Musopen is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to music education by providing free music recordings, sheet music, apps, and educational materials. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, CA, Musopen offers a vast library of public domain music, allowing users to download royalty-free music and sheet music in PDF format.
Musopen's mission is to 'set music free' by providing recordings, sheet music, and textbooks without copyright restrictions. The platform allows users to browse its music catalog by composer, performer, instrument, period, and genre. Users can also access a free online radio feature to listen to classical music.
Musopen's resources are available for free, with some limitations. Registered users can download up to five music files daily. Additional downloads and high-quality (HD) formats require a paid membership. The platform also offers a range of educational resources and apps to support music learning.
The music available on Musopen is primarily classical, with a focus on public domain works. The platform has re-recorded many classical pieces to ensure they are available under public domain or Creative Commons licenses, making them free for users to download and use.
While Musopen offers many resources for free, it operates on a freemium model. Users can upgrade to a paid membership for additional benefits, such as higher download limits and access to high-definition audio. The platform clearly indicates the licensing terms for each piece of music, ensuring users understand how they can use the downloads.