I've never heard that music copyrights only last 26 years; my understanding is that music is protected in the same way that any other copyrightable creation is: life + 70 years (well, since 1977--before then, other rules apply). This website from Stanford helps with the basics:
http://fairuse.stanford.edu/overview/faqs/copyright-basics/
As for elevator music, you can bet that Walmart (and other stores) have a blanket license for that type of use, which is a different animal from live stage use.
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/music-licensing6.htm
Cheers,
Jonathan
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Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
Original Message:
Sent: 09-07-2016 11:30
From: James Gunn
Subject: Copyright Question
Unless the rights are re-secured by the artist, copyright on music only lasts 26 years, that's why ten years ago, we had 70s music in our elevators, and now we are serenaded by the 80s when walking through Walmart. So: if it's older than 26, there are no issues.
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JIm Gunn
Director of Theatre Arts
Madera High School
Madera CA
Original Message:
Sent: 09-06-2016 22:09
From: Donald Griffiths
Subject: Copyright Question
Does anyone have any insight on copyright laws for using non-original music. My students would like to write scenes or a even longer play using 80s pop songs (sung by the students). We have paid the arranging rights for the songs via our show choir. The question is can we pay for the performance rights and then use those songs in the context of an original play or scenes? I guess I am asking about creating an episode of Glee for our stage!
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Don Griffiths
Director of Theatre
Donelson Christian Academy
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