The music licence

Performing music

The following instances are covered under The University's music licences.

  • Live or recorded music played in class.
  • Live or recorded music played for educational purposes.
  • Live or recorded music played for staff, (i.e. listening to music in the background while working).
  • Live or recorded music played in public as part of a University event. A University event is an event organised by, authorised by or held at the University (or another venue). Examples of University events are Open Day, O-week, graduation ceremonies, public lectures etc., but also smaller and less formal events such as staff functions.

A separate licence is required if University premises are let or hired for non-educational purposes to third parties (including staff and students).

Check the large repertoire on the APRA/AMCOS website to verify if music is covered in the University licences.  The licences cover most of the commercially available soundtracks in Australia. Ensure that music is from a legitimate source, such as iTunes.

Some University businesses can rely on the music licence. Contact the Copyright Office for more information.

Performances of live or recorded music must comply with the general restrictions of the music licence below.

Recording and reproducing music

Videos or audio recordings of class performances are allowed. The adding of music or audio to video footage, (synchronisation) is also allowed. However, there are limitations on synchronisation. Contact the Copyright Office for assistance with synchronisation.

Audio and audio-visual recordings can be stored on the LMS and shared with University staff and students. Physical recordings of performances can be provided for free or for a cost-recovery price to staff, students and immediate family members for private and domestic use only. These performances cannot be uploaded onto social media sites.

Audio-only recordings can be streamed via the University website. Contact the Copyright Office before posting recordings on to official University social media channels.

Using print music

The print music licence lets The University use print music in the following ways:

  • Physical or digital copying for educational purposes.
  • Physical or digital copying for performances at University events.
  • LMS storage and access for University staff and students.

Print music must be used under the following conditions:

  • Only copy the amount of sheet music required. Do not make excessive copies of sheet music.
  • Only copy scores owned by the University. Borrowed scores, scores owned by staff or students are not covered under the print music licence.
  • The altering of Arrangements and lyrics is not allowed under this licence.
  • Copies can only be provided to University staff and students.
  • Copies that are no longer required, must be taken down or destroyed.
  • Copies must be labelled with the following information:

Copy made pursuant to a licence between Universities Australia and AMCOS.

Title of work

Composer

Lyricist

Arranger (if applicable)

General restrictions

Do not:

  • Reproduce, communicate or perform infringing copies, e.g. pirate copies or copies downloaded illegally. Copies purchased and downloaded from legitimate online music sites such as iTunes can be used under the music licence.
  • Reproduce cinematographic films, including music videos (Reproduction may be allowed under different provisions).
  • Broadcast musical works or sound recordings.
  • Do not post or upload reproductions of AMCOS works or ARIA sound recordings onto public sites.
  • Reproduce sound recordings other than ARIA sound recordings.
  • Perform or make a video recording (either in full or excerpts) of:
    • Grand Rights works - works where the performance of a musical work is combined with a dramatic performance. Examples of Grand Rights Works include musical comedies, operas, operettas and ballets. Grand Rights Works are usually exclusively licensed by the copyright owner, rather than through a collecting society.
    • Musical works in a dramatic context
    • Choral works of more than 20 minutes duration.
  • Charge entry fees of over $40 (plus GST).
  • Charge over cost recovery for recordings.
  • Include promotional or advertising material in recordings or performances.
  • Perform musical works at University venues when they are let or hired to third parties or staff members for non-educational purposes or students for non-educational purposes.
  • Perform any musical work with new or substituted or prohibited lyrics (as notified by APRA) or as a burlesque or parody.
  • Make any unauthorised recordings (including videos) that breach performer's rights.

Contact the Copyright Office before performing or recording music for purposes not covered by the music licence.

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