MMA Educational Materials
The Music Modernization Act (MMA) updates the copyright law to make statutory licensing more fair for creators and more efficient for digital music providers (e.g., music streaming and downloading services). A full list of FAQs is also available here.
Video and print materials are available below. Physical copies may be requested by emailing [email protected] with the subject line MMA Materials. For regular updates on the Music Modernization Act, subscribe to our newsletter.
Print Materials
Sampling, Interpolations, Beats Stores and More: An Introduction for Musicians Using Preexisting Music
An overview of issues involving DIY licensing of preexisting music, including important considerations regarding beat stores.
How Songwriters, Composers, and Performers Get Paid
An overview of various income sources for musicians
Music and Metadata Acronym Glossary
A glossary of music acronyms, including metadata terms
Sound Recordings and Musical Works
A breakdown of copyright owners’ rights in sound recordings and musical works
Circular 73a (Mechanical License)
Information on the compulsory mechanical license for digital musical works
Circular 73b (Digital Mechanical License)
Information on compulsory licenses for making and distributing digital phonorecords
Circular 57 (Pre-1972 Sound Recordings)
An introduction to federal remedies available to owners of U.S. pre-1972 sound recordings
Amendments to the Copyright Act
Amendments to the Copyright Act as a result of the MMA
Copyright for Musicians
What Musicians Should Know About Copyright
Videos
The MMA tutorial series gives an overview of the law and the important changes that songwriters and publishers need to know. These videos are also available on Youtube.
Unclaimed Royalties Study
The U.S. Copyright Office is undertaking a public study to determine the best practices that the Mechanical Licensing Collective may implement to effectively identify copyright owners and unclaimed royalties of musical works while encouraging copyright owners to claim royalties and ultimately reduce the occurrence of unclaimed royalties. To initiate this study, the Office held an all-day educational symposium on December 6, 2019. Videos of the panel sessions and educational materials from the event are available here.