Audio Resources
Copyright Resource Center (Music Publisher's Association)
Look here for step-by-step information on obtaining publisher information for musical works. Other resources include printable permission forms to send to publishers and links to search engines of other organizations such as ASCAP and SESAC.
MENC: National Association for Music Education
Visit MENC's copyright center for information on a variety of topics related to music copyright, including student performances, adapting or transcribing, and more.
Copyrights (& Wrongs): Arranging, Adapting, Transcribing
This section discusses what needs permission for use and includes guidelines for obtaining permission where needed.
United States Copyright Law: A Guide for Music Educators
Topics include Fair Use, Reproduction by Libraries and Archives and Exemptions. Of particular interest is Appendix B: Guidelines with Respect to Copyrighted Music Material, which lists both permissible uses and prohibitions.
PD INFO: Public Domain Information Project
This site is a resource for musical compositions and for sheet music that is in the public domain. (Note: Fee based service.)
Where can I find audio for a project?
The Freesound Project
The project offers a database of sounds that are available under a Creative Commons Sampling Plus License, meaning that you can use the work for noncommercial purposes (credit given to author/artist).
CCMixter
Features “podsafe” music that can be used for noncommercial projects. Use their dig.ccmixter tool to search for a variety of music styles. You’ll find many works here that are licensed under Creative Commons.
Kahvi Collective
Features an eclectic assortment of works, primarily by amateur artists, available for noncommercial use (credit given to artist). Be aware that the site can be somewhat challenging to navigate. Works are offered as collections that can contain as many as 18 tracks.
Software applications such GarageBand and iMovie come with libraries of jingles, sound effects, and other audio clips available for use in your projects.
Note! Always, always check the terms of service for any website or company that offers stock footage, images or audio content. Websites often have a link at the bottom of the page. Not all available media is royalty-free regardless of whether it is used for educational purposes. Links provided here are intended as suggested resources and not intended as an endorsement of any particular service.