"Public Domain" and The Band Music Public Domain Files

This page contains answers to common questions asked about public domain.

Q: What is Public Domain Music?

A: Under USA copyright regulations, music produced up to and including 1922 is no longer subject to copyright as of 1997, and is now within the public domain.

Q: What about music published after 1922?

A: Under current USA copyright regulations as of 2006, sheet music published between 1923-1977 might not fall into the public domain until 95 years after its publication date (can be sooner is some special cases), meaning the first sheet music of this era will not start to enter the public domain until 2018. Under those same regulations, sheet music published after 1978 will not start entering the public domain until either 95 or 120 years after the date of publication. See the US Copyright Office's "Extension of Copyright" circular for more information.

So...you won't be seeing any music published after 1922 on this website for a very, very, long time.

Q: What if I am not located in the USA?

A: Copyright regulations can vary by country. It is your responsibility to check your local local copyright regulations.

The terms of use for BandMusic PDF stipulate that you are only permitted to view/download/possess files from our website if you can certify that you are not violating any of your local copyright regulations.

Q: What is allowed with Public Domain Music?

A: Public domain means that the music can be freely and legally copied and shared. There are no restrictions placed on materials that are in the public domain.

Q: What if the copyright has since been renewed?

A: Once a material has entered the public domain it cannot be re-subjected to copyright restrictions.

Q: Who owns public domain music?

A: It belongs equally to each of us individually and collectively.

Q: Will I find music here that is currently under copyright?

A: After extensive research, we believe all the music on BandMusicPDF, to be in the public domain.

We have carefully omitted any music that is still under copyright. If anyone has information about any of this music that might have been posted in error, please contact us and we will fully investigate the matter. If the material is found to be still in copyright, we will then take it down in a timely manner.

Q: Can I be 100% certain that, if I arrange music from this site, it will be copyright free?

A: Due to the complexity of copyrights, the suggestion from a U.S Copyright pamphlet is to have a thorough investigation performed by an attorney who specializes in copyright issues.

Further information about copyright law in the USA can be found at US Copyright Office.