FAQs for MusicLand Pro Resources

What sort of resources can I create?
Basically – anything! We only ask that the resources will be helpful to teachers delivering Key Stage 3 lessons or teachers/pupils involved with any of the UK’s specifications for GCSE, AS or A2.

How should I submit my resources?
Please send them in any Windows PC format (e.g. Word Document, Publisher, Powerpoint etc) to resources@themusicland.co.uk. You may “zip” them up if you wish.

Should I convert them to PDF format?
We are happy to do this for you, but are equally pleased if you save us the time! PDF documents (Portable Document Format) can be opened across a wider range of platforms and are not dependent upon the user having MS Word installed for instance. You might be interested to know that you can convert documents to PDF format for free by downloading the free PDF writer software at www.cutepdf.com. It basically installs as a printer driver on your computer, so instead of printing to you normal printer, you select “cute PDF”, ‘print’ the document and a pdf file is produced!

Should I add an explanation to my resources?
Yes please. In order that we categorise your resources correctly we would ask that you include a brief sentence (bullet point) about each one. This should make it clear for which exam board/year group it has been created and any additional information to teachers about how best to use the resource. Other teachers really appreciate this information and it makes your contribution much more user-friendly.

What kind of resources will not be accepted?
We ask that resource submissions for MusicLand Pro are of a good quality. We have to reserve the right to pass judgement about what constitutes ‘good quality’. In general the following will not be accepted:

• cursory lesson plans which lack detail
• templates/grids (e.g. listening grid) that are not supported by additional listening suggestions/questions etc
• poorly laid out worksheets with errors in spelling/grammar
• resources which refer to a particular School / name a particular teacher
• resources which are clearly derivative of other published material or infringe copyright regulations (see below).

What if my resource(s) are rejected?
We will reply as soon as possible to let you know whether your resources have been verified. If we have to reject a resource, we will explain why and you will of course have the chance to submit alternatives. If you wish to cancel your membership application at this point, please let us know and none of your material will be published. Once all your resources have been verified, we will upgrade your username, normally within one working day.

Will I own the copyright on my resources?
The copyright on the resources will be transferred to us and it therefore follows that you must own the copyright in the first place (i.e. it must be an original resource created by yourself). By submitting the resources to us, you are agreeing that copyright is transferred to The MusicLand, and that you will not submit the resources to other websites without our express permission. You are of course free to continue using the resources for personal or educational purpose.

How do I avoid infringing copyright?
This can be a difficult and complex question. If you are creating a completely original piece of writing (e.g. essay/musical analysis) there should be no problem. Inevitably though we receive a number of submissions where teachers (for well-intentioned reasons) have made use of copyright material in their work. The following does not constitute any sort of legal advice, and is merely intended as guidance on the kind of things to avoid:

• pictures taken off other websites, commercial logos, images from films etc
• scans of published scores, regardless of the copyright status of the composition, unless the score itself is "public domain."
• accompanying music taken from other sites or “ripped” from CDs. (Midi-files in the public domain or sound recordings that you have made yourself from non-copyright works would be acceptable).
• Music notation or lyrics taken from copyright works, e.g. popular songs, films etc.

Other Points:

• Copyright lasts for 70 years until after the author’s death. An extract of music showing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy would therefore be acceptable; an Elvis Presley pop song could not be used.

• References can be made to the titles of films/song etc or an instruction to listen to/use a particular CD is fine.

• Short and insubstantial quotes can be made from copyright works, providing they are short in relation to the whole work. This may include a quote from a book (clearly expressed in quotation marks) or a particular bar from a piece of music to illustrate an analytical point.

• If you feel that use of a particular piece of copyright material is vital to your resource, please let us know and we might consider approaching the copyright owner or the Performing Rights Society on your behalf.

Can I use clip-art?
Clip-art that is obtained via Microsoft software or through their website is licensed for use in a context such as resource-creation where the image is not central to the product. It is obviously not permissible to resell the clipart or use it in a product where the clipart forms the “primary value” of the product. It is acceptable, however, to use clipart in a supporting or ‘decorating’ role.

Clipart obtained from other websites/software may be covered by other license agreements and you should familiarise yourself with these.

What if my question is not covered here?
Please email info@themusicland.co.uk and we’ll be delighted to assist you.

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