A Safer Sound for Movement

Over the past year, I’ve worked to refine and improve Sound for Movement—not just in terms of functionality, but in ways that make the platform safer, more secure, and more sustainable for the long term. This latest update is a reflection of that effort. From a more secure login process to a streamlined licensing system, the goal has been to create an experience that is simpler, clearer, and ultimately better for the community that relies on this platform.

A New, Simpler Login Process

One of the first major updates is the way users log in. Sound for Movement now uses a one-time password (OTP) system, which means that instead of creating and storing a password, users receive a six-digit code via email the first time they log in. This confirms their email address, and after that, they remain logged in unless they choose to log out. If they do log out, they will receive a new one-time password the next time they sign in.

This system enhances security while minimizing the amount of data stored. In fact, with this update, Sound for Movement holds even less user information than before. No passwords, no unnecessary personal data—just an email for authentication. This follows best practices in modern web applications: if you don’t collect data, you don’t have to protect it.

Streaming vs. Supporting Musicians

As always, all music on Sound for Movement remains freely streamable without logging in. However, I’ve noticed that some people prefer streaming here because they assume it supports me more than using major platforms like Apple Music or Spotify. While I appreciate that intent, I want to clarify that streaming on those platforms is still incredibly valuable.

While high-profile artists often discuss the downsides of streaming payouts, for independent musicians like me, platforms like Apple Music and Spotify serve as essential global playback systems. They allow people in different parts of the world—especially in areas with fewer resources—to access music effortlessly. I’ll continue to improve streaming on Sound for Movement, but I encourage anyone who listens regularly to keep supporting musicians through major platforms as well.

Free Downloads with a Small Change

For those who need high-quality WAV files for editing, choreography, or film projects, downloads are still free on a song-by-song basis. The only change is that users now need to log in first. This isn’t about limiting access—rather, it’s a necessary security measure to prevent automated bots from mass-downloading content.

This small step ensures that the dance community can continue accessing the music they need, while also keeping the site secure. Anyone who wants to download all of my music is still welcome to do so—it just takes a little time, as each track must be downloaded individually.

Purchasing Subscriptions & Licenses Through Stripe

All purchases—including annual licensing subscriptions, single-track licenses, and student licenses—now go through Stripe. This means that Sound for Movement no longer stores any e-commerce data, such as addresses or payment details. Again, this follows the same philosophy: if I don’t collect sensitive data, I don’t have to worry about protecting it.

For those starting a subscription, the process is now seamless. Once logged in, users are taken directly to Stripe’s customer portal, where they can start or manage their subscription. Active subscribers can access their account page, where they’ll find a button to manage their subscription at any time.

Licensing purchases follow the same process. Whether it’s a single-track license or a student license, everything runs through Stripe’s secure checkout system.

Active Subscribers: Early Access & New Account Page

If you already have an active subscription, your account has been moved over safely with no interruptions. However, if anything seems off, contact support right away and I’ll make sure it gets sorted—plus, I’ll add a couple of free months to your subscription for the trouble.

Subscribers now have access to a new account page, which includes:

- A Manage Subscription button for easy adjustments.

- A button to access the contact form for support.

- Early access to unreleased music—currently, the next six albums that will be released on Spotify. These albums can be streamed or downloaded immediately, allowing subscribers to use new music in their projects before it’s officially available elsewhere.

Annual Licensing & The Updated Licensing Form

Annual licensing subscribers will notice an updated licensing form that appears automatically when they visit the licensing page. The form has been refined based on industry requests, adding clearer language and a few new fields while keeping the process as simple as before.

One important thing hasn’t changed: as long as a license is purchased, it remains valid with proof of receipt. Sound for Movement continues to back every license, maintaining a secure and permanent record of all issued licenses. These updates make the process even smoother while ensuring that all licenses remain properly documented.

Simplified & More Affordable Licensing Options

Thanks to the success of annual licensing subscriptions, I was able to simplify and lower the cost of licensing across the board. Now, there are only three main licensing options:

1. Annual Licensing Subscription: $12.50/month (applies to all educational programs worldwide) billed annually.

2. Custom License: $100 for a single-track license that stays with your project in perpetuity.

3. Student License: Same a Custom License, but only for currently enroled students. Reduced to $5.

For those who license frequently, the annual subscription remains the most cost-effective option. These pricing changes were made to ensure that the most active users actually save money while keeping the system as straightforward as possible.

A New Approach to Educational Content

Over the last few years, I’ve received a huge amount of support and feedback on the educational content I’ve created. Teaching in person has always been natural for me, but writing in this format is still something I’m learning.

As part of this update, I’ve decided to move away from structured courses and instead focus on long-form posts. The Journal section of Sound for Movement will now house all educational content, allowing me to write without the pressure of fitting material into a course format.

This also means that all educational content remains completely free. The goal has always been to empower dancers to teach other dancers music, and this new approach lets me continue sharing that knowledge in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

No More Email Lists—Just Thoughtful Blog Posts

With this shift, I’ve also decided to stop maintaining an email list. Over the years, email marketing has felt more like an obligation than a meaningful way to communicate. Instead, all updates will now live on the website itself in the form of wthoughtful, long-form posts like this one.

This means no more promotional emails, no more short updates—just a centralized place for writing, teaching, and sharing. This shift also gives me more time to focus on music, add new pieces to the unreleased album for subscribers, and create meaningful content rather than maintaining a marketing system that never felt quite right.

The Philosophy Behind These Changes

At its core, this update is about making Sound for Movement safer, simpler, and more focused. By reducing the amount of data collected, offloading payment security to Stripe, and streamlining licensing, I can put my energy where it matters most: writing, creating, and supporting this community.

All of these changes were made with you—the dancers, choreographers, teachers, and artists—in mind. This refresh makes Sound for Movement more sustainable, more secure, and ultimately, more useful to the people who rely on it.

I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Warmly,

Michael