In some cases, the copyright to a piece of music may be held by multiple parties. For example, if two or more people jointly wrote a song, they would each own a share of the copyright. Similarly if a song is based on a pre-existing work, such as a poem or story, the copyright to the song may be shared with author of the original work.
The rights that come with owning the copyright to a piece of music include the right to:
- Reproduce the music in any format, such as making copies of CDs or streaming the music online.
- Distribute the music, which includes selling it or giving it away
- Publicly perform the music, such as playing it at a concert.
- Create derivative works, such as remixes or covers of the song
- Synchronize the music with visual media, such as in a film or TV show.
Copyright law also provides certain rights to the public. For example, in the case of music the public has the right to:
- Make a single copy of a CD or other recording for personal use
- Perform a song in public without making a profit.
- Use a short piece of music in a non profit education or research context
- Parody or satire a song without permission.
Copyright law is complex, and there are a number of exceptions and limitations to these general rules. If you are unsure about whether you have the right to use a particular piece of music, it is always a good idea to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable about copyright law.