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How do I get a license for Print, Sampling, Public Domain, and Synchronization use?

Guidance on Fair Use limitations, where to get official information, and how to find publisher contact details.

HFA is often confused with the performing rights organizations ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. If you are looking to obtain performance rights (e.g., for radio, live concert, or public performances), please contact one of these organizations directly, as HFA does not provide performance rights services:

Print Rights Licensing

If your request involves reproducing sheet music or lyrics, this falls under print rights, which HFA does not license. You must contact the publisher directly to request these rights.

To locate publisher contact information, please use the following databases:

Public Domain 

HFA cannot advise on whether a song is in the public domain. However, a song may still require a mechanical license depending on how it is arranged or adapted.

We encourage you to research public domain status and publisher ownership using the following resources:

Sampling a Song or Master Recording

Sampling involves using a portion of an existing song or sound recording in a new work. You must obtain:

  1. Permission from the publisher of the sampled composition.
  2. Permission from the owner of the master recording (usually a record label), if the original recording is used.

HFA does not license samples on behalf of its publishers.

To locate the appropriate publisher, refer to:

Synchronization Licenses (Sync Licensing)

If you plan to use music in combination with visual media (e.g., films, TV, videos, websites, video games), you will need a synchronization license.

HFA does not issue sync licenses. You must contact the publisher directly to request this type of license.

Use the following databases to locate publisher information: