Everything you need to know about how — and where — to find royalty free classical music for your videos
This is a great question, and one that is a bit more tricky to answer than you might think.
Classical music can be a great choice for all types of videos and content. It can instantly give your video a more sophisticated and cinematic element. But just because some music sounds old, don’t automatically think that it's free to use.
To find the real answers that you’re looking for, we’re going to need to go over some of the basic elements of copyrights and music licensing, as well as explore the vast world of public domain music and some of the complex ways in which these tracks and recordings work.
Understanding the Basics of Copyright Protection
Ok, so you probably already know that copyrights exist and that you can’t just use any Katy Perry or Aerosmith song for your YouTube videos. At least not without getting permission from the artist or label to use the music for an agreed-upon use.
Classical music is no different. All music that has been composed and recorded almost always has copyrights associated with it. However, you’ve probably heard about the public domain and how you can use music that has had its copyright expire.
And this is true, to an extent. But it’s a bit more complicated than you might think. Let’s explore more.
The Pros of Royalty Free Music
Before we get too into the nuances of public domain music, the real answer you’re most likely looking for is actually royalty free music. If you’re looking for music to use in your YouTube videos or other digital content, what you really want is music that is copyright-protected and shared directly with you.
However, with royalty-free music — like the music offered here on Tunetank — you can rest assured that any tracks used in your videos are fully protected and covered. And if you have any problems with copyright claims on YouTube, Tunetank can quickly and easily resolve any issues.
Public Domain Classical Music
All that being said, there is such a thing as the public domain. And if you’re interested in exploring some of the different libraries online, the best one to check out is probably the IMSLP music library.
However, there’s a common — and kind of scary — misconception that comes with public-domain music. While it is true that the copyright protection period for music composed by a composer ends after they have been dead for 75 years, what that only really protects is the song’s composition.
The recording of a piece of classical music has its own copyright protection. So unless you’re planning to record your own versions of these classic public domain songs, you’ll have to pay to use any symphonic or solo recordings from the artists that recorded them.
Where to Find Royalty Free Classical Music?
So, where does that leave you in your search for free classical music? Well, back to where we started. Royalty free classical music is probably your best option, but there's a catch. Despite what its name might imply, most royalty free music isn’t free; it requires some sort of payment for licensing.
However, you’re still in luck because you can actually find great quality royalty free classical music here online, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg anymore. Unlike traditional licensing models, new services like Tunetank can allow for much more cost-efficient royalty free music for creators, with subscription services starting as low as $7 a month.
Plus, for those beginners first starting off, we even have a free plan that allows for up to 3 downloads per month (and three different track uses per video). If that’s something you might be interested in, you can find out more on our pricing page here.
Tips for Working with Classical Music in Your Videos
Now, once you do find yourself working with the right royalty free classical music track, we do have some tips to help you with your edit. Regardless of whether you’re editing for YouTube or some other commercial use, classical music will always be a great audio selection for any video.
However, to get the most out of your classical music selections, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Look for a track that has the right tempo for your video: Despite it sounding old, classical music doesn’t have to be slow or boring. In fact, fast-paced classical music can be a great driver for your video, adding energy and sophistication at the same time.
- Connect your music with emotions: There’s nothing more emotionally powerful than the right soundtrack. And, as such, if you want to make sure your wedding film or product demo is hitting the right emotional cues, you should look for the track that most perfectly matches the emotion you want your audience to feel.
- Consider multiple tracks: While your initial instinct might be to pick one classical music track and use it for your entire video, keep in mind that the best videos are the ones that use multiple tracks as a way to change up the vibe and pick up the pace. You don’t have to pick just one! Hopefully, these tips, tricks, and insights into the world of royalty free classical music have answered all of your questions and concerns on the topic.
However, if you’d like to further explore the space, be sure to check out our classical music library here on Tunetank to see if we have what you’re looking for.
