Music teachers should set an example for students and model correct use of artistic works by following copyright laws. But with all the legal jargon, copyright laws can be difficult to understand. And if you’re lucky enough to understand them, who has the time to jump through all the hoops?

Sheet music is the result of collaboration between the composer/arranger, the publisher, and the music retailer. Whenever printed music is copied, these three entities are robbed. It is no coincidence that the number of music publishers has decreased since the invention of the copy machine. Copyright infringement can also lead to severe criminal charges and penalties depending on the extent of the violation. For these reasons, music teachers can no longer plead ignorance to copyright laws.

I have compiled a wide range of information, forms, and websites necessary to successfully navigate the world of copyright for music teachers into one page: Demystifying Copyright Law for Music Teachers. Check it out. Bookmark it. Feel good about being on the up and up.