Music Copyright Laws - Research Paper Example

Many musicians write their own music. The music that is written is then transformed into a song. The song that is created is owned by the artist that created the song. ( Bouvier) Since the artist owns the song, the artist can determine who can hear it and produce it. This is like anything that someone owns. If something is owned by someone, they can decide whether or not to share it. It should never be up to someone who is not the owner to share the item. A copyright “is an exclusive control of a book, picture, etc.

” (Dicionary2010) This control is enforced by a law. This law is known as a music copyright law. A music copyright law can protect the creator of the music. In 1976, a copyright act was put into effect to protect the composer of the music. (Standler2008-2009) The composer is given full rights to his or her music. This type of music copyright applies to copyrights for sheet music. There are different types of copyrights for music such as sound recording. Any type of work, even if the work is not music, needs to be copyrighted to help ensure proper ownership and proper usage of the work.

It is important that each of the music copyright laws is in affect to help protect the owner of the music. The music copyright law can be located under title number 17 in the United States Code. The title is issued by the United States Copyright Office. . There are five very specific things that one shall never do when a piece of music is under copyright. Music that is under copyright should never be reproduced of its music or any of its lyrics. The music’s or the lyrics can’t be sold for any amount of money even if it’s free.

The music can’t be performed by another artist in a public setting. The music is not even allowed to be played in public even if the one playing the music owns a copy of the music. Finally, the music can’t be made for a public use in any form. These strict guidelines are important for protecting music. All types of copyrights are issued throughout the Unites States. No copyrights can be issued unless they are issue by the United States copyright office. This office allows those seeking a copyright to access the necessary help.

The copyright office is important for those wanting to obtain a copyright for music. The copyright office started in 1870. (Unites States Copyright Office 2010) The start of the copyright office was a huge step for those with a creative mind. Before the copyright office, work could be stolen. Works stolen could be used by the wrong person and the wrong person would receive credit for the work. Stealing ones music is not just about stealing the music and making money. Stealing and using the music unlawfully takes credit away from the artist that rightfully deserves the credit.

It was important for the copyright office to allow individuals a place where there music could be made their own. An example of how a copyright office is used by a musician is simple. A musician can bring a piece of work to the United States Copyright Office. At the office, the musician can register the music and apply for a copyright. The copyright is then kept in the office library