Schools, universities, TAFEs and private colleges around Australia have special licences available to them which cover their music use. APRA AMCOS works closely with our writer and publisher members, as well as representatives of the education sector, to ensure our licences are fit for purpose and meet the needs or educators and students. They support both remote and in-person teaching environments.
The Copyright Act also includes some exceptions that allow for the use of copyright-protected music without a licence. There are many common uses of music that fall outside those allowances in the Act though, so it is important to know when further permissions or licensing is required.
If you’re making an arrangement or copying sheet music you'll need permission from the Publisher. Find out who to contact by searching for the work details or your can use our research service.
Almost all schools across Australia hold a blanket educational schools licence that covers the public performance, copying and communication of music for school purposes.
We have a licence agreement in place with Universities Australia to cover all 39 member universities for a broad range of music uses including:
Universities have the option of additional rights to copy sheet music.
Are you a music teacher in Australia looking for more information on copyright? Whether you teach in studios, schools or at home. The Guide to Music Copyright for Instrumental and Vocal Teachers aims to simplify and explain copyright law, how it works, why it's important, and where and when to obtain a licence.
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The Smartcopying website provides a guide to copyright issues for schools and tafes. Available resources include information sheets, copyright guidelines, educational resources, and information on creative commons and copyright law reform.
Visit the Smartcopying website
The Australian Copyright Council provides easily accessible and affordable user-friendly information, legal advice, education and forums on Australian copyright law. See their website for many information sheets applicable to music teachers, and find out more about exceptions in the Copyright Act that apply to educational institutions.
Visit the Australian Copyright Council website
Arts Law is Australia’s independent national community legal centre for the arts, and is a not-for-profit company. The Centre provides free or low cost specialised legal advice, education and resources.