ACDA Copyright Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to obtain copyright permission for the sound/music used for my adjudication dance?
Yes, ACDA requires faculty representatives to obtain copyright permissions for the sound/music used in their adjudication dances. Institutions wishing to participate in the National College Dance Festival selection process must upload their music/sound copyright information when they upload their program information for the conference.

Why do I need to submit copyright permissions to participate in the National Festival? There is a distinction between regional conferences and the National Festival. Regional Conferences take place in an academic setting, where the National Festival takes place in a public performing arts venue with tickets advertised and sold to the public. ACDA is considered a “presenter” and is not an educational institution.

What happens if my school does not have correct copyright permissions?
Schools without correct permissions will be eligible for adjudication and Gala consideration at the conference but will be removed from the National Festival selection pool.

What does ACDA require to ensure copyright permissions?
ACDA and the Kennedy Center require one of the following:

  • Submission of written documentation for each piece of music or sound used during the performance.
  • Signed agreement that the performing school accepts responsibility for any legal fees and that ACDA will not cover any fees (indemnification).


What options do institutions have when submitting program information?
Institutions can choose one of the following options when submitting program information:


Can my institution’s blanket copyright coverage be used for the National Festival?
No, your institution’s blanket copyright coverage cannot be used for the National Festival. ACDA is not classified as an institute of higher education, so the “educational use” coverage does not extend to the National Festival.

Click Here to View the Introduction to Music Rights Webinar

Download: Handout – COPYRIGHT Crash Course

On November 10, 2023, ACDA joined The Ohio State University Department of Dance’s Music Supervisor Susan Chess to lead the webinar Introduction to Music Rights addressing the legal requirement for music copyright permissions for performance of dance works. ACDA Board Member and OSU Production Manager Jonathon Hunter provided explanations as well. 

Many dance programs have already adopted procuring music rights as standard procedure for their students and faculty. Many more are exploring how to do so. We appreciate the challenges of both the learning curve and the associated tasks around securing music rights.

The legal requirement for music rights is not new. For many years, registration for a conference or festival has included an agreement that music rights have been secured for every dance performed. ACDA is not requiring proof of rights for performances at regional conferences, trusting the assertion from each school that they have the rights. 

There is a distinction between regional conferences and the National Festival. Conferences take place during the academic year while performers are enrolled in classes (face-to-face instruction). Conferences are held in educational institutions. Many conferences keep all performances for conference participants only. Under these circumstances, your legal department may counsel you that your music is covered under your school’s grand rights license.

Performances will be held in a large professional venue with tickets advertised and sold to the public. ACDA is the presenter and is not an educational institution; we are an association of educational institutions. ACDA must have assurance that each dance performed in National Festival Gala Concerts has obtained all necessary music rights.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Allow three months for the process of obtaining music rights.
    • See the template in the handout for requesting permissions.
  • Music rights are not necessarily expensive. They may even be free.
    •  In the recording, Susan advises us not to be afraid to negotiate and to be “shameless” about asking for low or no fee.
  • Teaching students how to obtain rights now will prepare them for the professional world.
  • Advice for National Festival eligibility: We hope all dances will be eligible for National Festival consideration. If you are unable to secure music rights for some or all of your music, change the music prior to bringing the dance to the regional conference for adjudication, thus ensuring that the dance will be able to be performed in the National Festival if invited.