Music and the Public Domain
If a music is in the public domain, it can be used by anyone for any purpose, without obtaining prior permission.
Duke's Center for the Study of Public Domain has a list of musical compositions that are entering public domain this year.
Exhibit Panel
Explore More Music in the Public Domain
Please note: The websites below contain public domain resources but may also have content that is under copyright. If you need help verifying whether something is public domain, or have questions about how to use and cite images, please Ask a Librarian – we’re here to help!
- Internet Archive - Sheet MusicBrowse sheet music from 1927 and before, digitized and made available on the Internet Archive.
- Internet Archive - Digitized 78rpm RcordsBrowse and listen to recordings from 1922 and before, digitized and made available on the Internet Archive.
- Library of Congress: National Jukebox ProjectSearch historical sound recordings available to the public free of charge.
- Public Domain Review: Audio CollectionSearch by time period, content, genre, or rights.
- Internet Archive - New Public Domain Recordings in 2022Listen to some of the top recordings that entered the public domain last year.
We All Scream for Ice Cream!
