Is the free dissemination of music on the Web helpful or harmful to the economics of new music? Mark A. Fischer, Intellectual Properties Attorney, Palmer & Dodge LLP, Boston MA

Mark A. Fischer Photo courtesy Palmer & Dodge LLP

Ultimately, the answer is that dissemination of music on the Internet is not just good, it’s wonderful. But reaching this ultimate stage will take some time and there will be considerable pain getting there. Right now, the economics of so-called serious music, where numerous performers (and sometimes orchestras) are required for recording, are going to be even more challenged. This is because “record companies” (someday they’ll be called something else) who cannot sell enough CDs to justify the price of recording this music will, in the short term, provide even less financial support for recordings.

But the long term is very promising. As composers and performers learn to be more adept at using the new technologies, they will reach a wider audience. It’s important to note that these new technologies include not only the free distribution of music, but the free access to information about new music, and free access to sampling music on demand. The Internet represents a new way to easily distribute music to people who love it, but getting the creative, technological, and economic pieces to work together in a way that is viable in all senses will take some time.