Currently home to over 84,000 works ranging from over 11,000 different composers worldwide, IMSLP/Petrucci Music Library is the online Wikipedia of music. The main objective of IMSLP is, “to gather all public domain music scores … [and] to facilitate the exchange of musical ideas”. Since its creation in 2006, the site has become a staple in every musician’s life. From finding music to sharing ideas, many music savvy people depend on the website. In contrast to its importance however, the site is run by a fairly small company made up of a hand full of dedicated people.

On October 8, one of these very dedicated people chanced to come to Saint Louis for a group class at Webster University centered around IMSLP. Carl Simspon currently a composer, editor, arranger, and publisher for the Music Library. He and his wife are pictured above talking about the several management challenges which the online library face.

Among the many topics covered include the site’s many legal issues concerning copyright and the rules of public domain. Currently, there are different copyright laws in every every country. In Canada, the law states that a work is considered public domain and can be made available for use by anyone 50 years after the author or composer’s death. As IMSLP’s databases are situated in Canada, the site follows Canadian law. In order to avoid lawsuits, the library regulates use through a honors system. Asking contributors and users who download music to follow the copyright laws of their countries when using the website.

Unique among databases, IMSLP is truly a one-of-kind gem, enriching the world through easy access to humankind’s masterpieces.