Music Licensing

Get pre-cleared music for your projects through music licensing services
By Sharon Cullars, Freelance Writer Music licensing services help you navigate the complex process of intellectual property clearance to obtain that piece of music you're looking for. Whenever you hear music performed, whether on the radio, in an elevator or even in a street performance, know that the music is licensed, usually through the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). As music is often a vital component to marketing, especially in television and radio advertising, you may at times need to obtain record licensing. Fees vary depending on the usage or popularity of the song. For example, in the United States, the licensing fee for a popular song in a commercial can run from $75,000 to $200,000 for a year's usage on television or radio.

Even if you manage a public venue like a restaurant, tavern or hotel, you still need to obtain licensing to play background music. Here are some things to do to get a music copyright license:

1. Search music licensing companies to get a music license for television and radio.

2. Get general music licensing for a variety of venues.

3. As an alternative, consider purchasing royalty-free music.

Find a music licensing service that can get you the music rights for advertising

Find a music licensing agency or service that provides a variety of pre-cleared music genres that you can use in your television or radio commercials. Search through catalogs and sample works for other clients to get a feel for what you are looking for.
Try:  Getty Images offers a large catalog of songs, from independent artists representing jazz, country, pop, rock, R&B, ambient, classical and other genres. All songs are pre-cleared and ready to license, and payment is through credit card or a Getty account. The Music Bridge provides clearance and licensing on various projects, including television and commercials. Contact them for free consulting.

Find music broadcast licensing for general venues

Whether you own or manage a health spa or a restaurant or are planning a festival, ambient music creates an atmosphere that entertains your clients and customers. Find a service where you can obtain music licenses for general venues.
Try:  Sesac offers music licensing for country clubs, health clubs, malls, restaurants, taverns and festivals. Create an account for a variety of premiums, including an extensive song catalog. BMI is in the business of licensing music for thousands of member businesses, including restaurants, hotels and stores. The service represents millions of musical works, making licensing very cost effective. Online invoicing simplifies administration.

Find royalty-free music for your projects as an alternative to music licensing

You can find hundreds of online libraries containing royalty-free music. Some you can instantly download, or you can subscribe to a service. This is preferable for projects that require simple tracks like websites, presentations, telephone hold music or software demos.
Try:  PremiumBeat.com offers a library of royalty-free music that is downloadable. A variety of genres is available for new media and multimedia platforms. Find music for promotional materials, even online video games. Fresh Music provides a library of quality royalty-free music that you can simply purchase online.

• An attorney experienced with intellectual property law can also give you a breakdown on the type of music licensing you need and when you would need it so that you will not violate any copyright laws.