April 23, 2006

Legal Sheet Music and Guitar Tab

Did you know the MPA (the Music Publishers' Association of the USA) has started a campaign to shut down sheet music and guitar tablature web sites? It's true! Many MPA members are music publishers who specialize in producing printed and digital sheet music and guitar tab for the general public. So naturally, the MPA has a particular interest with the legal and business issues affecting the printed sheet music industry.
Last December, the MPA decided it was time to take action against web sites that post unauthorized sheet music and guitar tablature versions of the MPA's members' copyrighted works. MPA claims they are doing this to protect the interests of the artists and publishers of the music. Also, the songwriting profession will remain viable and new and exciting music continue to be created and enjoyed for many years to come.
The MPA will not take any action to shut down any legal sheet music or guitar tablature website, provided it is authorized to distribute members' sheet music or guitar tab. The MPA is concerned with sheet music or guitar tablature web sites that offer music without the permission of the artists and owners of the music.
Read the MPA statement about illegal sheet music websites here

For an example of a LEGAL digital sheet music and guitar tablature website, visit the Musicnotes Sheet Music site.