Career Development Grants in American Music

The Career Development Grants in American Music program provides travel grants and complimentary annual meeting registration to students and educators who have a special interest in American music. In 2026, selected recipients will receive complimentary registration for the AMS annual meeting but will not receive travel grants because the 2026 AMS Annual Meeting is being held online. The 2026 AMS Annual Meeting will be held from 14–15 November and 19–20 November 2026.

The purpose of the program is to support participation in annual meeting programming that deepens participants’ knowledge of American music and strengthens professional networks. Recipients participate in relevant activities at the AMS annual meeting in November, including sessions within a designated American Music track, as well as specified cohort activities. Details regarding the American Music track and required events will be provided upon acceptance.

Application is open to educators at all levels (K-12 and higher education) and students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program who demonstrate an interest in American music. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States.

All applications to the Career Development Grants in American Music must include:

1. Information regarding the applicant’s status as an educator or a student
2. A brief description of why the grant is appealing to the applicant
3. A brief description of the topic(s) in American music on which the applicant’s study is focused

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on 1 July 2026.