Music licensing

Music licensing is necessary to ensure that you comply with copyright laws. Anytime you play music in conjunction with your business, whether it is 'on-hold' music played for customers on the phone or waiting room tunes, you must obtain a license. However, there are exceptions to this rule that your business must navigate through in order to ensure compliance with the laws.

I recommend: The University of Washington website offers information about various types of licenses. The information includes licensing for sheet music as well as recorded and performed music.

Music sponsorship

A music sponsorship is a business agreement between a company and a musician or band. The business pledges a certain amount of money to the band. In exchange, the business receives advertising at the musician's gigs and, in some cases, jingles or songs about the business.

I recommend: FindaSponsor.com offers information on how music sponsorships benefit bands and businesses.

Jingle

A jingle is a short, catchy song about a product or service. The purpose of a jingle is to make it easy for the reader to remember your company.

I recommend: MoneyinMusic.com offers an explanation of music and advertising jingles.

Recording Industry Association of America

There isn't a central agency that governs music. However, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization that represents over 85% of legitimate musicians. This organization tries to help businesses and musicians determine the line between the First Amendment and copyright law.

I recommend: The Recording Industry Association of America website offers information about the services it provides.

Genre

A music genre is a style of music. Country, bluegrass, classical, rap and rock are all genres. Determining the genre that best fits your business is the first step in deciding how to develop your music campaign.

I recommend: TheFreeDictionary.com offers information about music genres, including an overview of some of the most popular genres.

Public performance

When you play music in a public place, you may be hosting a public performance of the music. If this is the case, you are required to obtain a license. However, there are some public performances, such as one-on-one teaching sessions or listening to music with a group of friends in your home, which aren't held to licensing laws. These are called private use sessions.

I recommend: The American Society for Composers, Authors and Publishers offers information about how to distinguish public performances from private use.