Copyright

Will original material that I post on this website be copyrighted?

New Question (1/10): Will I be infringing the copyright of other users if I download their material, for example, a pdf of a score?

Do I need to request permission their first?

Posting it here doesn't automatically generate a copyright, but if you copyright your work it is protected everywhere, here included.  You can do some googling to find out how copyright works.  Most new composers have more problems with getting their work noticed than with getting their work stolen.  (:

Posting it here doesn't automatically generate a copyright, but if you copyright your work it is protected everywhere, here included.  You can do some googling to find out how copyright works.  Most new composers have more problems with getting their work noticed than with getting their work stolen.  (:

Well, actually, in the case of the United States and I think the European Union as well your work is in fact automatically copyrighted from conception. That doesn't mean it comes with proof of ownership, though. ;) It's not worth worrying about if composition is not currently your livelihood. What you should be worried about at this point is developing the skills necessary for a career in composing so that in the future, you will have compositions worth stealing. It's not my intention to diminish your work, it's just that I'm only too familiar with the paranoia associated with distributing one's material. Then I came to look at compositions more as a reflection of your skill as a composer and less as fluke accomplishments that need to be protected at all costs. Even if a composition of yours is stolen - I'm not saying it's not horrible - write another one. It only becomes a "real" issue if it being stolen deprives you of income. As for your compositions being repeatedly stolen - it's possible, but so is being struck by lightning, which is something most of us will never come close to experiencing - it is not something you should count on.

Thank you for your input!

Also, will I be infringing the copyright of other users if I download their material, for example, a pdf of a score? Do I need to request permission their first?

Thank you for your input!

 

Also, will I be infringing the copyright of other users if I download their material, for example, a pdf of a score? Do I need to request permission their first?

If you're going to reproduce the score, or have it performed (both without permission), then yes, you will be infringing. Otherwise, I don't think anyone on here will mind.

Be aware that there is a formal method for proving the date of a composition by sending the work in any form to the Library of Congress. They have the form to fill out and there is a small fee to pay. This can work if you want to protect something yet unpublished.