The next deadline is October 1, 2008.

From 1962 to 2003, the Copying Assistance Program provided over $2 million in support to more than 1,200 American composers for the expenses of copying and reproducing parts for premiere performances. As of May 12, 2003, the program has been renamed the Composer Assistance Program to reflect the recent changes that will expand the scope of the program, including support for preparation of electronic material, copyright acquisition fees, and other expenses as listed in the following guidelines.

About the Program

Direct assistance is available to composers to help them realize their music in performance.

Grants are project-based. There must be a specific work (or works) associated with the request. There must also be a specific event associated with the work, such as a performance or reading.

The American Music Center awards a total of approximately $100,000 annually to composers through this program. The maximum one-time grant is $5,000. Most grants are between $1,000 and $2,000. Grants to a single composer are limited to a total of $10,000 during that composer’s lifetime.

Eligibility

American composers who are members in good standing of the American Music Center at the time of application may apply.

Only individuals are eligible to receive funding through this program. Organizations, performers, presenters, or ensembles are not eligible to apply.

Expenses for the following tasks are eligible for support:

Copying of score and parts, including extraction and reproduction

Purchase of computer hardware, software and/or office supplies to facilitate copying or the production of performance materials

Hiring a copyist to copy parts

Hiring an engineer to prepare electronic material

Studio time to prepare electronic material for a subsequent live performance

Permission to use copyright material (texts, portions of existing works, etc.) for a composition

There must be one of the following events associated with the above expenses listed in descending order of priority to the program:

Live premiere performance or public reading of an original composition by a professional-quality ensemble

Live performance of a major revision or arrangement of an existing work

The following are some examples of activities not eligible for funding through CAP:

Travel

Education or residency activities

Professional development

Production of a demonstration or promotional CD recording of existing works

Hiring musicians to perform a work

Shipping/postage

Criteria

The significance of this performance or project to the composer’s career is of principal importance. For example, a factor that would make an application less competitive would be previous performances by the same or similar ensemble.

The appropriateness of the project budget.

Whether the composer has received a significant amount of CAP funding in the past, relative to the lifetime limit.

Funding decisions will be made by an independent peer panel chosen by the American Music Center.

Deadlines and Notification

There are three rounds annually. Completed applications, signed and submitted by the composer, must be postmarked (not meter-stamped) by the following deadline dates:

February 1

May 1

October 1

If an application is hand-delivered to the American Music Center, it must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline day. If the deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline will be the following Monday.

An applicant may only apply in a round which is up to a year in advance of the performance date. For example, an applicant with a performance on November 3, 2009 would be eligible to apply to the February 2009, May 2009, or October 2009 rounds.

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within six weeks after each deadline.

Grantee Requirements

Recipients must acknowledge the American Music Center in printed material associated with the supported project and are encouraged to recognize the award and the Center in their biographical information.

Recipients are also strongly encouraged to submit the score and recording of the work to the AMC Online Library a comprehensive multimedia library for new American music.

Recipients understand that their contact information will be released to the Center’s online magazine, NewMusicBox, for a possible news story.

How to Apply

Applications must include all of the following, submitted together in one package:

The Proposal

Completed, signed application form.

Proposal narrative (maximum two pages) describing the project, the nature of the funding request, and the importance of the project to the composer’s career.

Professional resume or bio (one page).

List of recent performances from the past 3-5 years (maximum two pages).

Written confirmation from the performing organization (not venue) of the exact performance date.

A brief description or history of the performing organization (one page).

Project Budget (use the application form)

A list of the composer’s expenses for the project (example: copying/reproduction costs, equipment rental costs, fees, etc.).

A list of confirmed and anticipated income for the composer towards this project (example: commission fee, grants from other organizations).

Support Materials

Musical samples (described below) are required for the piece for which support is requested. (Partially completed samples are acceptable, but it is in the composer’s best interest to provide as much of the completed work as possible.) Applications without musical samples will not be considered for funding. Please submit one of the following:

a) Instrumental and vocal works: One copy of the score (recording not required).

b) Electroacoustic works: One copy of the score and one audio CD of the electronic component.

c) Electronic works: One audio CD of the work

d) Improvised works: A chart and/or a narrative description.

If the work is a commission, a copy of the commissioning agreement.

If requesting support to acquire the rights to use copyrighted material, a copy of the agreement with the copyright owner.

Copies of all available invoices or estimates.

Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope

If you would like your materials returned to you, please enclose an SASE with sufficient postage that is not dated (non-metered mail).

Other Important Information

In the case of commissioned works, the Center strongly urges the commissioning organization to assume at least a portion of the copying expenses in addition to the composer’s commission.

Applicants should understand that this is a competitive application. Fulfillment of the program criteria does not guarantee that a grant will be made. Although applicants are encouraged to request the full amount needed, some grants will cover only a portion of the request.

Contact

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the American Music Center with questions prior to the time of application.

Address applications and inquiries to:
Jennifer Clarke, Grants Manager
American Music Center
30 West 26th Street, Suite 1001
New York, NY 10010-2011
RE: CAP Application

212.366.5260, ext. 29

Funders of the Composer Assistance Program include The Helen F. Whitaker Fund, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust, and The Edward T. Cone Foundation.