Music License Basics

This section answers basic questions about the fundamentals of getting permission to use copyrighted music through a process called music licensing. A music license is an agreement between a music user and the owner of that music that says it's okay to use their music. If you use music that other people created, no matter how you use it, you need to get permission in the form of a license. This is true even if you are giving away your project for free, or if it's for a non-profit.

• What is a Music License?
• Why Get a Music License?
• Do I need a music license?
• What Happens if I Don't Get a License?
• True or False: Do I Only Need a Mechanical License if I'm Releasing a Physical Product Like Vinyl or CD?
• What Is a Cover Song?
• What is a Derivative Work?
• What is an Interpolation?