Dear Fellow Members,

I have composed 12 pieces for solo piano. I am planning to take a copyright for that and publish it. I have some questions in this regard.

1. How to put opus numbers for the compositions?

I dont like to give some name for my compositions. I found opus numbers, a best option to identify the compositions. Can i put seperate opus numbers for each 12 pieces {for example op no1. op no2}or one opus number for the whole compilation and numbers for the pieces {for example Op no 1 (no 1), Op no 1 (no 2) }

And moreover is it ok to put opus numbers by ourselves? or is it a serious thing that an ameture composer can hardly think about?

2. Copyright

Do we have to take copyright for our compositions or is it by default protected?

Much thanks in advance

1. Opus seems rather old fashioned to me... Opus in Latin is simply 'work', so you're basically numbering your works as 'work No. 1', 'work No. 2', etc...

As a personal preference I don't fancy opus numbers. Especially since we're still alive, which means that we can always offer some insights as to which work came first, and so on...

If you insist on having Opus numbers then it would seem reasonable to have a set of works or a series of works under the same opus number and go by Op. 1 No. 1, Op. 1 No. 2, blah blah. If the 12 works are 12 different works then 12 different opus numbers...

2. Legally any work of art IS copyrighted to the creator (unless it's a case of work for hire (eg. I hire you to compose a work for me)).

Practically there is the question if proving that you own the work. If I 'steal' your work then you have to prove to the courts that it is yours: And how on earth can you do that? Can you really claim that "you thought of it" first? Not likely.

The only way to prove that a work is yours is by registration. Now, here there seems to be a dichotomy in opinions and facts (as far as I know). In the US the only way to register a work is through the copyright registration office (copyright.gov I think). For the rest of the world it appears that publishing (somewhat formally, not just posting on youtube) seems to be enough. I mean, personally, I have the university of London backing me up on all the works I composed for my PhD. Is anybody willing to take on the uni of London in order to dispute that? Cause it seems enough prove (the registration date of the PhD, the exam dates, etc)...

On an even more practical level: I know extremely few cases of a work being stolen, and that only to the general dance music field... Never for classical music and in film music while it seems normal, there has never been a clear cut case proven eventually. (don't quote me on that... I'm NOT sure). Point is that unless your works are simply AMAZING nobody would ever attempt to steal them. A lot of my music is on the net...

So don't worry about getting your works stolen or copied: Worry about how to promote yourself, your career, your works and the published editions.

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PS. I would be VERY interested in seeing the works you plan on publishing. Is there any way to securely see some previews somehow? My website is on my signature and there's a contact e-mail in there, if you wish/can/want/blah blah...

Hi Nikolas

Thank you so much.your answer was very helpful Why i prefer opus numbers is that, i like to leave the musical associations to the listeners. Names like Silent river, Winter Song (No offence to any composer with songs named like that..i just wrote two words) etc seems little odd to me because after two days of naming it even me found the name boring. I prefer Work 1, Work 2 instead, infact i first named it like Song 1, Song 2 etc... If there is any similar way other than opus which you would suggest?

Please help me with one more clarification.

I am publishing it under the title 12 Little Piano Pieces. Each song is different in nature.The only similarity is that i am the composer for all the songs. One is like a small dance, one in a prelude form but most of them has no particular structure.Just piano pieces. So what would be appropriate?
Seperate opus numbers for each compositions or one opus for the book and sub numbers for the pieces?

Regarding copyright the information you have given is great for me. Thank you again

Between i am going through your website and hearing songs. Will get back to you later with listener's point of view

Its an honor for me that you like to hear my compositions. Thank you for the support. Just a little more work needs to be done and i will send you the pieces.