Ripped CD on mac - can I upload these onto iTune and while removing the music files from mac? I have ripped 800 or so CDs onto my macbook via iTune. 

Mac OS 10.6.8. iTune 11.4

I want to move these music files elsewhere (to increase mac's available memory capacity - I have moved all my heavy files to hard disc/storage elsewhere &amp; was planning to do the same with music files). However, when I test this by removing a certain music files, iTune won't play those tunes I removed that does no longer exist on the macbook - it is clearly playing from the music file, and not from the iTunes. My iTunes does not seem to hold any of my ripped music. How do you actually COPY all my ripped CD music onto iTune so that I can move the music files elsewhere but will still play on my macbook? Apple support site provides no solution, only encourages me to sign up for things I don't need (i.e. regular music subscription) but there must be a way! Any help greatly appreciated!
What you're asking for is called iTunes Match, also Apple Music. Since you don't want to pay for those I'd suggest an iTunes server instead. If you have a second mac you can set it up like this:

http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_set_itunes_home_server

...or using a third party app (not free):

http://supersync.com/access.php

If you have a NAS you could use the built in iTunes server, e.g. Synology:

https://www.synology.com/en-global/knowledgebase/tutorials/632