Arts >> Books >> Books Other

How to Cite Permissions for Copyrighted Songs

Plagiarism is a serious offense, especially if one plagiarizes in an academic setting. Failing to credit someone else's work to them may result in harsh consequences, such as failing grades, failed courses, suspension, probation and even expulsion. Even songs must be cited when they are used. In some cases, if a large portion of a song is used, the writer must get permission from the copyright holder to use the song. This permission also must be cited.

Things You'll Need

  • Permission note
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a letter of permission from the songwriter or the copyright holder. The letter should explain that you are granted permission to use the song in whatever way you detailed to the copyright holder.

    • 2

      Write a note as a form of citation to show that you have obtained permission from the copyright holder to use the song. Begin the note with the word "Note," followed by a period.

    • 3

      Write out the word "From" followed by the title of the song in quotation marks and a comma. Then, write the word "by" and the songwriter's name. Follow this with a comma, the date of the copyright, the name of the copyright holder and a period.

    • 4

      Write the word "on" followed by the title of the album and a period. Next, write out the location of the recording of the song, a colon, and the name of the label and a period. Follow this with the words "reprinted with permission" and a period.

    • 5

      Double-check your citation. An example of a completed citation is as follows: Note. From "Dancer Dancer," by Myra Cane, 1999 Sam Ledger. On Midnight Suns. Orlando, Fl: Lone Wolf Records. Reprinted with permission.

Books Other

Related Categories