Using music at university

Copyright in Music

Music copyright is complicated because there are multiple parts to a musical work, with multiple copyright owners.

  • Composers or songwriters own the melody
  • Lyricists own the lyrics
  • Music publishers own the printed edition or music score
  • Performing artists or bands own sound recordings
  • Record companies own the record labels.

Four collecting societies represent and collect royalties for the various copyright owners.

  • Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA)
  • Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS)
  • Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA)
  • Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA)

APRA and AMCOS represent songwriters, composers, and music publishers, and issue licenses for the use of their works. APRA handles public performance and online communication or streaming rights, while AMCOS manages reproductions like CDs and downloads.

PPCA and ARIA represent record labels and recording artists. PPCA licenses the public performance, online communication, and broadcasting of recorded music. ARIA licenses the reproduction of sound recordings and music videos for use in businesses. Use in advertising, selling copies and online downloads are not included in ARIA licences.

The University Music Licence is an agreement with all four collecting societies for use of music at university. Separate licences are not required unless your intended use is not covered by the university music licence.

Licences are also required for playing music in shops, at conferences, community events even if it is background music. See OneMusic for more information about music licences outside of university.

What does the university music licence include?

The university music licence allows students and staff to perform, reproduce and share music under specific conditions.

Live music and commercial sound recordings can be played:

  • at university events held on campus or at an external venue if the ticket price is under $60 (as of March 2024)
  • at graduation ceremonies held at any venue
  • for teaching and learning in class
  • in spaces and businesses fully owned by the university, for example cafes, student areas, and staff workplaces.
  • In facilities such as childcare centres and gyms if they are only available to Charles Sturt staff and students. Separate licencing is required if they are open for public services or membership.

The licence allows students and staff to:

  • record audio or audio-visual (video) of live music performances at university events (music recorded in sync)
  • make audio-visual recordings of university events where sound recordings are playing (music recorded in sync)
  • add music to a video recording of university activities or events (music added post-production)
  • record music or make audio-visual recordings for teaching and learning (coursework and assignments).

Audio and audio-visual music recordings can be shared via:

  • email or physical media (e.g . usb flashdrive)
  • a password protected university platform
  • university websites
  • official university social media platforms (music recorded in sync only)
  • phone (on hold music)

Audio-only copies of commercial sound recordings must not be downloadable.

Videos with commercial music, used under the university music licence, and added post-production should not be shared on social media platforms.

The university music licence does not cover:

  • making copies of sheet music
  • performing choral works longer than 20 minutes
  • third-party events at university venues. Organisations or groups who are not university owned businesses or student clubs must acquire their own music licences
  • university businesses that provide services for the public e.g. Charles Sturt Dental and Oral Health Clinic, childcare centres.
  • music use in theatrical productions
  • film or music-video screenings
  • use of music in advertising and promotional material or recruitment campaigns
  • uploading videos to social media where sound recordings are added to visual footage
  • private use of music

Any music listed on the APRA/AMCOS website is covered by the university music licence.

The source must be legitimate, for example iTunes, Spotify, commercial CD’s. Do not use music from pirated or social media sites where the person who uploaded it is not authorised to do so.

If you need to use music in ways that are not covered by the university licence you can:

  • find some suitable soundtracks with a Creative Commons licence or similar usage terms. The Open Education Resources libguide has some recommended sources. Only use the work according to the licence conditions and remember the attribution.
  • use legitimate music websites offering royalty free music libraries. Royalty free does not necessarily mean free. One time licence fees may apply. Make sure you read and follow the licence terms.
  • use licenced music from social media platform libraries in your content. Fees may apply and use may be limited to the platform/s.
  • obtain permission from the copyright owner/s. This can be complicated and time consuming. APRA-AMCOS may be able to assist.