Future of Music Coalition	by K. O'Day

A seminar for musicians dealing with a changing industry

The vastly changed landscape of the music-making industry can be as disheartening as it is exciting. With new ways to promote and distribute recordings and new laws and technologies constantly being updated, performers, composers, songwriters and labels in and out of the industry are in a state of flux and confusion. The Future of Music Coalition (FMC) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify and challenge the issues—legal, technological, ethical—surrounding music production. “What’s the Future of Music Today?” is a series of free seminars held throughout New York State. The day-long event will be held in Buffalo on Wednesday, April 3, at Livingston Hall inside Kleinhans Muisc Hall on Symphony Circle. There will be presentations on the range of new technologies available and how how musicians can use these technologies to promote and distribute their work,on state and federal policies that are affecting how musicians access media, compensation in the digital age and more.

Later in the day there will be breakouts and roundtables on online marketing, the basics of podcasting/webcasting, state initiatives or funding opportunities and health insurance for musicians. The day will begin with check-in and light breakfast from 9:30-10pm followed by a presentation by Kristin Thomson, FMC Education Director, and a seminar with Ann Chaitovitz, Executive Director, FMC, and Rich Bengloff, President of the American Association of Independent Music.

A representative will dispense health insurance advice for musicians throughout the day with one-on-one consultations. The Future of Music Coalition has partnered with the Federation of Musicians Local 92 and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra to make the event happen. The seminar is open to musicians, producers and promoters of all genres. Anyone interested in attending should RSVP at futureofmusic.org or call AFM Local 92 at 842-6466.

—k. o’day