Autumn / Winter 2025 Music

It's for a festival and thankfully I have now had confirmation from the organisers that it is okay to use them.

Are copies of music (legal ones!) provided to ABRSM/ Trinity examiners also?

My understanding (IANAL) is that the copyright rests with the person who did the page layout so if the layout was done in 1896 then simply reprinting it doesn't restart the clock (so long as all they did was reprint - I was nearly caught out by this as they had changed the underlay in a few places). However if you are downloading a piece that is out of copyright and is just a copy of an old edition there should be no problem. So downloading an 1896 edition of Grieg is not going to be a copyright concern.

Can I ask (as you seem very well informed!) - if there was a scan of, say, a 1896 edition on IMSLP but the work had been republished in 2011, would it be a breach of copyright to perform from a printout of the 1896 copy?

@yodaforpresident it's also worth considering where you're planning on performing them.

I've performed a piece that was out of copyright and also out of print at a local competitive music festival, the rules of which required an original copy to be in the room. Having emailed the organisers and asked their advice, their suggestion was to put a short note on the adjudicator's copy stating that the only copy I could find was a scan on IMSLP, but that due to the publication date and the date of death of the composer there was no copyright infringement (and she thanked me for bringing something unfamiliar 😄)

However I've heard TCL can be utterly inflexible about original parts if you're taking an exam...

I can't see any of those where the page layout would be in copy right as the latest publication date is 1916 - the fact that Peters reprints later doesn't affect the layout copyright.

In the original key?

The two complete score in original key look to have both been published pre 1910 so are (very) clear of copyright 😊

This is one of them https://imslp.org/wiki/6_Songs%2C_Op.48_(Grieg%2C_Edvard)

Can you share the imslp link? Often times there’s a copyright notice somewhere in there, or a plate number that can reveal the publishing date.

TBH I'd just download and play (in fact if you play from an IPad its going to be pretty well impossible to tell what version you are using.

Thank you @Londonmummy66. It's Handel, Mozart and Grieg and I think two of them are Peters Editions but the Faber Music website is almost unuseable as the search function is so bad.

Copyright is 70 years after the composers death rather than 70 years ago. Generally if you are at that point then it is OK to use IMSLP. The only caveat to that is that there is a separate copyright for the page layout which is 25 years from publication. So if you have a 30 year old edition of Handel its fine, anything by Stravinsky won't be and a 20 year old edition of Byrd also won't be.

Quick question about music copyright - I am trying to buy pdfs of various pieces of music (over 70 years old) for performing in the UK, but they are proving tricky to locate. I can find them on IMSLP - can I use downloads from there for public performance in the UK even though it's a Canadian initiative?

@Worriedmum42 - this lady does the loveliest music themed key chains plaques and decorations - all bespoke. She is herself a music teacher so will have some ideas. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573440084630

Congratulations to your dd! Teachers have such a special place in their lives, don't they. I made a bag from fabric I had specially printed with music mine had played with her teacher. It had their markings all over it! I included a photo of their instrument too. Was pretty easy to do on canva, then upload to the fabric printing website. Or you can make paper flowers with music, instructions online. A nice card with your thanks in.

Hi everyone, I don’t really post on here but check in from time to time.

My DD has just completed her Grade 8 cello exam (last week) and I’m looking for something special to gift to her amazing teacher - female, mid 40’s. Her teacher has been with her for the whole time and has supported and encouraged throughout. We are continuing with lessons but wanted to mark this achievement and our gratitude.
Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas?

Thank you

How long does it take to get from grade 3 to grade 5 music theory? My DS has started preparing for his grade 6 piano with a view to doing the exam next summer but he’s only done up to grade 3 music theory with a distinction in the practice paper. I’m worrying he’s leaving it too late to get the theory exam done in time.

@Comefromaway- I’m very grateful that dd doesn’t dance seriously. Once a week only and yes a year is pretty good going. For “proper” dancers the costs must be astronomical!

A year is good for pointe shoes! DD’s worst was 1 week during a summer school. Generally she had 2 pairs n the go at a time and they lasted 3-4 months.

Yup. Tomorrow we are off to yet another amdram Ds s playing for (don’t mind too much as it’s his old company he used to be on stage within& I used to chaperone for.

and the cost of going to panto includes a hotel.

we did have to pass on Paris though.

Yes, I should be grateful DD2 has two left feet. She falls over just walking sometimes so dance would be a terrible idea!

Woohoo congrats on the gig @achangeofnameisasgoodasarest ! 🎉

@horseymum - my dd does ballet as well. Tomorrow I’m replacing a pair of pointe shoes that she’s had for barely a year! Fortunately our dance school only does a show every other year but yes, the “privilege” of being in the show is costly.

dd’s school are running a summer music tour next year. This is likely to be DD’s last one as they also tend to be every other year. She’s very excited.

Some good ideas, thanks.
Don't ever start adding up how much it costs to hear them playing, especially when they have been on a course etc! That way lies madness. At least it's not like ballet shows where you pay more to ' hire' the costume than it would for me to buy the fabric and make it. Then at least I'd get to keep it! Those days are long gone.