Call For Proposals
The 250th anniversary of American independence, celebrated throughout 2026, offers unique opportunities to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage from fresh contemporary perspectives. Forging an American Musical Identity (FAMI) is dedicated to the discovery, history, and interpretation of music from the country’s founding through the First World War. This period remains underappreciated for its vital contributions to American musical and cultural history. To launch a new assessment of music from this essential era, FAMI, Music in Gotham, the CUNY Graduate Center Department of Music, and the Library for the Performing Arts, NYPL, are hosting a multidisciplinary symposium in New York City, January 28–30, 2026.
FAMI seeks proposals for presentations on any aspect of American music from the long nineteenth century. We are especially interested in proposals that examine the connections between music and the other arts, as well as broader political, social, or economic issues. To support a multidisciplinary environment, experts from fields outside music history are especially encouraged to submit proposals. Lecture-recitals from performing artists are also welcome.
Send proposals of no more than three hundred words to famisymposium2026@gmail.com by July 30, 2025.