Podcast Composer/Music Licensing Agreement Template
Commissioning custom music without a clear licensing agreement creates costly problems. This attorney-drafted contract protects your right to use the music in your podcast while defining exactly what you're paying for and what rights you're getting. You'll avoid the ownership disputes and usage restrictions that force podcasters to replace their signature theme songs.
Last Updated: Feb. 21, 2026
What Is the Podcast Composer/Music Licensing Agreement?
This agreement creates a binding contract between a podcast producer and a music composer for the creation and licensing of original podcast music. It defines the specific compositions to be created, establishes ownership and licensing terms, and clarifies what rights you have to use, modify, and distribute the music.
The template addresses the unique aspects of podcast music including theme songs, background tracks, and transition music. It covers work-for-hire versus licensing arrangements, exclusivity restrictions, performance rights, attribution requirements, and what happens if you need to terminate the project before completion.
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Is This Podcast Music Licensing Agreement Right for You?
You need this agreement if you're:
- Commissioning custom theme music for your podcast
- Hiring a composer to create background music or transitions
- Paying for original music but unclear about usage rights
- Planning to monetize your podcast through sponsors or ads
- Creating video versions of your podcast with the music
- Concerned about copyright claims on your podcast music
You definitely need this agreement if:
- You've paid for music but don't have written licensing terms
- Your composer is asking for ongoing royalties from your podcast
- You're unclear if you can use the music in promotional videos
- You want exclusive rights so competitors can't use similar music
- You might sell or license your podcast in the future
Still unsure?
If someone is creating original music for your podcast and money is changing hands, you need this agreement before the first note is recorded.
Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates
Save Money: Skip the $2,000-$4,000 attorney fee for custom music licensing contracts.
Save Time: Download instantly and complete in 20 minutes with our detailed guide.
Look Professional: Show composers you run a legitimate business with proper contracts.
Keeps You Out of Court: Clear License Grant and Intellectual Property Rights provisions prevent the copyright disputes that force podcasters to replace their theme music and pull down hundreds of episodes.
What's Inside This Template?
Scope of Work and Deliverables
Define exactly what music you're commissioning including theme songs, outro music, transition bumpers, and background tracks. Specify musical style, revision allowances, delivery formats, and whether you need stems for flexibility.
License Grant and Intellectual Property Rights
Choose work-for-hire ownership where you own everything, or licensing arrangements where the composer retains copyright. Define exclusivity restrictions, territory limitations, and whether you can modify or create derivative works from the music.
Compensation and Payment Terms
Structure payment as flat fees per composition, package pricing, or hourly rates with caps. Establish milestone payments that protect both parties and determine when expenses like session musicians or studio rental are reimbursable.
Performance Rights and Royalties
Clarify whether the composer waives or retains performance rights with organizations like ASCAP or BMI. This determines if the composer can collect royalties when your podcast streams on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Attribution and Credits
Establish whether you must credit the composer in show notes, episode descriptions, or on-air verbal acknowledgments. Define portfolio rights that let the composer showcase the work while respecting your business interests.
Warranties and Indemnification
Protect yourself from copyright infringement claims by requiring the composer to warrant the music is original. Include indemnification provisions that make the composer responsible if they incorporate unauthorized samples or loops.
| Premium Template Single-use Template |
Legal GPS Pro Unlimited Access, Best Value |
|
|
|
$35
|
$39/ month
|
| Buy Template | Explore Legal GPS Pro |
| Trusted by 1000+ businesses | |
Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Secure Checkout
Purchase through our secure payment system. Your template is delivered instantly to your inbox.
Step 2: Instant Download
Download your podcast music licensing agreement immediately. Open it in Microsoft Word or Google Docs for easy editing.
Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields
Complete the clearly marked sections including music deliverables, licensing scope, and payment terms. Our comprehensive how-to guide walks you through work-for-hire versus licensing decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this template multiple times?
Yes. Use this template every time you commission music from a composer. Customize it for different projects, licensing arrangements, and budget levels as your podcast grows.
Is this contract legally binding?
Yes. This agreement creates an enforceable contract when signed by both parties. It's been drafted by experienced attorneys and includes all necessary provisions for music licensing and intellectual property protection.
Should I use work-for-hire or a license agreement?
Work-for-hire gives you complete ownership but costs 20-50% more. Licensing lets the composer retain copyright while giving you the rights you need for your podcast at lower cost. Most podcast commissions use licensing arrangements.
What if my composer uses samples or loops from other sources?
The agreement requires the composer to warrant that all music is original or properly licensed. This protects you from copyright infringement claims. The composer's indemnification covers legal fees if they breach this warranty.
Can I use the music in promotional videos and social media?
The template includes options for broad licensing that covers promotional uses, video versions, and social media clips. Choose the scope that matches your needs and negotiate pricing accordingly.
What happens if I need to cancel before the composer finishes?
The agreement includes termination provisions requiring payment for work completed on a pro-rata basis. You'll define whether rights to work-in-progress revert to the composer or transfer to you.
| Premium Template Single-use Template |
Legal GPS Pro Unlimited Access, Best Value |
|
|
|
$35
|
$39/ month
|
| Buy Template | Explore Legal GPS Pro |
| Trusted by 1000+ businesses | |