Music is protected by copyright, but once it is no longer protected it enters the public domain and can be freely used and downloaded for any purpose.
There are many websites that showcase or provide access to public domain music, but to be clear, they are not the same as free music streaming services like SoundCloud, ReverbNation, or Free Music Archive, which offer artist-owned music for free.
We’ve got some recommendations for public domain music sites below, but first a little bit about what public domain music is: The difference with public domain music is that it’s yours, and you can save and use it however you like.
When does music enter the public domain?
In the United States, most music created before January 1, 1978 is copyrighted for 95 years from the date of first publication. For music created after that date, copyright lasts for the composer’s life plus 70 years. In simple terms, music copyright lasts for a very long time, but eventually it expires and the music enters the public domain. Here are 7 public domain music sites.
Open Music Archive
The Open Music Archive is a resource for musicians, researchers, and music lovers, with a focus on facilitating the sharing and liberation of music while complying with copyright regulations, and breathing life back into forgotten or little-known works.
The essence of the Open Music Archive is to collect, preserve, and publicly distribute public domain music recordings. More than a collection, this digital repository makes a statement about the accessibility of cultural heritage and promotes the idea that music, as a universal language, should be freely accessible to all.
Founded by artists Eileen Simpson and Ben White, the Open Music Archive is a creative passion project. Their goal is to reintroduce people to the music of the past by creating an asset for learning, artistic expression, and advancement. The Open Music Archive challenges attitudes around ownership and copyright in the music sector by digitizing and making available music that is no longer subject to copyright constraints.
The ever-evolving Open Music Archive continues to grow each year as more recordings enter the public domain. Visitors can delve deep into a variety of genres that tell the story of music’s rich history. The Archive offers music lovers a unique opportunity to connect with the past through everything from the emotive melodies of jazz and blues to timeless classical masterpieces.
This collection not only contains songs, but also a variety of recordings that offer a clear glimpse into the sounds of a bygone era.
Visit the Open Music Archive
Free Sound
Freesound is a platform that gives creators around the world unlimited access to a wide range of samples and sound effects. Founded in 2005 by the Music Technology Group at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain, the site goes beyond hosting clips to foster an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration.
Freesound has a wide range of sounds, from music to everyday noises like the rustling of autumn leaves, the bustling atmosphere of a city square, and the beautiful calls of exotic birds – a treasure trove of experiences to inspire new artistic endeavors.
The real strength of Freesound lies in its community of amateur and professional sound recorders, musicians, filmmakers and sound designers. Users can share samples, download sounds contributed by others, rate them and provide feedback. This collaboration has resulted in a diverse collection of sounds.
All sounds available on Freesound are under Creative Commons licenses, allowing creators to incorporate them into educational and commercial projects, although these licenses may stipulate requirements such as attribution and restrictions.
Visit Free Sound
Pixabay Music
Pixabay is well known for its collection of free-to-use images, but it also has a hidden gem – its lesser-known music section, which offers a wide range of music tracks that you can use for free in a variety of projects.
What makes Pixabay Music unique is its diversity. From electronic beats to soothing classical melodies, there are tracks in a variety of genres to suit almost any type of project. The platform’s easy-to-use interface allows users to search for music based on mood, genre, and song length, making it easy to find background music.
A distinctive feature of Pixabay Music is its licensing system. All music on the site is covered by the Pixabay license, so users don’t have to worry about copyright issues or attributing creators. This opens up a world of possibilities for creators, from YouTubers and podcasters to businesses creating ads.
Pixabay’s extensive music library caters to creatives, businesses, and educators who need high-quality songs without worrying about licensing restrictions. The tracks can be used in a wide range of projects, giving everyone involved ample creative freedom.
Visit Pixabay Music
Petrucci Music Library
The Petrucci Music Library, also known as the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP), has revolutionized access to sheet music. Named after Ottaviano Petrucci, the Renaissance pioneer who was the first to print sheet music using movable type, IMSLP is a resource for musicians, educators, and music lovers around the world.
Founded in 2006 by composer and New England Conservatory graduate Edward W. Guo, IMSLP serves as an archive of public domain sheet music, as well as scores from composers who wish to make their work available to the world free of charge. The project is driven by the belief that music should be accessible to everyone, and aims to support music education by providing a comprehensive collection of music compositions.
At the heart of IMSLP is a vast library of over 170,000 scores by approximately 25,000 composers. Offering a wide variety of material, including orchestral works, choral works, and solo performances, IMSLP provides unparalleled access to a wide variety of scores. Users can explore this collection by filtering their searches based on criteria such as composer name, period, genre, and nationality.
In addition to its sheet music collection, IMSLP has diversified its content to include recordings. This feature allows users to listen to performances of the pieces while navigating the scores. This feature enhances the learning process, especially for students and teachers who can listen while analyzing the form and content of the piece.
Visit IMSLP
FreePD.com
FreePD.com is a valuable resource for creators around the world, offering a wide range of royalty-free music. Whether you’re a filmmaker, podcaster, developer, or anyone else, FreePD.com has something for you.
This website was created to provide high quality music without the hassle of license fees and copyright restrictions. With a wide range of music from classical to modern electronic, there is something for every taste and need.
FreePD.com stands out with its completely free offering. Unlike many other sites, there are no constraints, no forced attributions or usage limitations. You are free to use the music for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, without any fees or conditions.
Not only is the website’s library free, it’s also extensive and diverse. The music is categorized into genres like cinematic, electronic, classical, and more, making it easy to find the right style. The site also regularly updates its library with the latest music, ensuring that you always have new material available for your ongoing projects.
Visit FreePD.com
Choir Wiki
The ChoralWiki, a public domain choral library, is a treasure trove for music lovers, offering a selection of vocal scores free of charge. Founded in 1998 and transitioning to a hub in 2005, ChoralWiki has become a resource for musicians, teachers, and fans around the world, fostering a community centered around sharing and appreciating music.
ChoralWiki features an organized collection of choral music. The website categorizes music by composer, period, language, and vocal arrangement, making it easy for users to find music that suits their tastes. Whether you’re interested in Renaissance polyphony or contemporary composition, ChoralWiki has a free option for you.
At the heart of ChoralWikis’ service is a library of sheet music in formats such as PDF and MIDI files. This diverse range gives performers and composers access to resources for mastering and preparing their compositions for performance.
Visit ChoralWiki
Muspen
Musopen is a platform that provides access to a wide range of classical music recordings, scores and educational materials. The platform makes classical music accessible to everyone, regardless of their situation or where they live. By providing access to top-notch recordings and scores, Musopen aims to connect musicians with the general public and foster an inclusive community where passion for classical music can flourish.
Musopen’s collection spans music from different centuries, including works by famous composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky. What sets this platform apart is not the depth of its collection, but the quality of the resources it offers. Musopen brings the musical world to life for modern listeners through high-quality recordings by renowned musicians and orchestras.
Visit Musopen
Editor’s Recommendation
