Copyright, video, and ensembles

http://mustech.wordpress.com/2007/03/19/assignment-3-copyright-and-ethics

Can ensembles do anything today without jumping through hoops and bending over backwards? The answer is both yes and no. Ultimately, everyone needs to obey the rules in order to get by in the world, and copyright infringement is no exception. Should ensembles be able to tape themselves and distribute the tapes?

Making the tape itself is no problem. According to MENC, one copy may be made to be kept on file for the ensemble or school. However, if one wishes to make more copies, the Music Publisher’s Association states that it is “expressly prohibited to make copies of recordings of a copyrighted work.” This requires the permission of both the author and the publisher.

While this may seem like a lot of pain to go through, remember that the musicians depend on music sales for their livelihood. Some people, including many musicians, have vastly different views on this issue, especially downhillbattle.org , but the fact remains that copyright is the law, and we should follow it to the best of our ability.