The American Musicological Society exists to expand understanding of music and sound through research, teaching, learning, and advocacy. To achieve this, the Society supports a variety of initiatives including grants, fellowships, publications, public programs, and professional support for its members. Central to its mission is the promotion of equity, access, and inclusion.
The Career Development Grants in American Music program by the AMS supports students and educators with an interest in American music by providing them with $800 grants. These grants facilitate attendance at the AMS-SMT Annual Meeting, including complimentary registration. The initiative aims to enrich participants' understanding of American music and expand their professional networks. Funds may be used for travel or as stipends to compensate for lost work time. A central component of the grant is partaking in a series of cohort activities during the AMS-SMT Annual Meeting, designed to foster learning and networking within the field of American music. Activities include attending specialized lectures and participating in an "American Music" track that highlights significant research and discussions in the area, alongside networking sessions to connect with peers and leaders in humanistic music studies.