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Home , Disappointed, Honors music, Melissa Etheridge, Music competition, Music Week, Nile Rodgers

Strengthening the importance of in our life and culture since 1940

N E W S L E T T E R Winter 2021

N E W S L E T National Music Council The NMC will be releasing a compilation Thanks and Honors Music T Evideo R of some of the wonderful artists who Educators Across America contributed messages, including , , , To honor the heroic efforts of our nation’s Donald Fagan, Nile Rodgers, , N ETake 6,W and the S late ChickL Corea.E T music teachers and administrators, who are working tirelessly to “keep the music playing” in our schools and for our The Council requests that all member during the pandemic, the National Music T Eorganizations R release a statement (the Council invited artists and to suggested wording of which is currently share their support for being prepared) to announce the video, and music teachers. Many responded notN Eand toW highlight S the work L music E teachers T only with words, but by submitting brief are doing in schools to keep the music videos thanking instructors for their playing. The statement will be sent out to commitment to our children. They want to membership later this month with a release T E R st let music teachers know that their efforts date of March 1 to coincide with Music In really make a positive difference, Our Schools month. We encourage your especially in times of crisis. participation in this effort to thank our music teachers!

You can view some of the videos on our website.

Performing Arts Aerosol constituents to “sign the pledge” supporting the Arts ARE Education campaign, which Coalition Update began January 19th at NAMM’s Believe in Music Week (https://www.artsareeducation.org/). Last spring, more than 125 performing arts organizations gathered together with the This campaign is in support of strong goal of saving performing arts music and arts education programs next activities through commissioning scientific school year. We know that there will be research into the aerosol dispersion of headwinds for next school year, including performers and musicians. With the good budget cuts, a focus on remediation, and work of this coalition and the hard work of the continued need for PPE equipment that our research team, millions of students is specific to music and performing arts across the and around the classrooms. In response, the Arts ARE world were able to continue their courses Education campaign is a call to action for and activities. all interested music educators, advocates, and community members. The call We are still awe struck in the amount of includes: support and cohesion provided by the performing arts community. COVID-19 has • A pledge that any individual or been very efficient at showing weaknesses organization can take, pledging their and strengths, and one of the prouder support for arts education and the moments from 2020 was the strength of work that they will undertake at the the performing arts community. There is local level still much work to do, but this study and its (https://www.artsareeducation.org/si results has been a victory to be celebrated. gn-the-pledge). • A school board resolution, A review of what has been accomplished requesting school board’s to fully with our work together, as well as complete support arts education in the coming information from the study can be found school year here. We will continue to update this page (https://www.artsareeducation.org/o as new updates are available. We should ur-resolution). see published results in the next few • A state legislator ask to fully fund weeks that have been peer reviewed. We public education will also be extending the research for the (http://bit.ly/ArtsAreEdStateAsks next few months to continue exploring and refining aerosol transmission in performing arts as it relates to disease transmission. We want to ensure that all aspects of this research can be completed, and we are not stopped due to a calendar year change.

Join the Arts ARE Education Advocacy Campaign!

The National Music Council encourages all Arts ARE Education Advocacy of its members organizations and their Campaign 2 NMC Chairman’s Report: through the entity known as the Mechanical Licensing Collective Issues In (MLC). NMC has continued to Which NMC Participated in support the enactment of rules by 2020 the US Copyright Office that ensure maximum protection for the rights of National Music Council Chair Charles J. music creators and copyright Sanders presented a report to the owners, and fairness in all aspects attendees of this year’s on-line, Annual of the law’s implementation. All General Meeting in January of 2021 songwriters, , lyricists concerning the many music industry issues and music copyright owners are in which NMC participated over the past urged to familiarize themselves with year. NMC takes consensus positions on the MLC website, which provides industry legislative and administrative instructions as to how to best secure matters only with the unanimous consent full benefits under the new law. For of its board, and only in ways consistent more information, please refer to: with all applicable laws and regulations. https://www.themlc.com/ Here is a list of some of the highlights: 3. Appointment of Shira Perlmutter 1. The CASE Small Copyright as the 14th US Register of Claims Act-- NMC was proud to Copyrights-- NMC applauded the support the successful efforts of selection of Shira Permutter, having virtually the entire US music stressed to the Librarian of community to gain enactment of Congress the need for the legislation that establishes a small appointment of someone who not claims system for copyright actions only possesses the legal, in the US. This opt-out system, set administrative and technical up within the US Copyright Office, is expertise necessary to guide the expected to be especially helpful to office through a period of long- needed modernization, but also individual creators and independent someone with a deep knowledge, copyright owners in the protection of respect and affection for the arts their musical works in a more cost- and creators on a national and effective manner. NMC plans to international basis. Register actively monitor implementation of Perlmutter’s background and the Act. For more information, biography are set forth here: please refer to: https://www.copyright.gov/about/lea https://copyrightalliance.org/trending dership/shira-perlmutter.html -topics/copyright-small-claims/

4. Monitoring of Other Legislative 2. Implementation of the Music and Administrative Issues-- NMC Modernization Act (MMA)-- NMC continued to monitor several other supported the successful effort in issues before US Congress, State 2018 to gain enactment of the MMA Legislatures, and the Courts during (https://www.copyright.gov/music- 2020, including ongoing, potential modernization/), which among other legislative actions regarding (a) the benefits, established a new US scope of various rights and mechanical rights licensing system 3 protections concerning the creation copyright law reforms, with careful of musical , (b) the attention paid to encouraging effect of various tax-related laws in limitation of the fair use doctrine to California concerning independent serve as a narrow exception and contractors (including those in the defense to copyright infringement, music industry), (c) the availability to and not turned into a recognized music industry members of federal “right” of copyright users. benefits under economic stimulus packages passed during the 7. Opposing Violence Against Music COVID-19 pandemic crisis, (d) the Creators-- NMC joined in efforts to potential for placement of limitations support justice for the late Hachalu on sovereign immunity defenses to Hundassa, Ethiopia’s most famous copyright infringement actions singer-, who was against state entities such as public murdered (potentially in retaliation schools, and (e) Congressional for his peaceful political activities) in review of the “safe-harbor” and August 2020. NMC, along with the “notice and takedown” provisions of International Music Council (IMC), is the US Copyright Act and their committed to advocating for the effects in limiting the liability of protection of musical artists and internet music distributors for creators seeking to peacefully copyright infringement. exercise their rights of free speech without fear of harm, around the world. See: https://www.imc-cim.org/ 5. Copyright Act “Restatement”-- NMC continues to oppose an effort 8. Support of Efforts Around the by the American Law Institute (ALI) World to Close the “Value Gap”— to issue a “restatement” of the US Also together with IMC, NMC is Copyright Act that heavily favors the working to lend support to the expansive view of fair use, European Union’s initiative to close especially in regard to the Internet. the so-called “value gap” between For an update of Congressional those who create and sustain Judiciary Committee views, see: musical creation, and commercial https://www.ipwatchdog.com/2020/0 users of music (including those who 3/04/debate-continues-ali-congress- distribute such works on the copyright-restatement- Internet). For an update on that project/id=119575/ important area of international copyright law, see the analysis of 6. US Trade Representative Support the recently adopted Digital Single on Canadian and South African Market Copyright Directive on the Copyright Laws--NMC filed EU governmental website: comments with the United States https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single- Trade Representative (USTR), market/en/eu-copyright-legislation urging it to encourage foreign The next step will be the nations to enact stronger copyright implementation of the Directive in protections for their creators and individual member nations of the copyright owners. In particular, EU. USTR was asked to support Canadian and South African 9. COVID-19 Programs-- In addition to NMC’s activities concerning its 4 key support for aerosol studies and to celebrate the power and resilience of its organization of “thank you” music and to plan for the year ahead. tributes from music celebrities to “While we knew we could not truly replicate America’s music teachers, NMC The NAMM Show, we felt that this was also proud to join the American unprecedented time made it even more Federation of Musicians in support important for us to gather the global of a performance program designed industry with a Marketplace to launch new to buoy the spirits of front line health products, provide an extraordinary care workers during in New York education campus and to bring everyone City during its worst months of the together as a community to promote music pandemic in 2020. and to set the stage for industry recovery ______and growth,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO. “What surprised me Believe in Music Week: The the most was the incredible amount of quality content that was created by NAMM Online Global Gathering to and our members for Believe Week and Unify and Support the People the fact that we might have inadvertently Who Bring Music to the World just created the best music social network out there!” Concludes , NAMM Chair and CEO of Martin Guitar, said, “As you may have heard, the guitar business is pretty good despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. While some of us are doing ok, other members of our association and the communities they serve to continue to struggle. Believe in Music week served to help those in need while benefiting the industry at-large with education and the opportunities to connect.” A convergence of 93,226 industry leaders, buyers, sellers, music educators, artists, With its mission to support the people who media and music makers from 187 bring music to the world, generous countries and territories gathered this past members and participants raised or week to take part in NAMM's Believe in pledged nearly $500,000 in matched funds Music week, the online, global gathering to for 12 nonprofit beneficiary organizations unify and support the people who bring as well as other NAMM Foundation music to the world. The event, which charities that work to advance access to spanned Monday, January 18 – Friday, music-making. The idea for the matching January 22, saw industry professionals campaign was conceived and led by virtually convene in 983 special sessions NAMM Chair and CEO of Martin Guitars, and events, engage with 611 hours of live- Chris Martin. After witnessing the streamed and programmed content, which devastating impact of COVID-19 across included nearly 200 education, training and the industry, Chris and Diane Martin professional development sessions offered a personal donation of $100,000 to presented by 391 speakers, and kick-off the giveback campaign and experience new products from 1,227 matching program. Industry leaders who participating brands in the Marketplace, all answered the call to donate include Joe 5 Castronovo, Korg USA; JC Curleigh, Mitch Gallagher of Sweetwater offered ; David Kalt; Chris Lombardi, Drum “Believe In Music week was a tremendous Workshop; Joel Menchey, Menchey Music opportunity for everyone — not just the Service; Tom Sumner, Yamaha; Chuck trade — to take part in the excitement of Surack, Sweetwater; Chris White, White NAMM! Believe In Music brought us all the House of Music; and Andy Zildjian, Sabian; new gear we love and crave, along with a and others, as the donations continued to critical element for anyone interested in come in in the days after Believe week. playing, writing, or recording music: Read the release here. inspiration. More than a substitute for the traditional trade show, Believe in Music On the opening day of Believe TV, Fred week established a new venue for and Dinah Gretsch, the Gretsch Company manufacturers, retailers, press, and music- and Jerry Ash and the Ash Family also makers to connect, interact, and learn from announced the creation of the Bernice Ash one another. A huge success!” Memorial Scholarship Fund in The NAMM Foundation. Networking was top-of-mind for many. David Jahnke of Hal Leonard shared, The event took place on the Swapcard "While nothing can replace the in-person platform and created a social network of experience, BIM week has given us the industry activity from members found opportunity to introduce ourselves to across the globe to network, learn and be members of the music retail and inspired. At press time, 33,379 educational community that might not have international registrants - from Afghanistan the opportunity to go to NAMM. Virtual BIM to Zimbabwe - representing over 187 has been the next best thing to being countries and territories - attended. there."

"The NAMM team's creativity represents Leslie Stirm of Music Center the best of 'the show must go on' spirit by echoed that enthusiasm. "The best part of providing HARMAN and the rest of the BIM week is that it sparked excitement! It's industry with a platform on which we can been a tough year, and it's been hard to connect with our customers," said David generate excitement about talking to Glaubke, director of corporate vendors because we didn't have much communications, HARMAN. "Believe in good news to report. Believe in Music Music week is a brilliant use of technology week felt like a virtual NAMM show! We that brings forward programs and products had meetings both on and off the platform, to individuals who might not ordinarily have and it was robust, innovative and well the opportunity to attend the show. While thought out! My staff and I attended AIMM we wish we are all together in Anaheim, we meetings, vendor meetings, educational are pleased that NAMM was committed to sessions, Top 100 Dealer Awards, and I delivering the best possible experience." presented at the Best in Show. It has helped our business flush 2020 down the At the Marketplace, the latest technologies drain and refreshes our focus on the and gear were presented across brand future." experience pages, showcasing brand stories and information, along with special Three main TV stations, Believe, Artist, events. At press time, 768 brand events and Gear TV, offered live interviews, new were held throughout the week. gear features and special performances. On Thursday and Friday, Believe TV served as the main hub of activity and 6 featured the likes of Lamond and co-host been through all through time – can you Herb Trawick (Pensado’s Place) for two imagine a life without music? We have a full days of industry updates, interviews gift, and that gift has to be given, shared to with "Unsung Heroes," and a series of be experienced. I give thanks every day special events. Each morning began from that I get to do this every day.” Etheridge the live anchor desk at Gnarlywood closed the interview with an abridged Studios in Carlsbad, California, featuring performance of her hit, “Come to My live interviews with multi-platinum, Window.” Following the interview and GRAMMY® award winners Garth Brooks performance, a special Martin Guitars Jam and Melissa Etheridge as the recipients of in Place featured a performance from 2021's "Music for Life" award. In his guitarist John Mayer. interview, Brooks, who was fresh off a celebratory performance for the U.S. Brooks and Etheridge joined other artists at Presidential Inauguration the previous day, Believe week, including Glen Ballard; told stories of adaptation and recognized Jackson Browne; Chick Corea; the importance of his tour team and deadmau5; ; Lzzy Hale; bandmates, as well as the best advice he ; Patrice Rushen; Billy Bob could offer emerging leaders in the Thornton; Diane Warren; and more. industry. "The Bottom line: treat people the Legendary Mel Brooks, way you want to be treated. Make people presented by Hal Leonard, shared the feel the way you want to feel… If you truly story behind some of his most memorable get this gig… give it every chance you take compositions; Jimmy Jam and Terry the stage -- it may be your last -- get Lewis, presented by Roland, discussed everything out of it that you can...leave it all the intersection of the artist and product on the stage." relationship; and keys legends Herbie Hancock, Greg Phillinganes, James On the future of live , he Poyser, Terrace Martin, and Robert remarked, "You never know what's going Glasper joined Korg to discuss their to come in life. In the future, I will approach approach to making music. playing again like I never have before because it's never been taken away from International artists also enthusiastically me... so get ready. It's going to be a flurry joined the Believe TV celebration in a of activity like you've never seen from series of performances, including a show artists, fans, everybody - get ready, I can't by GRAMMY® award winner Wu Tong, wait." India's largest YouTube band, Sanam, as well as percussion legends, including Gino On Friday morning, Gibson Brands Banks, Taufiq Qureshi, who played a President and CEO James “JC” Curleigh session with Louiz Banks, and - shared his thoughts on the state of the based guitarist, Dney Bitencourt. industry and a rising generation of new creators and players, and ways to connect. Believe in Music Week offered several After, Melissa Etheridge joined Lamond tracks geared toward different areas of and Trawick for a live interview on her interest: Education to Meet the Challenges career, the pandemic, and pivoting to her of Today and the Opportunities of online platform, Etheridge TV, where she Tomorrow; Business for the New Future; performs three times per week for fans. In Audio Production and Technology; the interview, she shared her thoughts on Entertainment Technology; an Artist Track, her career and why music is so important: and a NAMM Foundation Track. “What we do is so important, and it has 7 For more details and the full press release music to help combat child labour, which on Believe in Music Week including The affects 152 million children worldwide. Grand Rally for Music Education, Top 100 Musicians of all genres are invited to Awards Honoring the Industry's Leaders submit a song to inspire governments and and Innovators, 36th TEC Awards, and stakeholders to take action to eliminate more, click here. child labour, which affects nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide. At present, the industry looks forward to gathering in Nashville at Summer NAMM, While child labour has decreased by July 15-17, 2021, at Music City Center. almost 40 per cent over the last two The National Music Council will present decades, the COVID-19 pandemic its annual American Eagle Awards for threatens to reverse that progress. lifetime contribution to American music at a gala dinner at the NAMM Show on the The global Music Against Child Labour evening of Thursday July 15th. Initiative, launched in 2013 by the ILO, JM International and the International Until then, visit the Believe in Music Federation of Musicians (FIM), together platform, open to all until February 28, with renowned musicians and key partners 2021. from the world of music has two key aims: raising awareness of child labour through music, and empowering children, including children formerly in child labour, through Launched music. to Raise Awareness of Child Musicians can submit their competition Labour entries to one of three categories: a global category for all artists; a grassroots category for music projects involving children affected by child labour; and a CLEAR Cotton project category for national competitions run in Burkina Faso, Mali, Pakistan and Peru, where the ILO works with partners to combat child labour and forced labour in the cotton, textile and garment value chains.

Winners will be selected by a panel of technical and music experts, based on musical quality, the relevance of the message, song originality, and the inclusion of a call to action. Entries will be reviewed by the award-winning composer The Music Against Child Labour Initiative, AR Rahman and other artists from the which brings together musicians to raise musical world. awareness of child labour, is launching a song competition on 3 February 2021 to “The power of music lies in its ability to mark the UN International Year for the make people feel certain emotions, to Elimination of Child Labour. The connect and bring us together,” said competition aims to harness the power of Rahman. 8 Winners will be awarded a cash prize, a fewer than 40 in number, we represent a professional music-video recording of their wide variety of experiences, and we song; and the opportunity for their song to celebrate all styles of . We meet five be part of the global World Day Against times a year to discuss pedagogical issues Child Labour event in June 2021. The in teaching voice. These discussions form competition deadline is 12 April 2021. the basis for opinion papers which are published in the NATS Journal of Singing The competition is being run by the global and made available on the AATS website: youth music organization Jeunesses americanacademyofteachersofsinging.org. Musicales International in collaboration Papers written by the Academy are with the International Labour Organization, available for the use of other authors as under the umbrella of the Music Initiative. long as there is an acknowledgement of the source. For information about the competition and how to enter, visit: For the first ever NATS virtual conference in June 2020, AATS presented 3 short www.musicagainstchildlabour.com papers: or www.facebook.com/musicagainstchildlabour -Mentoring: Take(s) Two -Choosing a Summer Program: Guidelines for The ILO CLEAR Cotton project, co-funded Singers -In Support of Teaching the Transgender-Non- by the European Union and implemented Binary Singer in collaboration with the FAO, combats child labour in Burkina Faso, Mali, Pakistan We also published the following statement: and Peru by supporting the efforts of governments, social partners and the In these challenging times, as thousands of cotton sector actors at a national level and protesters march around the world, the American by empowering communities and Academy of Teachers of Singing stands with them stakeholders. in solidarity against the physical acts and mindsets ______that contribute to racial injustice.

We strive to be inclusive in the celebration, performance, and academic study of diverse cultures and the music they represent and cannot MEMBER ignore the systemic injustices that affect these same cultures and communities. Our duty as educators and thought leaders is to help increase awareness, and drive change. REPORTS ______For change to come, we must make a concerted, communal effort to be part of the solution. It’s times like these that challenge our commitment to social American Academy of justice and call into question our own action or inaction. As Elie Wiesel said, “We must always take Teachers of Singing sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” The American Academy of Teachers of Singing was formed in 1922 to serve in an Let us sing together and stand with intention. advisory capacity to teaching profession and was one of the founding organizations of NATS. Though we are Black Lives Matter

9 American Guild of Organists special projects identified by the AGO National Council. Online Programming, Resources, and F. Anthony Thurman, Assistance Due to COVID: Director of Development and Communications

The AGO replaced in-person programming in 2020 with online meetings, webinars, and performances, including a 5-day ASCAP Organ Fest, which presented performers and new music compositions that had been As the only US PRO founded and commissioned for the 2020 AGO National governed by our songwriter, composer Convention in Atlanta. and members, ASCAP has always had a strong connection to the Due to temporary closures of many needs of the music community we serve. churches, which are the primary source of For us, the past year has been focused on employment for Guild members, the AGO constant innovation, transforming how we curated an online page of resources operate in order to continue delivering on including links to relief funds, tools for our mission of serving our nearly 800,000 working remotely, and helpful information members in the midst of a global pandemic for remaining productive during the and an ever-evolving music industry. COVID-19 pandemic. In the spring of 2020, ASCAP pivoted to The AGO and the Royal College of 100% virtual operations and remote work Organists entered into a new reciprocal for all employees. We shifted our annual agreement to benefit organists on both conference, The ASCAP Experience, to a sides of the Atlantic by providing additional virtual format in record time, hosting 38 online resources during the COVID-19 free online sessions over the course of stay-at-home orders. AGO members eight weeks featuring leading ASCAP unable to renew their dues because of members, with more than 10,000 financial hardship were able to renew registered participants from over 120 through a membership renewal fund different countries. We also hosted all established by donors. seven of our awards shows virtually, and launched several new online composer and songwriter programs like ASCAP Online Programming in 2021: Screen Time and showcases SPF, RoadNation and Sunday Inspiration. Four Pipe Organ Encounters will be offered this summer along with AGO OrganFest ASCAP worked hard to help our members

2021 and continuing education webinars. weather the pandemic. We accelerated our distribution of Symphony, Recital and Education royalties to give our members Major Bequests Received: more financial security at a time when they needed it most. And we fought hard in The AGO received more than $800,000 Congress for COVID-19 relief through bequests in 2020. These funds are measures that would help our members, being used to support operations and helping to rally a broad music industry coalition. We also made a

10 sizeable MusiCares donation for COVID that harnessed the power of music to build relief to help ASCAP songwriters and a more connected, just, inclusive and composers in need. engaged society.

ASCAP continues to lead the fight to In 2021, ASCAP is committed to continue defend the value of music and protect the leading by example. In February, we rights of music creators in our nation’s kicked off a month-long campaign to pay capital. When the US Department of tribute to the Black music creators who Justice (DOJ) announced it would close its have defined and transformed our culture two-year long review of the ASCAP and since the very beginnings of BMI consent decrees in January 2021, we the music industry. We look forward to were disappointed that no action was driving more innovation and progress taken. But we were encouraged to see the for music creators and making history DOJ announcement acknowledge truths together in the coming year. we have long understood: Composers and songwriters are the backbone of the music industry and must be paid fairly; College Band Directors blanket licensing is incredibly efficient; ASCAP and BMI are innovating to serve National Association the needs of the industry; marketplace solutions are the answer – not compulsory In response to the pandemic and inability licensing; and the value of music is best of many college bands to meet or perform decided in a free market. As the due to restrictions, CBDNA formed the first marketplace continues to evolve, ASCAP’s ever Intercollegiate Marching Band which commitment to continuous innovation and performed virtually at the College Football defending the value of our National Championship game on January members’ music will never waiver. 11, 2021. With close to 1,500 performers representing 200 bands, the group Importantly, we also launched Songview in performed Beyoncé’s “End of Time.” For 2020, a comprehensive data platform more info and to watch the performance, developed in partnership with BMI, which go to www.cbdna-IMB.com. enables ASCAP and BMI to now display more detailed, authoritative and consistent “Joining in unity during a time when college copyright ownership data for performing marching bands have been forced to the rights for more than 20 million songs in our sidelines, the CBDNA Intercollegiate combined repertories, all in one place for Marching Band will keep the spirit alive by the very first time. performing virtually together.“

ASCAP has long recognized that our For more information and to watch the global music creator family has an impact performance, visit www.cbdna-imb.com far beyond our own industry. In 2020, we proved over and over again that music can Dr. Mark Spede, National President be a force for good in the wider world. To that end, we were honored to help fund New Music USA’s Amplifying

Voices program, as well as to launch Music Unites Us, Fight for Change,

our HBCU Intern Leadership Program and the ASCAP Citizen campaign - initiatives

11 Delta Omicron Music Performance Trust Fund The Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity Triennial Conference will be In 2020, the recording industry’s Music postponed to July 27-30, 2022 in Norfolk, Performance Trust Fund found alternative Virginia. ways to bring resources to professional musicians in North America despite the Delta Omicron is pleased to announced the pandemic’s devastating impact on live results of their composition competition. musical events. David Hamilton's piece “Night Songs III” for male voice is the winning composition. The COVID-19 health event began just as Hamilton is one of the most widely the MPTF announced new grant budgets performed composers in in for the fiscal year that was to begin May addition to being a highly respected choral 1. The Trust Fund expected to support director and influential music educator. over 3,000 free live music events in David's works have been commissioned by communities throughout the United States most major New Zealand groups including and , with the grant budget Radio New Zealand, New Zealand featuring the largest increase in decades, Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Choral expanding from $1.2 million in 2019-20 to Society, Chamber Music New Zealand, the $1.7 million available for 2020-21. New Zealand Youth Choir, and the Auckland Philharmonia. His works are To continue to support the music increasingly being performed outside New community, the MPTF established two new Zealand, with recent performances in funding opportunities -- live streaming Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra grants and a Music Family Scholarship -- (), Vancouver and which have meant that nearly $1 million (Canada), Seattle, San Francisco, has been distributed to professional Washington D.C. and Georgia (USA), musicians and their families in the United Manchester and York (England), and States and Canada during this Galway (Ireland). exceptionally challenging year.

The Delta Omicron Foundation awarded The MPTF’s live streaming grants support grants to members for summer study. solo and ensemble musicians as they Another area that the Foundation is perform on the MPTF’s Facebook page. focusing on is financial support for national We have hosted more than 300 live jazz, music organizations that foster youth music classical, , zydeco and other genre education particularly in low-income areas. performances, attracting diverse North The Foundation supported the American audiences to discover artists Youth Artists Orchestra, the Colorado from outside their own community. Our Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the goal is to provide grants to sponsor as Denver Children’s Choir through an estate many as 500 live streaming events before memorial to Zelma Zimmerman the end of the fiscal year. Follow us on Mawhinney. This year, through a gracious Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to be gift from Michelle Worthing in memory of updated on our next live streaming events her husband Dr. Richard Worthing, we are and more. supporting the San Diego Youth Symphony Conservatory’s Opus Program. A scholarship fund was established to encourage the children of professional

12 musicians to pursue higher education and Business Resources to become leaders in their chosen fields. $100,000 was disbursed to 125 applicants MTNA has created a new Business to support their growth and achievement; Resources section of its website to meet recipients were selected based upon the the ever-changing demands that music strength of their essays, which described teachers face. Content will continue to be the impact of growing up in musical added and updated to ensure teachers families. have access to resources necessary to grow thriving studios and fulfilling careers. Learn more about our scholarship While much of the content is open to all, recipients at here. full access is only available to association members. For more details, visit Traditional MPTF-sponsored events www.mtna.org. include free performances at senior centers and assisted living facilities, music education programs in hundreds of school districts, as well as in parks and other gathering places across the U.S. and NAMM Canada. We anticipate that free, live music will return soon, and that music will help Believe in Music Content Available Through Feb 28 bring communities together once again. Thank you joining us Believe in Music For more information on the MPTF, visit Week. With thousands of brands and musicpf.org education to check out, we are keeping the digital platform open through Feb. 28. Registration is FREE. Register today.

Music Teachers National Arts ARE Education National Advocacy Association Campaign

Arts ARE Education is a new national 2021 MTNA Virtual Conference campaign designed to support the ongoing value of music and the arts for PreK-12 The 2021 MTNA Virtual Conference will be students in the post-pandemic era. You are held March 13-17. MTNA has curated its encouraged to reach out to state legislators most extensive and best conference using the templated letter tool to urge that program ever and will deliver it all to they fully fund public education for next attendees in the comfort of their own school year. Take action. homes or studios. MTNA’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion plays a The Smart (SWIM) Summit Application Period Open prominent role as the association celebrates how music teachers and The Smart Women in Music Fund (SWIM) musicians from diverse backgrounds and is pleased to announce the second annual experiences have shaped and are shaping SWIM Summit Leadership Program May 4- today’s music teaching profession. For 7, 2021, at the NAMM Headquarters in more information or to register, visit Carlsbad, California. Applications for the www.mtna.org. Summit Scholarship open now, and close on February 28, 2021.

Apply today 13 National Association for Membership. With a variety of options, including our new Platinum level, your Music Education company will have the opportunity to strategically market your brand while NAfME Music Research and Teacher utilizing platforms that educate and Education biennial conference and encourage collaboration with music PreK–12 Learning Collaborative: This teachers. Stand beside an established and conference will take place February 25–27 respected music education association that in a virtual format. It will include four blocks supports its members, promotes music of presentations, followed by a poster making and access to music education for session (with breaks provided all school students, and advocates for throughout). Saturday, February 27 will music in all our nation’s schools. Benefits include the Senior Researcher Address include discounts on advertising; and additional meetings. We are pleased cobranded emails to music educators; to feature a keynote address by Mackie V. sponsored blogs and social media posts; Spradley, Clifford K. Madsen, and Marie use of the NAfME Corporate logo; listing in McCarthy. PreK–12 music educators are the NAfME corporate directory; discounts invited join in a new vision for music on list rentals; webinar hosting; exclusive education at Bringing the Future into exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities; Focus, the 2021 NAfME National and more. To find out more, contact Conference. This event will include [email protected], or visit powerful sessions from music educators nafme.org/corporate. from around the country. Sessions will be presented both asynchronously and live NAfME Eastern Division conference: with PreK–12 live sessions available on This conference will take place virtually Saturday, February 27, ending with a April 22–24, and is open to all NAfME virtual happy hour. members. The theme is “We All Belong! Proven Practices and Perspectives for The NAfME member rate of $50 includes Today’s Music Educators.” This conference all programming (the 2021 Music Research will focus on proven practices in the current and Teacher Education Conference and climate of synchronous and asynchronous the PreK–12 Learning Collaborative). The teaching, in both hybrid and in-person non-member rate is $195. Attendees can settings. Culturally responsive teaching, receive a print copy of the classic social and emotional awareness, creative, publication Vision 2020: The Housewright and innovative teaching concepts, and Symposium on the Future of Music engaging delivery of instruction are among Education—updated with new context for the themes that will weave through the 2020—for just $15 with registration. Learn conference strands. Learn more and more and register at register at https://bit.ly/MRTE2021. https://bit.ly/2021EasternDivision.

NAfME Corporate Membership: NAfME’s Competitions for students in K–12 music educator members are looking songwriting, composition, and for innovative solutions to their challenges electronic music: Once again in the music classroom—needs that your opportunities are available for K–12 and company could meet. Introduce your collegiate/graduate school students to be company to this engaged and receptive recognized nationally for their creativity in audience through NAfME Corporate music. The deadline for all three competitions is April 9. 14 • NAfME Student Composers adjudicated but will not be eligible Competition: Teachers and for awards or for performance. Up students are invited to submit to six selected composers will original student compositions for receive cash awards. All entrants Symphonic Orchestra or Reed will receive written evaluations of Quintet their compositions. (http://bit.ly/NAfMEStudentComposers). Cash prizes will be awarded to winners and honorable mentions. Students in elementary school, secondary school, college, and graduate school are eligible to submit compositions. Up to 13 selected composers will receive cash awards, thanks to the generous support of the European American Musical Alliance (Dr. Philip Lasser, president). All entrants will receive written Music In Our Schools Month® 2021 evaluations of their compositions. (MIOSM®): The theme for the March 2021 celebration of Music In Our Schools • NAfME Electronic Music Month® (MIOSM®) is “Music: The Sound of Composition Competition: The My Heart.” The first-ever virtual NAfME All- NAfME Electronic Music National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) final Composition Competition productions will premiere the first (http://bit.ly/ElectronicMusicCompetition) week in March 2021* to kick off Music In recognizes outstanding Our Schools Month. And join us for a compositions and highlights the virtual performance of the winning effectiveness of music technology in compositions from the 2020 Student the school curriculum. Entries will be Composers Competition with the award- judged based on their aesthetic winning Akropolis Reed Quintet quality, use of electronic media, and (akropolisquintet.org) on March 29, 2021, the power of the composition. at 7:00 PM ET. For dates and details, visit Students in K–12 and collegiate nafme.org/ANHE and level may enter. Up to nine selected bit.ly/NAfMEStudentComposers. *Exact composers will receive cash dates of ANHE virtual concerts in March awards. All entrants will receive will soon be announced. written evaluations of their compositions. The NAfME Council for General Music Education announced a new direction for • NAfME Student Songwriters MIOSM, which began with the 2018–19 Competition: This competition school year. This year focuses on lessons (http://bit.ly/NAfMEStudentSongwriters) for fourth-graders, helping them learn returns for its second year. Students elements of music through some classic in elementary school and secondary children’s songs. The lessons and songs, school are eligible to submit songs. however, can be shared at many levels. All Songs submitted that fall outside are available without charge to teachers for the competition guidelines will be their use during MIOSM and in years to come. To learn more about this year’s 15 theme and how to take part in the Biggest to the Biden transition team detailing School Chorus in the World with American education policy proposals that would Young Voices, and obtain lesson plans, advance the goal of music education for all repertoire, classroom items, and other students. NAfME sent an additional letter materials, visit nafme.org/MIOSM. Follow (http://bit.ly/NAEPLetter) with associations #MusicTheSoundOfMyHeart and #MIOSM representing arts, humanities, and social on Twitter and Instagram. studies education to the Biden transition team calling for reinstatement of the Arts NAfME Advocacy Updates NAEP and greater support for at the U.S. Department of Education for a Well- State Advocacy Update: As we begin a Rounded Education as defined in ESSA. new year, state legislatures nationwide will NAfME will remain in contact with Biden convene new sessions to address the education officials while also states’ business. All 50 state legislatures outreach to Congress. In March, state and will meet this year, with most of them national leaders within NAfME’s family of convening in January. We expect COVID- associations will conduct congressional 19 to be a dominating topic at the state advocacy through a “Virtual Hill Month,” as level, and debate on topics such as state part of Music In Our Schools Month® 2021. and education finance to be heavily NAfME’s policy agenda influenced by the virus. (https://nafme.org/advocacy/public-policy/) As states begin to convene, an interesting will prioritize funding for schools and trend that we have seen thus far is in state/local governments through COVID governors’ budget proposals for the relief legislation, funding for well-rounded coming fiscal year. These proposals are education programs through the annual meant to outline the administrations’ appropriations process, and the priorities for the year’s legislative session, importance of music education in any and usually function as a starting point for proposed changes to federal education the legislature’s budget work. This year, we law. are seeing governors from both sides of the political spectrum release budget proposals that have been supportive of National Association of education and include increased funding. So far, governors’ budget proposals in Teachers of Singing Utah, California, Idaho, New Mexico, and Virginia have increased or included National Association of Teachers of additional funding for education. Singing offers free replays of timely Additionally, Tennessee has convened a webinars special legislative session to deal solely with education issues. For more National Association of Teachers of information on state policy developments, Singing (NATS) held two free webinars on visit the Advocacy Bulletin blog its YouTube channel in January. Click the (https://nafme.org/category/advocacy-news/) and links below to watch on demand. State Advocacy (https://nafme.org/advocacy/state-advocacy/) Free Webinar: Vaccines, Herd Immunity page on the NAfME website. and How We Get There We know vaccination is key for voices Federal Advocacy Update: NAfME and teachers to get back to teaching and the Music Education Policy Roundtable singing face to face and without masks. sent a letter (http://bit.ly/MEPRBidenLetter) NATS asked a leading expert to weigh in 16 on COVID-19 vaccine rollout and answer accomplished, even in the trying times of the burning question — how soon can we Covid. get back to it? William John Moss, MD, executive director of the International Dedicated to finding and fostering young Vaccine Access Center and professor at musical talent, NFMC conducts annual John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Federation Festivals with approximately Health, shared what he knows about the 100,00 participants. In spite of Covid, our vaccine and answered questions from the Festivals are just now beginning for this live chat. Watch the video. year. Some Festivals are still conducted in person, but many are now virtual and have Free Webinar: COVID Relief Act 2 and been successful. The young people are the Singing Community very familiar and comfortable with Singing teachers, studio owners, singers, technology, and our “mature” members are collaborative pianists, and associated becoming more at ease with this process! professions are eligible for funding from the It is truly wonderful that the technology is second COVID-19 Relief Act. Executive available to allow these young performers Director Allen Henderson teamed up with a chance to continue with this fine activity. Certified Public Accountant Ann Henderson to outline the options and help NFMC offers more than three quarters of a you prepare to apply and receive funding million dollars in state and national comp- as a small business, self-employed, or gig etitions, including four $20,000 biennial worker. Watch the replay of their Young Artist awards, and the $20,000 Ellis presentation, and review the Award for Duo Pianists. The Young Artist accompanying documents on the NATS and Ellis Duo Piano awards also include COVID-19 Resources page. Watch the two years of performance bookings. The video. Young Artist Competition offers awards in Piano, Man’s Voice, Woman’s Voice and Strings, with prizes of $20,000- 1st place, National Federation of Music and $5,000- 2nd place in each category.

Clubs The Ellis Competition for Duo Pianists has 1st prize: $20,000 (duo team), and 2nd Founded in 1898, the National Federation prize: $4,000 (team) and $1,000 (team) to of Music Clubs has become the largest be awarded for the best performance of nonprofit organization in America to American Music. Live Finals for Young promote and support American Music and Artist are usually held at the NFMC Musicians and Music Education. As a Biennial Conventions, but the June, 2021 grassroots organization working in Convention in Norfolk, Virginia has just communities throughout America, we been canceled. However, we are thrilled provide musical opportunities for all ages: that we are able to continue this professional and amateur musicians, prestigious competition and it will be held benefactors, volunteers, music lovers, virtually this year! music teachers, music students, and supportive parents. Many opportunities The entry deadline has just passed, and and activities in which our over 121,000 we are so pleased to have 35 entrants! members participate are Festival The live finals for the Ellis Competition programs, competitive events, community were to be held in Jackson, Mississippi in outreach and just meeting music lovers in April 2021, but that has been canceled as our communities. This is continually well. However, those finals will also be 17 held virtually. This is the best way to national conference in St. Augustine, FL, in continue our many years of opportunities January 2022. and support for the artists of tomorrow. Throughout the pandemic, we have offered While we are all hoping for a swift return to webinars and other sessions to our “the way things were,” we are so pleased members as they seek to adapt opera to be able to continue with our mission of pedagogy and performance, while under working to support American Music and restrictions that vary greatly from institution Musicians, and Music Education. to institution. NOA has also been supportive of efforts to fight systemic Frances Nelson, President racism, diversify the operatic repertoire, and find ways to promote more inclusive participation in the art form. We continue National Opera Association to offer opportunities for our members to engage with one another on these and other important topics, and to foster a The National Opera Association recently sense of community as we look ahead to held its 66th Annual Conference, planning for eventual reopening and “Strengthening the Foundation” as a three- resumption of more in-person performance day virtual event in early January. The and pedagogy. conference was a mix of pre-recorded sessions and live-streamed panel Kirk Severtson, Executive Director discussions and other events, including the annual Carolyn Bailey and Dominick Argento Vocal Competition (streamed publicly on Facebook and YouTube) and Sigma Alpha Iota the Robert Hansen Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition. Participants Sigma Alpha Iota members have been expressed particular appreciation for the busy during this past year, expressing art Q&A breakout rooms with presenters, as in new ways. An alumna of the Delta well as social breakout rooms, for fostering Omega Chapter at University of Kentucky, a sense of connection among attendees Dr. Christine Jobson, has released a new despite the virtual format. All sessions children’s book, Lily’s First Trip to the remain available on our virtual conference Opera. Asked what led her to write this platform through June, and it’s not too late book, she shared, “I decided to write Lily’s to register to gain access to the conference First Trip to the Opera because materials (details at representation matters. I wanted little https://www.noa.org/conference.html). black girls and boys to know that there is space for them in the world of opera, and Thanks to a generous bequest from the that there are no limits to what they can estate of composer Dominick Argento, become.” Dr. Jobson was one of seven NOA will soon be announcing two new SAIs who appeared in the chorus of the fellowships that will provide full tuition plus Metropolitan Opera’s production of Porgy living expenses for a singer and a and Bess last year. Denyce Graves, an composer to each pursue graduate SAI Honorary Member sang the role of study. The first of these recurring awards Maria, and Leah Hawkins, an SAI who will be made through a competitive process graduated from Morgan State University during 2021 and awarded at NOA’s next performed as the Strawberry Woman.

18 Distance learning has certainly been a challenge for many of our music teachers this year, but members have reported many creative solutions as their students have adapted to the world of ZOOM. Three members of the SAI Composers Bureau, Julie Giroux, Alex Shapiro, and Frank Ticheli, have joined with nine of their peers to create the Creative Repertoire Initiative (CRI), a Your membership in the National Music “collective of composers and conductors Council gives you access to the IMC Music committed to creating adaptable music for World News eBulletin, which presents ensembles in the coming academic year music news from around the. The bulletin and beyond, due to the challenges created is emailed to subscribers every two weeks by the COVID-19 pandemic.” You can free of charge. It reaches more than 70 learn more at www.creativerepertoire.com. countries on all five continents.

Ruth Sieber Johnson, Executive Director Music World News is divided into six sections: Music the artform and artists Music Industry Music Education Policy, Research & Politics Technologies and media The Pointy End

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