Musicals at school level do not only involve performances; they are used as means through which students can learn to improve confidence, enhance creativity, and enjoy great experiences from both sides as performers and spectators.
When preparing for a musical event in school, there are many aspects that need consideration, including selecting the music. In most cases, schools have to choose between using custom or licensed music for their productions.
To enable teachers, directors, and school administrators to make wise choices, one must understand the differences between custom and licensed music. This article highlights the main differences between the two forms of music, and the advantages associated with original music in school shows.
Understanding Licensed Music for School Musicals
As the name suggests, licensed music is a term used to refer to existing musicals that are copyrighted. Schools that intend to use this music have to get permission first, which involves paying certain fees.
Most of the popular school musicals use licensed music that comes in a package that may include scripts and score along with the license agreement. Licensed music has the advantage that people have heard the music before, so it could possibly increase interest and excitement in the show.
On the other hand, there are disadvantages associated with licensed music, such as rigid copyright laws, inability to change the music, and expensive licensing fees.
What Is Custom Music for School Musicals?
Custom music means that the music is created especially for your production. Instead of opting for existing music, the schools work hand in hand with music composers, producers, and recording studios in creating music that will suit your performance.
This gives you complete creative freedom. The directors are allowed to tweak the music based on the abilities of the students and other needs for the production. Custom music may go from creating a unique song to composing a whole musical score for your school performance.
The increasing need for uniqueness in performances has made many schools opt for custom music for their shows.
Custom vs. Licensed Music for School Musicals: Major Differences
Creative Freedom
Perhaps one of the most significant differences between custom and licensed music is freedom of creativity.
The use of licensed music involves some sort of limitation. Schools must follow certain conditions regarding how songs must be performed, and they may be prohibited from making any considerable modifications.
In terms of custom music, everything is open. Composers have the option of adjusting tempo, key, instrumentation, and arrangements to fit the students. This will be highly beneficial, especially in dealing with children or those with different skills in singing and performing.
Cost Factors
Often, cost considerations play an important part in the process.
The expenses associated with a licensed musical include:
- Performance license fee
- Rental script fee
- Rental music fee
- Additional royalties
This could get expensive in case of large-scale productions.
Custom music means that there will be an initial investment required to compose and produce music. However, schools can benefit in the long run as they will have a unique production piece that may be used in other events in the future.
Audience Experience
Familiar music tends to have an edge. People appreciate hearing songs that they have heard before and that they like.
Original music provides something new and surprising to the audience. Schools will be able to put up a show that has never been seen before. Original music might prove to be quite beneficial for a school that seeks to establish itself in the world of performing arts through its own unique style.
Educational Experience
School plays must be entertaining but also educational at the same time.
Original music enables students to take part in the process of making music from scratch. They get to learn first-hand how original music is produced.
The Benefits of Original Music in School Performances
Original music can benefit all involved in the process – students, teachers, and audiences.
Student Performers Music for
Professional composers can tailor the music to the abilities of student performers. This helps performers feel more comfortable while singing. Instead of trying to fit into the framework of already made songs, student performers have the music tailored for their skills.
Enhanced Storytelling
Custom-made music could be created to fit perfectly with the storyline and characters. Each musical piece would have a unique role in the story line that will help increase audience connection to the movie. It may not be possible to use pre-existing licensed songs in this kind of approach.
Encouraging Creative Effort
The students will participate in a true creative effort as opposed to remaking an already existing production. They will be able to offer suggestions, give comments on certain aspects, and watch artistic creations evolve into musical compositions.
This process will inspire students and motivate them more through the whole production process.
Creating a Distinct Identity for the School
A lot of schools do productions of the same licensed musicals every single year. Having custom-made music allows the school to come up with something distinct that other schools will not be able to duplicate.
When Licensed Music May Be the Better Choice
While there are several reasons why custom music is beneficial, licensed music cannot be ignored either.
Schools may find licensed music preferable when:
- They wish to put up a popular musical
- Recognition of the performance is of utmost importance
- There is not enough time for music creation
- They need an already existing script and score package for the play
The licensing process often brings a lot of convenience since there are ready-made frameworks for any production. This factor becomes especially significant for inexperienced educational institutions.
When Custom Music Is the Better Investment
There may be various reasons to use custom music in some cases.
It is particularly recommended to use custom music in case of:
- An original school-written play
- Theatrical plays aimed at education
- Community-oriented performances
- Unique topics or stories
- Schools that are focused on creative development
It helps them produce unique shows that do not copy any existing musical scripts. The benefit of custom music lies in the opportunity to get a performance that meets all the expectations of the audience.
How to Select the Right Option for Your School Musical
When it comes to the problem of choosing between customized and licensed music for school musicals, there is no perfect solution. It all depends on your objectives, budget, timeframe, and academic purposes.
If you are planning a production that requires putting together a famous musical drama that has familiar tunes, the option of licensed music suits your purpose more than anything else. But if it is about having total control over your creative expressions and the chance of learning something from it, custom music is the preferred option.
Most schools have understood the fact that they can make great productions out of their compositions and give their learners an experience to remember even after graduating from school.
Conclusion
When deciding whether to use licensed or custom music for school musicals, there is more to be considered than just picking songs. The choice affects factors such as creativity, budgeting, education, and the overall experience of the audiences.
Licensing gives you structured and familiar music whereas creating your own music gives you freedom and allows for much creativity in your productions. Recognizing the advantages of using custom music in your schools will help you make well-informed decisions.
Regardless of whether you use licensed or custom music, your main objective should always be to produce a memorable musical production.