Copyright Issues About Using Music in a Presentation

An educator may use up to 10 percent of a musical composition in a presentation.

Students and teachers may use portions of copyrighted works in their academic multimedia presentations without permission from the copyright owner; however, proper credit and citations are required. Limitations also exist as to how much of the work can be used. Non-educational uses do require permission from the copyright owner.

The Opening Screen

The opening screen of an educational multimedia presentation must state that the presentation is in accordance with fair use exemption of U.S. Copyright Law. It must also state that the presentation is restricted from further use, according to Public Schools of North Carolina.

Allowable Amount for Fair Use

In order to claim fair use, educators may only use up to 10 percent of a musical composition, but no more than 30 seconds, according to The National Association for Music Education and Public Schools of North Carolina. Likewise, educators may use up to 10 percent of a sound recording, but no more than 30 seconds. Permission from the copyright owner is required when an educator wants to use more than 10 percent or longer than 30 seconds of the original work.

Alterations

Educators may alter the original work to fit their specific purposes; however, they are not allowed to change the "fundamental character" of the original composition, according to The National Association for Music Education.

References

• Public Schools of North Carolina: Copyright in an Electronic Environment
• MENC: Copyright Law: What Music Teachers Need to Know