Q. Is it necessary to obtain copyright permission to use excerpts of recorded or printed music in a dissertation or thesis?

Yes, it is recommended to obtain copyright permission when using examples of printed music not in the public domain. Determining if a recording is in the public domain can be challenging, so it’s prudent to seek permission if possible. For detailed guidance, see FSU Libraries’ research guide on Copyright Clearance for Music Theses, Treatises, and Dissertations.

If you can’t secure permissions after due diligence, your use of copyrighted material might fall under Fair Use. Conduct a thorough four-factor Fair Use analysis to ensure compliance. Including an attribution to the source and copyright owner is strongly recommended.