Music Licence

The agreement allows the University to perform both musical works and sound recordings. This covers activities such as live concerts and playing existing commercial sound recordings over speakers.

Music can be performed:

• at University events where ticket prices are less than $40 (plus GST) per person
• at University graduation ceremonies regardless of ticket price
• for educational purposes
• in the workplace for the benefit of University staff.

The agreement does not cover the following:

• performance of Grand Right Works in their entirety, e.g. musicals for which the music has been specifically written
• performing works in a Dramatic Context, e.g. live productions that includes a storyline and has one or more narrators or characters
• performance of choral works of more than 20 minutes’ duration
• performance of musical works where the lyrics have been changed or turned into a burlesque
• performance of a ballet.

The agreement allows the University to make audio recordings and audio-visual recordings. This covers activities such as copying an existing commercial sound recording and videoing a concert or graduation ceremony. 

Music recordings can be made:

• to play at University events and graduations
• of University events
• to use for educational purposes.

1. Sound recording type. Was the music recorded copied from an existing commercial sound recording or is it a University recording? University recordings can include capturing live performances or staff and students making a studio recording.  
2. Synchronisation type. For audio-visual recordings, was the music captured “in-context” at the same time the video footage was taken or was it added “post-production” using editing software?

The following tables outline how the different types of recordings can be used.

*The University’s Copyright Compliance Policy requires that copies of commercial sound recordings used for educational purposes can only be made available online to students via Course Readings.

There are also a number of conditions. The agreement does not allow:

• remixing, arrangements, adaptations or mash ups of musical works or recordings   
• recordings to be downloaded from the internet 
• recordings of graduation ceremonies to remain online for more than 30 days after that ceremony occurred
• charges for physical copies, other than at a cost recovery price
• the inclusion of any advertising or promotional material.

What music is covered under the licence?
The music must be represented by the participating collecting societies. This includes almost all commercially released music. You can check the coverage of musical works by searching the APRA|AMCOS website. 

What is a University event?
This is an event which is organised and authorised by the University. It includes concerts, recitals, alumni events, gallery exhibitions, O-Week activities and other similar events. Events can be on or off campus and they can be open to the public. Events that are held by third-parties such as concert promoters are not considered University events even if they are held on campus for University students.

Does the licence cover the student union, sports association and student clubs?
No. Only organisations which are 100% owned and operated by the University are covered by the licence. However, if these groups are participating in a University event which is organised and authorised by the University they will be covered.

Does the licence cover online classes?
Yes. The licence covers performing and recording music used in a course of instruction whether that instruction is given in person or online. Recordings must be managed inline with the rules above, e.g. lecture recordings should only be made available to students via MyUni. 

Does the licence cover print music?
No. The University of Adelaide cannot copy print music under this license. If you are using print music for educational purposes please view the information regarding the Educational Statutory Licence, this allows for very minimal amounts of music to be copied.

What if the licence doesn’t cover my proposed use?
You will need to seek additional licensing. This includes for events which are over $40, performance of Grand Right Works and works used in a dramatic context, and copying of entire music scores. In many cases OneMusic Australia will be able to provide you with a licence or advise you.