In Copyright Law, What is the Difference Between a Sound Recording and a Musical Composition?
For copyright purposes, a sound recording differs from a musical composition when one is applying for copyright status. The US copyright office makes distinction between the two, because the musical composition is different than a performance of the musical composition via sound recording. Additionally, a sound recording of spoken text, like a book on tape is also copyrighted via the sound recording form. In order to register for copyright for a musical composition, one files a performing arts copyright form. Included with this form is sheet music, and also frequently a recording of the music being performed. This does not, however, constitute a sound recording. If a musician is attempting to copyright both the composition of music, and a sound recording at the same time, he or she files a longer sound recording form. That means the specific performance and the material performed are now copyrighted and subject to copyright law. Many musicians work as primarily songwriters, though, and
