Piano Regulatory Frameworks & Compliance 2

Question 1

Which organization administers performance royalties for songwriters and publishers primarily in the United States?

Accepted Answer

ASCAP

Answer

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) is one of the main PROs that collects and distributes performance royalties in the US.

Question 2

Under US copyright law, a musical work enters the public domain after how many years following the author's death (for works created after 1978)?

Accepted Answer

70 years

Answer

In the US, works created after January 1, 1978 are protected for the life of the author plus 70 years.

Question 3

A pianist wants to record and sell a cover version of a copyrighted song. What type of license is required?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical license

Answer

A mechanical license is required to reproduce and distribute a copyrighted composition in a recorded format.

Question 4

Which US law specifically governs digital audio recordings and imposes royalties on digital recording devices?

Accepted Answer

Audio Home Recording Act of 1992

Answer

The Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 (AHRA) requires royalties on digital recording devices and media sold in the US.

Question 5

When a pianist performs copyrighted music in a restaurant, which party is primarily responsible for obtaining the performance license?

Accepted Answer

The venue owner

Answer

The venue (restaurant) is responsible for obtaining a blanket performance license from PROs like ASCAP or BMI.

Piano Practice Test