How to Get Free Music for PowerPoint Presentations

Music is a great way to jazz up your PowerPoint presentations. You can find music in your own collections or access free music downloads from different websites. However, if your presentation is intended for commercial use, you must obtain permission from the song's copyright owner. Follow these steps to find free music for your PowerPoint presentation.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Contact the music publisher named on the credit notes if your PowerPoint presentation is related to a worthy cause. A publisher is more likely to give free permission to a charity or not-for-profit than a for profit business.

2. Seek songs in the public domain. In the United States, music published in 1922 or earlier is in the public domain and may be used by anyone, although specific recordings are copyrighted. Use public domain sound files as long as the music cannot be traced to a specific version. If the notes or editorial marks are in the MIDI file, you will need to obtain permission.

3. Compose your own original work or version of a public domain song with MIDI-adaptable instruments. Music notation software converts music from standard MIDI files to allow you to playing anything, whether it is a symphony by Beethoven or "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

4. Look to music download services for music that is free to download-- although still may require permission for commercial usage. Every Tuesday, Apple posts free songs on its iTunes Store. We7 is a free music download service that is advertiser supported, and free music can be located at the Brainy Betty website. Even major labels like Sony occasionally post free music online.

5. Search open-source music sites like Internet Archive. These Internet libraries collect public domain work and have frequently negotiated for rights.

6. Cruise the Internet for new bands in podcasts and blogs that feature live music. Sites that use BitTorrent software often contain a lot of music. Ask the bands for permission to use their music in your presentation.

7. Investigate music clearance services, which will research the copyright status of a piece of music and negotiate permission for you. Be aware that this often requires a fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain sound files are in acceptable formats for PowerPoint presentations. The most common are .MID (MIDI) and .MP3. You can also convert files to a supported format.
• Copy sound files into the same folder as your presentation. PowerPoint creates a link to the music as long as sound files are kept in the presentation folder.
• Adjust the volume of your music if you plan on speaking during the presentation.
• Students should be able to feature music in a PowerPoint presentation for class, but if a presentation includes any commercial application, you can be sued for copyright infringement.

Resources

• Info About Music in the Public Domain
• Resource for Free Music Clips
• Tips on Using Music in PowerPoint Presentations
• Free Music for PowerPoint Presentations

[spocckka]

on 7/23/2009 this article tells you how to get unlimited, free, legal and high quality music for nothing!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1975622/how_to_get_unlimited_legal_free_music.html?cat=2


give it a try!