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by Marshall Brain

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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Brain, Marshall.  "How Music Licensing Works"  22 August 2003.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/music-licensing.htm>  11 February 2012.
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Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Music Licensing Works
  2. The Basics
  3. Licensing the Song
  1. ASCAP and BMI
  2. Commercials and Film
  3. The tale of "Happy Birthday to You"
  4. See more »
    1. Other Licensing Scenarios
    2. Lots More Information
    3. See all Music Industry articles

Lots More Information

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More Great Links

  • ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
  • BMI(Broadcast Music Incorporated)
  • Copyright office: Circular 56 -- Copyright Registration for Sound Recordings
  • Common Music Licensing Terms
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Licensing
  • Commercials
  • General Licensing FAQ
  • Licensing forms
  • ASCAP & BMI -- Protectors of Artists or Shadowy Thieves? An article by Harvey Reid
  • The Happy Birthday Song
  • Obtaining permission to use Power Music for your video production
  • Music Licensing: Getting Your Music into Movies, TV, and Ads
  • Compendia Music Licensing
  • License Music Now FAQ
  • Programmed music a business solution
  • Jingle Use Of Songs
  • Rock Covers FAQ
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Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Music Licensing Works
  2. The Basics
  3. Licensing the Song
  4. ASCAP and BMI
  5. Commercials and Film
  1. The tale of "Happy Birthday to You"
  2. Other Licensing Scenarios
  3. Lots More Information
  4. See all Music Industry articles
Previous Page

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Prices: Music Copyright Books

  • Music and Copyright
    Music and Copyright

    Copyright lies at the very heart of the music business. It determines how music is marketed, artists are rewarded, and all the uses to which their work is put. And copyright claims and counter-claims are the source of recurring conflict: Who wrote what and when? Who owns these sounds? What are you allowed to do with them? Disputes about copying and theft are becoming ever noisier with digital technology and the new possibilities of sampling and downloading and large-scale piracy. This book has been written to explain the copyright system to non-legal specialists and to show why copyright issues are so fascinating and so important. Copyright is analyzed as a matter of philosophy and economics as well as law. It is approached from the contrasting perspectives of composers, performers, producers and bootleggers. Copyright law is seen to be central to the relationship between the global entertainment industry and local musical practices. The questions raised here are not just about music. They concern the very meaning of intellectual property rights in the context of rapid global and technological change. And they are not just about big business. They impinge on all our lives.

    $33.41

  • Music Copyright for the New Millenium
    Music Copyright for the New Millenium

    The 21st century promises to be the greatest period of growth in musical expression the world has ever known, as new technologies have made it easier and less costly to produce and distribute creative works on a worldwide basis. Copyright law and the ownership of intellectual property will continue to be the lifeblood of the music industry and the source from which the income of musicians will be derived. "Music Copyright for the New Millennium" will give you a thorough understanding of copyright law as it applies specifically to music. In an easy-to-understand style, this book provides explanations of the relevant provisions of U.S. copyright law and demonstrates how they are used in the music industry.

    $39.98

  • The Art of Music Publishing: An entrepreneurial guide to publishing and copyright for the music, film and media industries.
    The Art of Music Publishing: An entrepreneurial guide to publishing and copyright for the music, film and media industries.

    Do you want to pursue a career and succeed in the lucrative area of music publishing? Music publishing provides real inspiration, a tangible and 'hands on' perspective to the exciting high-risk, high-reward music business. Prepare yourself for a career in music publishing and lean * understanding the role of the publisher * copyright * managing rights * income streams * contracts*. Look at how, when and where income is generated in all the current areas of business. As well as exploring all the areas of music publishing that are available, the new industries offering new income streams and the business models that are developing. 'If there is anything that Helen Gammons doesn't know about music publishing, it's probably not worth knowing! If you want to take it to the next level in music publishing - read this book. I know I'll be referring  to it often.' David 'Hawk' Wolinski Composer of "Aint No Body"  (Rufus and Chaka Khan) and one of the most covered songs ever. "Whether you're already  a music publisher or would like to be one, this book will give you a mass of useful information - fresh ideas, up-to-date legal opinions, video interviews with music biz legends, provocative thoughts about where the business is heading, and plenty of good anecdotes." From Simon Napier Bell  Manager: The Yardbrids, George Michael and Wham, Marc Bolan. Japan.* Offers key industry insight for both new and experienced music publishers, with international focus * Up to date with new and emerging technologies, business models, trends and strategies, and alliance opportunities * Interviews with industry gurus

    $26.21

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