Re: writing your own accomp.???


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Posted by Scott on March 08, 2003 at 01:09:38:

In Reply to: writing your own accomp.??? posted by Ned on March 08, 2003 at 00:37:11:

Check to see if the piece is in the public domain (a rule of thumb would be most works written before the 1920's, I believe). If it is then there is no problem. Technically, you cannot write an arrangement of a piece that is under copyright unless you recieve written consent from the copyright owner, even if you don't sell it. There is a "Fair Use" clause in the copyright law that many interpret as meaning that if you don't profit from a duplication or alteration of a copywritten work (or in this case, an arrangement), then you are legally able to do it. That thinking is misguided and legally just plain wrong.

I've done this before, and it really is painless. The hard part is tracking down the copyright owner and/or publisher of the work.

There is a great little book out there that deals with all of these issues. It's called "Copyright: the complete guide for music educators" by Jay Althouse. It's a great resource for anyone looking into arranging, but also for anyone looking for an analysis of the copyright law from a musician's perspective.

By the way, you're alright for the Rochuts. They have been in the public domain for many, many years. Just look at how many different editions and transcriptions there are out there.


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