works, pantomimes,
and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work; and

· In the case of sound recordings, to perform the work publicly by means
of a digital audio transmission.

How do I protect my original music compositions?

There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your work is protected:

1. Somewhere on your sheet music
(usually at the top or bottom) you
should put the symbol © (the letter ‘C’
in a circle) and/or the word “Copyright”;

2. Write down the first year of publication
of the music. E.g. “2005”;

3. Include the name of the composer.

4. You can post yourself a sealed copy
of your own work, which, when it
arrives will have a date stamped on it.

Do not open the envelope.

Store it in a safe place.

5. Register your work with the music copyright association in your country.
In Australia it is the Australian
Performing Right Association. These days, you can join and submit work online.

The Author – David Willis

David Willis has made quite an impact on Australian EDUCATION and the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. An accomplished pianist, singer and actor, David owns the Gold Coast branch of the Australian Talent School, teaching professionals and amateurs of all ages the art of Singing and Presentation, whilst nurturing their passion for Music and Performance.

As a specialist Singing, Speech & Presentation Teacher for over 20 years, David is proud of his SUCCESS STORIES including Radio Announcers, Sporting Celebrities, numerous “YOUNG TALENT TIME”
team members, plus stars from the Musicals, including Dale Burridge (“Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Miserables” and “The Rat Pack Is Back”). A lover of quality choral music, David was co-founder of the Australian Children’s Choir. He has produced more than 30 Australian Cd albums.

For more information on Copyright or to download David’s unique Singing Exercises, log onto http://www.cdorders.com

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