Copyright is something most of us don’t tend to spend much time thinking about up until the moment we really need to know about it. So what do you do if you’ve found the perfect tune to help students connect with the material you’re teaching, but you’re not sure if it’s okay to use the audio? A quick perusal of UTS Library’s copyright resources can turn you in the right direction.
Our Music License Agreement
UTS has signed a new three-year Music License Agreement that allows staff and students to use copyright music for educational purposes and at some university events. Not much has changed since our last agreement, but there are a few new points:
- Broader online synchronisation rights that allow for further sharing of recorded events on the University website and social media.
- An increase in the maximum ticket price for university events covered by the licence (excluding graduation ceremonies), from $40 to $60.
For all of the the regulations relating to music usage, make sure to read the Copyright guide for using music at UTS (PDF).
Music for learning and teaching
If you’re planning to use music in your classes, here’s what the UTS license allows. You can:
- Play sound recordings in class.
- Capture sound recordings during a lecture.
- Upload on Kaltura video content that includes music and embed in Canvas.
- Record student performances of musical works and make them available on Canvas.
- Put a video of students’ music recitals on the University website and official UTS social media channels.
- Use sound recordings in student assignments.
- Make a short highlight reel of a field trip and add music as its soundtrack.
Note: Commercial music files shared under the licence may be streamed, but cannot be provided to students as an MP3 download, etc.
Also relevant to teaching academics are the rules about how you can play music while on university premises.
On university premises you can:
- Play background music at UTS-owned premises and businesses. This includes retail spaces and dining spaces, student areas, and galleries and exhibition spaces.
- Play music in staff workplaces (this includes playing music at staff events such as Christmas parties).
Note:
- The premises must be owned or leased by UTS, or by an entity that is 100% owned by UTS.
- The licence doesn’t allow the use of music by a third party operating on UTS premises or premises that are open to, and used by, the public (e.g. University Gym).
Finding out more about copyright
The UTS Library have plenty of helpful resources on the Copyright for Teaching Staff page, plus specialised assistance available for all of your copyright queries.