Copyrights for music

For sheet music to be considered legal , there are various factors to consider. These fall under the copyright acts of various countries. Basically, one is not allowed to make copies of sheet music without the permission of the copyright holders. This is an infringement of their legal rights.

In certain situations, such as for academic purposes (provided more than 10% is not copied), legal copies may be allowed without consent. (see resources below)

Sheet music with no owner is considered public domain . This sheet music can be freely shared, printed and distributed, without infringing on copyright law.

Punishments for copyright infringements vary. Generally owners of sheet music websites receive warnings from the copyright holders of further legal action.

For a more in depth view of sheet music and copyright law, click on the resources below:

Copyright and Public Domain Music

Music Publishers Association of the United States

For a guide to US copyright law and how it applies to educators:

The National Association for Music Education