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How to Obtain a Music License

Original rights-protected music must be licensed before an outside party can use it in a variety of formats, including television programs, commercials, motion pictures and samples. While you may have a great idea for how to use your favorite song in such a capacity, you will have to execute the diligence required to obtain its music license first. There are a few different types of music licenses, and they can be very costly depending on the publisher's or rights holder’s fees and requirements.

Things You'll Need

  • Musical composition to be licensed
  • Telephone directory
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a song or musical work you would like to use.

    • 2

      Determine the type of license you need. This depends on how you would like to make use of the work. Peruse the "Types of Music Licenses" information in the Resources section to consider the right license for your project, if you are not sure.

    • 3

      Research the license holder for the musical work you would like to use. Contacting the performer’s management is a good start. Contact the performer’s performance rights organization (PRO), such as ASCAP, for licensing inquiries as well. PROs do not issue music licenses themselves, but can help you get in contact with the publisher or record label holding the rights to the work you wish to use.

    • 4

      Contact the license holder or holders. Discuss rates and stipulations for the type of music license you seek. Some licenses only require permission from the publisher. Others require permission for the record label as well. These fees can be costly but are important to know if you intend to move forward and make use of the musical work in question.

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