Lyman Beecher Brooks Library: Music: Professional Groups

Professional Groups

This is a selection of the professional organizations for musicians and allied professionals. Joining a professional organization adds to your professional knowledge (most offer continuing education and development opportunities), allows you to network in the field, and shows future employers you are engaged in the professional community.

Most offer discounted student rates.

Why Get Involved?

Expand your network: Make new connections with professionals who can hire or refer work to you. Participating in an organization should provide you with many opportunities to connect with professionals on a local, regional, national, and sometimes global level. Participating in special interest groups, sections, or discussion boards sponsored by an organization is another way to connect with people who are likeminded and/or working in the same niche you are.
Boost your credibility and visibility: Being actively involved in your professional community can boost your credibility among your peers, your clients, and your prospects. Associations generally look to their members to share their unique expertise and their connections through their participation in the organization. Raise your hand for a leadership role to not only develop your skills as a leader but also to boost increase your visibility. Relating to other professionals who share common interests is a great way to strengthen your reputation.
Professional development: Join a professional organization that directly aligns with your interests. Organizations often offer articles, webinars, reports, white papers, courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, and certifications to keep their members current on the latest industry research, innovations, and trends.
Mentorship opportunities: Finding professionals—junior and senior—who can support your growth is a huge benefit in joining a professional association. There are also meaningful rewards in mentoring others, including honing your leadership abilities, learning new perspectives and insights, and feeling a sense of contribution.
Build a support system: Making connections outside of your school who understand your circumstances and can offer guidance and insight is one of the most important reasons to join a professional organization. Strong bonds within professional organizations will improve your career opportunities, will help you garner more influence, and most importantly, will make work and life more fun.
Best practice: Don’t wait until you are in need to build your support system. Make the investment into developing authentic relationships early to build a network of advocates who want to see you succeed and are happy to help as needs arise.

From the American Bar Association

Americana Music Association
The Americana Music Association® is a professional trade organization whose mission is to advocate for the authentic voice of American Roots Music around the world.
American Association of Independent Music (A2IM)
The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization that serves as a central voice for a diverse community of over 600 independently owned record labels operating within the United States. A2IM represents their interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community.
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
Mission Statement: We are the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, professional musicians united through our Locals so that:
We can live and work in dignity; Our work will be fulfilling and compensated fairly; We will have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect us; We will have the opportunity to develop our talents and skills; Our collective voice and power will be realized in a democratic and progressive union; We can oppose the forces of exploitation through our union solidarity.
Artist Rights Alliance (ARA)
Advocating for the rights of musicians, performers, and songwriters in the digital world.
Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)
BMAC is an advocacy organization formed to address systemic racism within the music business. Our Coalition advocates on behalf of Black artists, songwriters, producers, managers, agents, executives, lawyers and other passionate industry professionals.
Church Music Publishers Association
An organization of publishers of Christian music which has a strong spiritual dimension who come together to share mutual areas of concern regarding
copyright information, education, administration, and protection, facilitating public and industry awareness
in these areas, and to develop continuing personal and professional relationships.
The College Music Society (CMS)
From the Bylaws: The objectives of the Society shall be educational and professional, and shall be devoted to the general interests of music in colleges and universities. Its primary purposes shall be (1) to gather, consider, and disseminate ideas on the philosophy and practice of music as an integral part of higher education, and (2) to increase communications among the various disciplines of the music profession.
Country Music Association (CMA)
We heighten the awareness of Country Music and support its on-going growth, both domestically and internationally.
Gospel Music Association (GMA)
Our mission is to expose, promote and celebrate the Gospel through music.
International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)
The IBMA is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide.
Latin Recording Academy
The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring, and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®.
The National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM)
Mission Statement: NANM promotes, preserves, and supports all genres of music created or performed by African-Americans.
Royal Musical Association
The Royal Musical Association is the foremost society in the UK dedicated to the study of the study of all types of music, including but not limited to musicology, ethnomusicology, composition, digital music, popular music, performance, audio-visual creativity, contemporary practices, interactive music, and music technology.
Society for Music Perception and Cognition (SMPC)
Welcome to The Society for Music Perception and Cognition (SMPC), a scholarly organization dedicated to the study of music cognition.

Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA)
NVMTA hosts a wide variety of student recitals, festivals and competitions. Teachers also benefit from regular programs to enhance skills and experiences as well as networking opportunities.
Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA)
Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA)
The purpose of the (VMEA) is to promote quality music education throughout the Commonwealth by providing leadership, instructional resources and professional development opportunities for Virginia’s music educators.
Virginia Music Teachers Association (VMTA)
An organization of teachers throughout the state who are united in promoting music and musicianship through mutual cooperation. The main objectives of VMTA are the advancement of musical knowledge and education through discussion, examination of new trends in teaching and publication, and promotion of the general welfare of music teachers in Virginia as well as our members living in neighboring states.

Association for Technology in Music Instruction
The mission of the Association for Technology in Music Instruction (ATMI) is to improve music teaching and learning through the integration of current and emerging technologies into the music learning environment
Association of Music Producers
Educates its members as well as the production, advertising, and media communities on all facets of music production from creation to final use.
Audio Engineering Society (AES)
Promotes research and commercial interests of designers, manufacturers, buyers, and users of professional and semiprofessional audio equipment.
Piano Technicians Guild
Our mission is to promote the industry's highest possible standards by:
Providing members with every opportunity for professional development
Recognizing and promoting technical competence through examinations
Advancing the interests of each of our members

American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
The mission of ACDA is to inspire excellence and nurture lifelong involvement in choral music for everyone through education, performance, composition and advocacy.
The Association of Concert Bands
The mission of the Association of Concert Bands is to foster excellence in Concert Band music through performance, education, and advocacy.
Choristers Guild
Our Mission: To enable leaders to nurture the musical and spiritual growth of children, youth, and adults. To accomplish this mission, we work with a diverse range of choral leaders, composers, and educators from across the country. Our organization continues to serve alongside these individuals to lift up voices throughout the world.
Chorus America
Chorus America is the advocacy, research, and leadership development organization that advances the choral field. We support and serve choral conductors, administrators, board members, and singers with tools, training, peer networking, and access so that choruses are better able to contribute to their communities.
College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA)
The members of the College Band Directors National Association are devoted to the teaching, performance, study and cultivation of music, with particular focus on the wind band medium. CBDNA is an inclusive organization whose members are engaged in continuous dialogue encompassing myriad philosophies and professional practices. CBDNA is committed to serving as a dynamic hub connecting individuals to communities, ideas and resources.
College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA)
The only professional organization dedicated solely to the advancement of college and university orchestra directors.
International Conductors Guild
The Guild’s overall goal is to enhance the professionalism of conductors by serving as a clearing house for knowledge and information regarding the art and practice of conducting; further, to support the artistic growth of orchestras, bands, choruses and other conducted ensembles.
International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM)
The IFCM was founded in 1982 for the purpose of facilitating communication and exchange between choral musicians throughout the world.
League of American Orchestras
We serve our vibrant and civically engaged orchestral community. We help members thrive and achieve long-term success through our programs, research, and learning resources.

American College of Musicians / National Guild of Piano Teachers
Our primary function is to establish definite goals and awards--in noncompetitive auditions--for students of all levels, from the earliest beginner to the gifted prodigy. With the exception of our "special" programs, teachers have the flexibility to choose all repertoire for student auditions. Students are judged on individual merit, by a well-qualified music professional, in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. Our purpose is to encourage growth and enjoyment through the study of piano.
American Guild of Organists
The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.
American Harp Society
The American Harp Society welcomes and serves all those who have an interest in the harp. The Society’s mission is to celebrate our legacy, inspire excellence, and empower the next generation of harpists.
American String Teachers Association
American String Teachers Association exists to support string and orchestra teachers and players.
American Viola Society
The American Viola Society inspires excellence and builds community through viola study, performance, research, composition, and lutherie.
CelloBello
Mission statement: Nurture and strengthen the individual cellist and a global cello community through free online instruction and advice from renowned cellists and teachers.
Guitar Foundation of America (GFA)
The GFA inspires artistry, builds community, and promotes the classical guitar internationally through excellence in performance, literature, education and research.
International Clarinet Association
The ICA is committed to creating a space for clarinetists to learn, grow, and create.
International Double Reed Society (IDRS)
The (IDRS) is a worldwide nonprofit organization made up of professional double reed players, students, amateurs, hobbyists, university/college instructors, music teachers, institutions, instrument manufacturers, double reed product retailers, reed makers, and enthusiasts.
International Horn Society (IHS)
The IHS is an organization of people from around the world drawn together with a mutual interest in the horn. We are dedicated to the performance, teaching, composition, research, preservation, and promotion of the horn as a musical instrument.
International Society of Bassists (ISB)
The ISB is an organization for those who teach, study, play, repair, build and enjoy the double bass.
International Trombone Association (ITA)
ITA's mission is to promote the trombone and all trombone-related activities across the world.
International Trumpet Guild (ITG)
The members of the ITG seek to improve the artistic level of performance, teaching, and literature associated with the trumpet.
International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA)
The ITEA is dedicated to promoting and advancing the tuba and euphonium instruments. The organization comprises performers, educators, students, and amateurs of all backgrounds.
National Flute Association (NFA)
The NFA is a place for flutists to exchange ideas and inspiration and includes a quarterly magazine, an annual convention, and a dynamic assortment of scholarship programs, commissions, and member-driven initiatives.
Percussive Arts Society (PAS)
To inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world.
Violin Society of America
The Violin Society of America is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting the art and science of making, repairing and preserving stringed musical instruments and their bows.

American Composers Alliance (ACA)
First established in the 1930s, ACA has developed as a publishing administrator for American concert music, representing composers and estates through several generations of creative work. With a curated catalog of over 14,000 works, ACA preserves historical works, introduces new works, and develops innovative ways to increase awareness, performance opportunities and public engagement with its unique and growing catalog, now available worldwide in print and other formats.
American Composers Forum
Our Mission is to support and advocate for individuals and groups creating music today by demonstrating the vitality and relevance of their art.
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
We are a professional organization of 925,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, founded and governed by its members, and the world leader in performance royalties, advocacy and service for music creators.
Artist Rights Alliance (ARA)
Advocating for the rights of musicians, performers, and songwriters in the digital world.
Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP)
The organization's primary focus is to educate and inform music publishers about the most current industry trends and practices by providing a forum for the discussion of the issues and problems confronting the music publishing industry.
BMI
BMI was founded in 1939 to represent songwriters in emerging genres, like jazz, blues and country, and protect the public performances of their music. BMI is currently the largest music rights organization in the U.S.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)
In January 2021, The MLC began administering blanket mechanical licenses to eligible streaming and download services (digital service providers or DSPs) in the United States. The MLC collects the royalties due under those licenses from the DSPs and pays songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers.
Nashville Songwriters Association International
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association. Established in 1967, the membership of more than 5,000 active and professional members spans the United States and foreign countries. NSAI is dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music.
Society for Music Analysis (ISM)
The Society for Music Analysis (SMA) is a UK-based international organisation dedicated to music theory and analysis. We are affiliated with the journal Music Analysis and support and organise a regular programme of events, including the annual Theory and Analysis Graduate Students (TAGS) Conference, the Music Analysis Summer School (a residential course taught by international experts), and other Music Analysis Conferences (‘MACs’) and symposia.
Society for Music Theory (SMT)
The Society for Music Theory promotes the development of and engagement with music theory as a scholarly and pedagogical discipline. We construe this discipline broadly as embracing all approaches, from conceptual to practical, and all perspectives, including those of the scholar, listener, composer, performer, teacher, and student.
Songwriters of North America (SONA)
SONA is the hub where the best creative-rights legal minds and fiercely passionate people from all corners of the songwriting world meet to educate, strategize, and mobilize.

International Association of Music Libraries
The International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres encourages and promotes the activities of music libraries, archives and documentation centres to support and facilitate the realization of projects in music bibliography, music documentation and music library and information science at national and international levels.
International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives
The International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) is a professional association concerned with the care, access and long-term preservation of the world’s sound and moving image heritage. Through its active worldwide membership and training initiatives, IASA supports and advocates the development of best professional standards and practice amongst organizations and individuals which share these purposes.
Music Library Association (MLA)
The Music Library Association is the professional association for music libraries and librarianship in the United States. Founded in 1931, it has an international membership of librarians, musicians, scholars, educators, and members of the book and music trades. Complementing the Association’s national and international activities are ten regional chapters.

American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA)
The American Orff-Schulwerk Association is a professional organization of educators dedicated to the creative music and movement approach developed by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman.
Association for Technology in Music Instruction
The mission of the Association for Technology in Music Instruction (ATMI) is to improve music teaching and learning through the integration of current and emerging technologies into the music learning environment
Dalcroze Society of America
Dalcroze Education has been around for more than a century. The method was developed starting in 1886 by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, a Swiss composer and educator. It features interactive games and exercises that help students learn to trust their ideas and develop their own intuitions.
International Society for Music Education (ISME)
(ISME) believes that lived experiences of music, in all their many aspects, are a vital part of the life of all people. ISME's mission is to enhance those experiences by: Building and maintaining a worldwide community of music educators characterized by mutual respect and support; Fostering global intercultural understanding and cooperation among the world's music educators; Promoting music education for people of all ages in all relevant situations throughout the world
Jazz Education Network (JEN)
JEN is a community where educators, students, pros, and aficionados share and learn from each other.
Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
From the bylaws: The purpose of this group is the advancement of music education. To conduct programs and activities to build a vital musical culture and an enlightened musical public for the benefit and the general welfare of all persons; To ensure that every student shall have access to a balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction; To improve the quality of teaching, research, performance, and scholarship in music; To promote the involvement of persons of all ages in learning music; To foster the utilization of the most effective techniques and resources in music instruction; and, To facilitate the education of music teachers.
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
NAfME is a collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education.
National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors
The National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors is a forum for communication within the profession of applied music on the college campus.
National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
NATS offers a variety of lifelong learning experiences to its members, with workshops, Intern Programs, master classes and conferences, all beginning at the chapter level and progressing to national events. Our mission is to advance excellence in singing through teaching, performance, scholarship, and research.
Suzuki Association of the Americas
The Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc. is the organization officially licensed by the International Suzuki Association to support, guide, and promote Suzuki education in North, Central, and South America.

American Musicological Society
The American Musicological Society is dedicated to advancing the study and teaching of music through a broad array of programs, including grants, fellowships, awards, publications, and events.
International Musicological Society (IMS)
The mission of the IMS is to connect every musicologist to the world community of musicology by embracing the study of music in all its diversity and advancing musicological research across the globe in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.
The Society for Ethnomusicology
Founded in 1955, the Society for Ethnomusicology is a global, interdisciplinary network of individuals and institutions engaged in the study of music across all cultural contexts and historical periods.

Groups dedicated to specific types of music study.

American Music Therapy Association
The American Music Therapy Association® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.
Includes a Job Center and scholarship opportunities.
World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT)
International nonprofit organization that brings together music therapy associations and individuals interested in developing and promoting music therapy globally.