Private music grants are given to individuals who work or study within the music field.
Private music grants are open to individual singers, composers or musicians, and these grant programs are usually very competitive. Many of these grants are given on a merit basis to individuals who have excelled in the music field, while others are open to individuals who are looking for help with costs associated to their field.
Composer Assistance Program
As of 2010, the deadlines for this grant are March 1 and October 1, and eligible composers can receive up to $5,000 per year. Most grants, however, are generally between $1,000 and $2,000, and composers can only receive up to $10,000 over their lifetime. To be eligible for this grant, composers must be working on a project, and this project must be part of a larger event like a live performance of the composer's work or expenses related to traveling. Composers must also be current members of the American Music Center, and they must be in good standing. Interested composers must join the organization prior to applying for the grant. The American Music Center is a community of artists, art organizations and fans, and it seeks to promote American music.
American Music Center
322 8th Ave., Suite 1401
New York, NY 10001
212-366-5260, ext. 10
amc.net
The Alfred Einstein Award
This grant is given out by the American Musicological Society, which is a worldwide organization that promotes music research and learning. The Alfred Einstein Award is given out to scholars who have published an outstanding musicological article. This article must have been published during the preceding year. To be eligible, scholars must either be a current member of the American Musicological Society, or they must be citizens or permanent residents of either the United States or Canada. This grant is only given out to composers who have completed their Ph.D. within the previous ten years. As of 2010, nominations must be received by May 1, and the winning recipient will receive a certificate and a cash prize. Grant amounts vary.
American Musicological Society, Inc.
6010 College Station
Brunswick, ME 04011-8451
207-798-4243
ams-net.org
NATS Artist Award
The National Association of Teachers of Singing is an international organization of singing teachers, and this organization offers the Artist Award to current members who are looking to begin a professional singing vocation. This competition takes place once every two years, and applicants must first compete on a regional level. Selected applicants will then compete at the NATS Conference, where the winners will be announced. As of 2010, regional competitions will take place in February and March. To be eligible, singers must be between 21 and 35 years old. Further, applicants must have either studied with a NATS member teacher for one academic year, or they must have been members of NATS for at least one year. Award amounts vary.
NATS
9957 Moorings Drive, Suite 401
Jacksonville, FL 32257
904-992-9101
nats.org
