Is ThisWrong?

[S_V7]

Is it wrong to play part of a copyrighted song for a few friends?(less than 5) I wanted to show how much I’d learned so far but had an uneasy feeling because I feared I might be violating some sort of copyright law. I decided I was being scrupulous and went ahead and played but as I did I thought what if it was a mortal sin? Violating copyright is on a grave matter list so it freaked me out, or does that mean seriously violating copyright, like burning multiple cds or having an illegal music business or does it also include things like singing along with a copyrighted song?I know I should really consult a lawyer about things like copyright but I’m hardly 16 and can’t tell the difference between a gas and a brake pedel.

 

[baltobetsy]

I decided I was being scrupulous and went ahead and played.

I’m so proud of you!

I’m not a copyright lawyer and I don’t play one on TV, but I think copyright laws are there to protect the financial interest of the copyright owner. I don’t see any way your playing a piece for 5 friends (or even a whole recital hall full of them) is going to deprive the copyright owner of legitimate income. If royalty payments were required for public performances of the piece, it would be noted on your own copy. And five friends definitely is not a public performance.

It is my opinion that having an original of the music in your possession gives you the right to play it wherever and whenever you wish.

Look at it this way. As a private person not in business, you don’t have much opportunity to break copyright laws, so maybe you could just relax on this subject in general. Here’s how you could commit a sin with your music: Start your own violin school, make illegal photocopies of all your music to distribute to your students, give a performance of the stolen music, charge admission and broadcast it on pay TV.

BTW, the gas pedal is on the right. And I’m very proud of you for acting against your anxiety.

Betsy

 

[Godfollower]

Is it wrong to play part of a copyrighted song for a few friends?(less than 5) I wanted to show how much I’d learned so far but had an uneasy feeling because I feared I might be violating some sort of copyright law. I decided I was being scrupulous and went ahead and played but as I did I thought what if it was a mortal sin? Violating copyright is on a grave matter list so it freaked me out, or does that mean seriously violating copyright, like burning multiple cds or having an illegal music business or does it also include things like singing along with a copyrighted song?I know I should really consult a lawyer about things like copyright but I’m hardly 16 and can’t tell the difference between a gas and a brake pedel.

The copyright holder has six basic exclusive rights:
(1) to make copies of the work;
(2) to make derivative works;
(3) to distribute copies of the work;
(4) to perform the work publicly;
(5) to display the work publicly; and
(6) to perform the work publicly by digital audio.

You were not performing it publicly; you were performing it privately. There’s nothing wrong with playing a song at home on your piano or guitar or whatever for a few friends.

 

[S_V7]

The thing is, I’ve read various articles on copyright, and it seems that even humming a tune would be infridgement. I just played a few seconds of a few songs and feared I commited a sin. What kind of copyright infridgement would be grave matter? That’s what really shook me up, the possibility of this being serious but I kinda slapped my scrupulous self and did it anyways. Now I don’t even know what to think, I’m going to Mass tomorrow and the whole should-I-or-shouldn’t-I-take-the-Eucharist cycle is likely to began.

 

[baltobetsy]

It would be grave matter if it deprived the copyright owner of a large amount of money. It could be said that your playing or humming a copyrighted tune could actually increase the copyright owner’s income by generating interest in and sales of his work. Please receive Communion tomorrow.

Betsy

 

[StCsDavid]

The thing is, I’ve read various articles on copyright, and it seems that even humming a tune would be infridgement. I just played a few seconds of a few songs and feared I commited a sin. What kind of copyright infridgement would be grave matter? That’s what really shook me up, the possibility of this being serious but I kinda slapped my scrupulous self and did it anyways. Now I don’t even know what to think, I’m going to Mass tomorrow and the whole should-I-or-shouldn’t-I-take-the-Eucharist cycle is likely to began.

I don’t see any mortal sin here. I don’t even see any venial sin. I see mostly what you’ve already identified…a bit of scrupulous inclinations. You might want to get some counsel from a priest. I would go to communion and ask for healing as you receive the sacrament.

 

[1ke]

The thing is, I’ve read various articles on copyright, and it seems that even humming a tune would be infridgement. I just played a few seconds of a few songs and feared I commited a sin. What kind of copyright infridgement would be grave matter? That’s what really shook me up, the possibility of this being serious but I kinda slapped my scrupulous self and did it anyways. Now I don’t even know what to think, I’m going to Mass tomorrow and the whole should-I-or-shouldn’t-I-take-the-Eucharist cycle is likely to began.

You really need to be discussing this with your Spiritual Director-- one who knows about your scrupulosity issues and can help you.

You really need help S_V7 and people here canoot work with you on your scrupulosity and paranoia about committing mortal sin at every turn.

 

[m134e5]

The thing is, I’ve read various articles on copyright, and it seems that even humming a tune would be infridgement. I just played a few seconds of a few songs and feared I commited a sin. What kind of copyright infridgement would be grave matter? That’s what really shook me up, the possibility of this being serious but I kinda slapped my scrupulous self and did it anyways. Now I don’t even know what to think, I’m going to Mass tomorrow and the whole should-I-or-shouldn’t-I-take-the-Eucharist cycle is likely to began.

Look at the big picture. Is playing a few seconds of a song for your friends enough to remove all sanctifying grace from your soul? Mortal and venial sins are not things to be picky about. If something is mortal, you know it is- and you knew it was before you did it. If something is venial, you know it is, or you didn’t really think about it- you didn’t care (which is most often the case).

 

[baltobetsy]

Another thought for you - composers don’t produce these works so no one can play them. They are meant to be played and enjoyed. If humming a few bars or playing a bit for your friends were against the copyright law, what would be the point of publishing the work at all? It’s meant to be performed.

Betsy