News & Views Thursday, March 28, 2024

Curious About Copyright? Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Find practical answers and information geared toward music educators and directors with the new COPYRIGHT HANDBOOK

by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist –

Copyright is a challenging but important subject in music education.  Most of us have a very limited understanding of it, and have had no formal training or education provided, yet it applies to every facet of being a music educator.  Literally meaning the right to copy or reproduce, copyright law is designed to protect creators from having their works essentially stolen rather than purchased.  Education has a very special caveat regarding copyright law, fair use, however, this does not mean unlimited use or reproduction.  While this special relationship complicates our understanding, it makes it all the more important to know what is permissible and do what is right.  Likewise, ever-changing digital technology and the internet make copyright that much more complicated and important.

Thankfully Alfred’s new Copyright Handbook for Music Educators and Directors provides us with a guide geared especially for the classroom and rehearsal hall.  Written by music education industry professionals, it provides a very practical approach to copyright law as it applies to performing musicians and teachers based on experience.  It is well laid out and easy-to-use, reasonably priced, and most importantly, directly applicable!  When you know better, you do better, so grab a copy and familiarize yourself with what you should and should not do – you might discover things that you can do that you never realized!  You might even find yourself helping your school or district to better operate within the law, and more importantly, set a good example for your students.

Copyright Handbook for Music Educators and Directors
Pam Phillips & Andrew Surmani
Alfred Publishing                                                                 $19.99
The Copyright Handbook for Music Educators and Directors provides a concise overview of the key aspects of copyright law that affect music educators and directors in the United States. Designed to provide answers to the most common questions raised by educators and directors, this resource makes it easy to find specific answers and is arranged in a user-friendly question-and-answer format. For ease of use, a thorough Glossary of Terms and an extensive Index are included. Not meant to replace legal counsel, the Copyright Handbook is a starting point for music educators and directors with questions concerning copyright. Topics: How to determine if a work is protected by copyright * The use of print music and lyrics * The use of audio * The use of video * Digital products and the Internet * Performance rights * Composing and arranging.

Also Available:
The Teacher’s Guide to Music, Media, and Copyright Law
Music Copyright Law

About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio, and joined the Stanton’s team in 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies.  Besides music, he geeks out on comic books, amusement parks, hockey (especially the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins), and all things Pittsburgh.


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