I am looking to purchase a library of various audio sounds and generic instrumental background songs for use in eLearning. I will need some to be very up-tempo, some to be more low-key, and some sound effects audio. I'm just curious--for those of you who have licensed music libraries--what services you use. Many thanks for any info.
I use iStockphoto (www.istockphoto.com) for music beds, sfx, etc. I can do a search for whatever I need, in a particular key, length, etc. The benefit is that you only buy what you need vs. paying for entire volume(s) of music and sounds that you may never use.
I grew up in the SW part of the state--near Platteville, and lived and worked in both Madison and Milwaukee for several years. I remember going up to Horicon Marsh in Spring to watch the Geese migration. Very cool!
Cheeseheads unite! Although I need to refer to myself as CheeseCorn, now (being in Nebraska).
To answer your question, my company has purchased only a few discs, but usually only when a need arose and/or when the library was on sale/free. I can't even say where they were acquired from, but I can confirm Doug's point: we have purchased a whole disc and wound up using just one clip. Not very cost effective.
Doug, I wasn't aware that istockphoto allowed you to do that. I'll need to look into it! Thanks! And maybe next time I'm visiting my relatives in Wausau, you, me, and Mike Enders should all get together! :)
I don't know if these will suite your needs or not. I haven't tried all of these but at some time or another, other community members posted them. They're all royalty free. Just be sure to read the various license agreements to see what your specific requirements are.
Cheeseheads unite! Although I need to refer to myself as CheeseCorn, now (being in Nebraska).
To answer your question, my company has purchased only a few discs, but usually only when a need arose and/or when the library was on sale/free. I can't even say where they were acquired from, but I can confirm Doug's point: we have purchased a whole disc and wound up using just one clip. Not very cost effective.
Doug, I wasn't aware that istockphoto allowed you to do that. I'll need to look into it! Thanks! And maybe next time I'm visiting my relatives in Wausau, you, me, and Mike Enders should all get together!
Thanks, David. We use music clips (short 3-7 second blips w/vocals) mostly as humorous "asides" in training--not as a background bed. (Think NPR, and you have a pretty good idea.) Problem is: We need some new audio (so we don't keep using the same clips over and over) that allows us the license to use the audio in that way. We're finding it's a real challenge.
I don't know if these will suite your needs or not. I haven't tried all of these but at some time or another, other community members posted them. They're all royalty free. Just be sure to read the various license agreements to see what your specific requirements are.
Wow! We're getting quite a list from the community! Thanks so much, everyone!
Melanie: I found the PERFECT background music at audionautix for a game scenario for one of my training programs : #98! I love how that site has everything from tense and serious to whimsical to humourous.
Sayuj: That's a great listing of good options, too!
Just wanted to thank everyone for your suggestions. Could've used these a few months back for a project I was working on. Have noted them in a Resources folder I'm keeping. Great to be part of this community.
15 Replies
I use iStockphoto (www.istockphoto.com) for music beds, sfx, etc. I can do a search for whatever I need, in a particular key, length, etc. The benefit is that you only buy what you need vs. paying for entire volume(s) of music and sounds that you may never use.
Thanks, Doug! (BTW...I see you're from my old stompin' grounds! I grew up in Wisconsin. I really miss the state!)
Well hey there former fellow Wisconsite! What area of the state did you grow up in?
I grew up in the SW part of the state--near Platteville, and lived and worked in both Madison and Milwaukee for several years. I remember going up to Horicon Marsh in Spring to watch the Geese migration. Very cool!
Cheeseheads unite! Although I need to refer to myself as CheeseCorn, now (being in Nebraska).
To answer your question, my company has purchased only a few discs, but usually only when a need arose and/or when the library was on sale/free. I can't even say where they were acquired from, but I can confirm Doug's point: we have purchased a whole disc and wound up using just one clip. Not very cost effective.
Doug, I wasn't aware that istockphoto allowed you to do that. I'll need to look into it! Thanks! And maybe next time I'm visiting my relatives in Wausau, you, me, and Mike Enders should all get together! :)
Hi Vicki!
I don't know if these will suite your needs or not. I haven't tried all of these but at some time or another, other community members posted them. They're all royalty free. Just be sure to read the various license agreements to see what your specific requirements are.
Brainy Betty
Freeplay Music
iStockphoto
Stock Music Boutique
Royalty Free Music Library
Jewel Beat
Audionautix
David! That would be awesome! Just let us know when you are in the area.
Doug
Thanks, David. We use music clips (short 3-7 second blips w/vocals) mostly as humorous "asides" in training--not as a background bed. (Think NPR, and you have a pretty good idea.) Problem is: We need some new audio (so we don't keep using the same clips over and over) that allows us the license to use the audio in that way. We're finding it's a real challenge.
Wow, Natalia!! That's quite a helpful list! When we need background music, now I have a fantastic list of places to check. THANKS!!!!
No problem. I came across this list when I was in need for some intro/outro music. Now I use it for that all the time.
Cheeseheads Rule! Go Pack Go!
I just used something from audionautix.com for one of my current projects. Check out Accoustic2.
I was amazed at the wide variety of music available - very good stuff. It is all Creative Commons licensed - attribution required.
I sometimes use http://www.danosongs.com/ for backgroung music..and mention the website in the credits section...
Wow! We're getting quite a list from the community! Thanks so much, everyone!
Melanie: I found the PERFECT background music at audionautix for a game scenario for one of my training programs : #98! I love how that site has everything from tense and serious to whimsical to humourous.
Sayuj: That's a great listing of good options, too!
Just wanted to thank everyone for your suggestions. Could've used these a few months back for a project I was working on. Have noted them in a Resources folder I'm keeping. Great to be part of this community.
I agree, Rebecca: This is a fantastic community for eLearning professionals!
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