Royalty-Free Music License Agreement
This License Agreement (“Agreement”) governs the use of any royalty-free music, sound recordings, stems, or custom scores created and/or distributed by Michael Musco / Musco Sound (“Licensor”). The purchasing party is referred to as the Licensee.
By downloading, purchasing, or commissioning music from MichaelMusco.com, the Licensee agrees to the terms below.
1. License Grant
The Licensee receives a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual license to use the music in the following ways:
- Commercial and non-commercial productions
- Streaming platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, etc.)
- Social media content (organic or paid)
- TV broadcasts (local, national, international)
- Film, documentaries & theatrical releases
- Advertising (online ads, radio ads, TV commercials)
- Corporate videos, internal presentations, training media
- Podcasts & audio dramas
- Apps, games, and interactive media — music must be embedded so end users cannot extract it
- Background music for retail, events, live exhibitions
- Use of stems or small excerpts inside new compositions
The Licensee may modify, edit, cut, loop, remix, or adapt the music to fit a project.
2. Custom Music Scores
Custom music composed specifically for a Licensee is also covered under this Agreement unless a separate contract is signed.
The Licensee receives:
- Full usage rights identical to royalty-free tracks
- Unlimited project usage (unless otherwise negotiated)
- Lifetime usage rights even if the website or business rebrands
The Licensor retains all underlying copyright and composition rights. Custom music is not considered a work-for-hire unless explicitly stated in writing.
3. Restrictions (What You Cannot Do)
The Licensee may NOT:
- Claim authorship or ownership of the music.
- Upload the music to content ID systems as their own.
- Resell, redistribute, or share the music as standalone audio.
- Provide the music to clients as “their” music outside of a finished production.
- Include tracks in any competing music library or stock-music service.
- Use the music to train AI models or datasets without permission.
These restrictions match the limitations used by major platforms like Pond5, AudioJungle, and Shutterstock Music.
4. Distribution & Audience Size
The License covers unlimited audience size and unlimited geographic reach including:
- Online streaming platforms
- Broadcasters
- Social networks
- Theatrical release
- Apps and games
- Paid ads (unlimited spend)
No additional fees, renewals, or performance royalties (outside PRO obligations) are required.
5. Cue Sheets & Broadcast Reporting
For TV, film, or major broadcast usage, the Licensee should submit a cue sheet listing:
- Composer: Michael Arthur Musco
- CAE/IPI: 00703888914 (BMI)
- Publisher: Musco Sound (BMI)
Cue sheets do not cost the Licensee anything and do not affect usage rights. They simply ensure the composer is paid backend royalties through BMI.
6. Credit
Credit is not required.
If desired, please credit:
“Music by Michael Musco”
7. Ownership
All music remains the copyrighted property of the Licensor. The Licensee purchases usage rights — not ownership of the composition or master recording.
8. Term & Fees
This license becomes active on the date of purchase or delivery. The license is:
- Perpetual — no expiration
- Worldwide
- Royalty-free
- One-time payment
No additional royalties or renewals are required for any usage outlined in this Agreement.
9. Questions or Custom Licensing
For unique licensing cases (exclusive rights, buyouts, work-for-hire, syndication, large studio usage), contact via the form below: