FAQ: Using music for education

Educational settings enjoy special privileges when it comes to music usage. While teaching, you can freely perform, play, and sing music without additional licenses. However, this only applies to actual classroom instruction. Any events with audiences beyond students and teachers, such as school celebrations, require separate licenses.

Unfortunately, these popular streaming platforms can’t be used for classroom-wide listening or viewing, as their terms of service only cover personal use. Students can access these services on their own devices. Still, for classroom-wide use, schools should use education-specific music services like Soundtrack Your Brand, Streamec, Feelment, Toneco, or Mood Media.

Yes, you’ll need a music performance license for any school events open to the public. While regular classroom teaching is covered by educational exemptions, events like graduation ceremonies, spring celebrations, or concerts require proper licensing since they involve audiences beyond the immediate educational context.

Private schools follow similar rules to public institutions: music can be freely used during actual classroom teaching without special permission. However, any public-facing events like concerts, celebrations, or performances require appropriate licensing through Teosto.

Any online use of music requires separate licensing, even for educational institutions. This includes school websites, social media channels, and both live-streamed events and recordings. The online environment is considered a distinct platform that needs licensing beyond classroom use.

The teaching exception is specifically for classroom instruction. It doesn’t cover:

• Paid courses or workshops
• Public events
• Online teaching platforms
• Recording or broadcasting

More information:
Music in education

You can record performances for school records or assessments, but sharing these recordings online or outside school requires proper licensing. Think of internal use versus public sharing as the key distinction.

For online sharing, you’ll need either a Minor Media License or Live Streaming License, depending on how you plan to share the content. These licenses are specifically designed for educational institutions’ digital needs.

You’ll need a separate license from Kopiosto to copy sheet music, even for teaching. This ensures fair compensation for publishers and composers while giving teachers the materials they need.

Yes, schools must report music played at public events. This helps ensure creators get paid for their work. The good news? Reporting is free and straightforward. No Teosto customership is needed.

Different schools have different reporting processes. Check here for further details.

Think of reporting as the final step in supporting music creators. Without these reports, composers and musicians don’t get compensated for their work’s use in education. It’s a simple process that helps maintain a healthy music ecosystem.