FAQs

What is 300 Monks?

We are an audio agency providing audio brand strategy, music supervision, music licensing and custom music in songs or score for use in films, theater, television, videos, online, presentations, etc.

What can I use the licensed music for?

1. Website:  the right to synchronize Music in timed relations with other audio and/or visual elements in Flash, Real Audio, Shockwave, Quicktime or other similar internet presentation formats for use on the world wide web with the following restrictions:  the Music must embedded in the internet presentation file and locked and the Music must be synchronized with other audio and/or visual elements.  Embedding the Music directly into a web page as a stand- alone audio file is prohibited.
2. Podcasts:  the right to include Music as part of a sound recording and to mechanically reproduce up to a total of 5,000 copies of said sound recording in a downloadable digital audio file format (e.g., mp3, wav, WMA) or any other similar configuration now known or hereinafter invented; provided, however, that Music may only be used in timed relation to other production elements, and may never be used as a featured element (e.g., Music can serve as a “bumper,” “underscore,” or “bed” for a narration of a podcast, but it cannot be its own separate music or sound effect rack on a podcast or collected together and exploited on a podcast with other music tracks or sound effects).
3. Videos and games: the right to include Music in timed relation or synchronization with sequences, intermissions and visuals contained in videos or games and to mechanically reproduce up to a total of 5,000 copies of said videos or games, whether it be in a downloadable digital file, videocassettes, DVDs, or CD-ROMs.
4. Project Films, Student Films & Shorts: the right to synchronize the Music in timed relations with other audio and/or visual elements for use in short films (45 minutes or less), films shown at film festivals, or any other film that is NOT a Major Motion Picture and to mechanically reproduce up to a total of 500 copies, whether it be in a downloadable digital file, videocassettes, DVDs, or CD-ROMs .  A Major Motion Picture is defined as a production whose primary function is nonbroadcast theatrical presentations where showings of the project occur on the same day(s) in multiple theaters and a fee for viewing is charged to the general public.
5. Corporate & Trade Shows: the right to synchronize the Music in timed relations with other audio and/or visual elements in productions for “nongeneral public” (Licensee’s personnel, job seekers and onsite guests) business related viewing, business meetings, employee orientation, in-house how to and instructional videos (CDs DVDs, or other media).  Licensee has the right to synchronize the Music in timed relations with other audio and/or visual elements for use in trade show displays and virtual business cards.
6. MusicOnHold: the right to publicly perform the Music for the purposes of providing so called “MusicOnHold” solely from and for the address shown in Licensee’s paid invoice.  “MusicOnHold” refers to music played through licensee’s telephone for a customer while they wait on hold.
7. We also license music for TV Shows, TV Commercials/Promos, Radio Commercials/Promos, Theater, and more.  These require a different license which we can do for you.  Just give us a call at 1-888-211-5945.

What makes your music different?

All of our music has been hand-selected for dramatic possibilities. Not every piece of music is appropriate to accompany visual storytelling.

What is royalty-free music?

Pay a license fee and not have to worry about paying again.

Note: We can sometimes earn extra money paid by broadcast networks if our music gets placed on television or radio in the USA and additionally in theatrical release in most other territories. This is not something that you will have to pay extra for as a producer, director, web designer, advertiser, etc. It’s handled by organizations called Performing Rights Societies and inlude ASCAP, BMI and SESAC in the USA. In most other countries there is only one society. For example in Germany it’s GEMA. In the UK it’s PRS.

Is music at 300 Monks royalty-free?

All of our music sold through our store is royalty-free to the end user or producers.

Note: For Broadcast usage or Film theatrical release, we will send additional license agreements and a cue sheet which enable us to earn “Performing Rights Royalties” which again do not come out of your pocket.

What if I need an invoice for payment by my client?

Contact us for a comping file or an invoiced payment instead.

How do I pay for the music?

Add your track to the cart. Pay with a credit card, Amazon payments or PayPal. Then, click on your download link and receive your music in a zipped file.

How long can I use the music I purchase here?

After payment, your license entitles you to use the music in a single project. This is a single-user license. You may NOT redistribute or sell or lend or loan the music to anyone else including clients, employers or colleagues, nor can you use it alone apart from a visual medium. You do not own the music, it is licensed to you. Please review the complete licensing agreement. If you need a multi-user license, or a multi-project license,  please contact us.

Can I use these sounds and music to create new music to sell?

No. Absolutely not. The license agreement specifically prohibits the use of this music apart from a visual production. This is music for picture.

Who uses music by 300 Monks?

Major advertising agencies, Fortune 500 multinational brands, mom and pop stores, independent filmmakers, flash designers, powerpoint presenters, wedding filmmakers, DVD menu creators, fashion shows and more.

Do I have to credit 300 Monks?

Not required but would be wonderful. You can link to us if it’s a webproject and may want to say something like “Music by 300 Monks.”

Why can’t I hear the preview music or sound effects?

Is your volume on? Speakers? If so, you may need to upgrade your browser to the latest Flash plug-in.

I’m an Artist or Producer or Composer or Record Label and have some music I’d like to submit.  Can I do this?

Please see our submission page.

How did you get the name 300 Monks?

We are NOT a religious organization, and NO we are NOT really monks.

We ARE a brotherhood (and sisterhood) of talented Composers, Producers, and Artists living all over the world coming together to make music for moving images.  We just love the idea of a mystical temple somewhere in the forest where 300 people are making music for films, videos, etc.  If we had George Lucas on our side, maybe we could do that one day…

Where are you located?

We’re based in New York City, USA.

How long has 300 Monks been in business?

The company as it now stands was started in 2004. Before that it was a single composer’s website.

What does 300 Monks sell?

We don’t actually sell you the music.  You purchase a license to use the music in your visual production such as a film, website, etc.  Depending on the license, you can use our music for a specific media for a limited term and territory.  For example, you can license a track for use in a Website intro for 1 year, worldwide for $xx.  Or you can license a track for use in a TV Commercial for 5 years, North America, for $xx.  And you can always commision a custom track for which you own the publishing and never have to pay any additional fees for.