Streaming music in the classroom
- May 5, 2021 @ 11:29amkdeuschle says:
Good afternoon!
I am struggling to find information about the legality of teachers playing music from streaming services like Pandora, Spotify and Amazon Music in the classroom. Could anyone provide any clarity on the subject?
Thank you so much!
- May 5, 2021 @ 11:43amCarrie says:
Hello:
It is likely that the terms of use agreements associated with the streaming services restrict the use to personal, non-commercial use. This actually means that you can bring a radio or CD player into class but you cannot use streaming services to play the very same music. These terms of use agreements contemplate that only individual consumers will use the streaming service - there is no business model for schools.
So while probably not an infringement of copyright, playing the music in class would be a contract violation. Of course, people are already streaming songs into the classroom not knowing that a license agreement restricts the use of the music.
The risk of litigation is quite low, and litigation would occur in a state court rather than a federal court.
I do not know of any streaming service that can be used in schools.
Good luck!
Carrie
Posting to the forum is only available to users who are logged in.