Press clips

Buffalo Avenues: Future of Music Coalition
WBFO-FM, April 3, 2008

Picking up on the business of music
Buffalo News, March 28, 2008

A seminar for musicians in a changing industry
ArtVoice, March 26, 2008

FMC Hosts Free Event at Kleinhans
Buffalo Rising, March 24, 2008

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Check in: coffee, tea and light breakfast fare provided

Health Insurance Advice for Musicians
By Alex Maiolo, Project Manager, Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT)

One of the biggest challenges for today's working musicians is obtaining and paying for health insurance. But going without it is risky: illnesses, accidents and other circumstances requiring doctors’ visits or hospital stays could happen to any of us—and the costs of medical care without health insurance are staggering.

In 2005, FMC teamed up with insurance experts (and musicians) Alex Maiolo and Chris Stephenson to create HINT – the Health Insurance Navigation Tool. We don't sell health insurance policies. HINT simply provides informed, musician-friendly support and advice to curious musicians who need information about health insurance, for free.

Alex Maiolo will be in Buffalo from 10 AM – 4 PM to conduct one-on-one consultations with any musician, manager or label person interested in receiving some advice. If you'd like to schedule a specific time on April 2, email hint@futureofmusic.org. If you can't make it to this event, you can always make an appointment via our online form.

Music 2.0: How musicians can use technologies to promote and distribute their work
By Kristin Thomson, Education Director, Future of Music Coalition

A review of the range of tools and services available to musicians who are interested in promotion, distribution and sales on a digital platform.  This panel will show you what a number of new music-based services look like and talk about how they operate. For each service we will outline how songwriters, performers and labels are paid, and how musicians can ensure their songs are available on these platforms.

Policy Overview
By Ann Chaitovitz, Executive Director, Future of Music Coalition and
Rich Bengloff, President, A2IM

Webcasting rates. Copyright clauses. Media ownership. Broadband policy. In a surprising number of cases, how musicians and songwriters are compensated, and how much access they have to the media, are affected by state and federal policy. This panel will review some of today's key legislative issues, talk about why musicians need to have a voice in the debates, and how you can get involved.

What is Net Neutrality, and why is it important for musicians?
By Jean Cook, Deputy Director, Future of Music Coalition

Network neutrality -- or Net Neutrality -- is the principle that preserves a free and open Internet. Net neutrality ensures that all users can access the content, or run the applications and devices of their choice. This short presentation uses YouTube clips and real band experiences to talk about why musicians are organizing in support of net neutrality.

Net Neutrality Fact Sheet

1. Music 2.0
By Kristin Thomson, Education Director, Future of Music Coalition

A more detailed look at some of the emerging technologies that can help musicians promote and distribute their work. Come with your questions about how certain services work, how to get your music included, and how to be compensated for the legitimate uses and performances of your music.

2. Compensation for Public Performances
By Ann Chaitovitz, Executive Director, Future of Music Coalition and Rich Bengloff, President, A2IM

With the development of new radio-like platforms -- XM and Sirius, subscription services like Rhapsody and Napster, and internet radio -- there are more opportunities than ever for your music to be performed publicly. In most cases, this means there's a performance royalty that's being collected on your behalf. This breakout will cover the basics on what counts as a "public performance" in the digital age, registering your work with ASCAP/BMI/SESAC/SoundExchange, and the role of performance rights organizations in an ever-changing music environment.

3. New Tools to Promote Jazz/Classical Music
By Jean Cook, Deputy Director, Future of Music Coalition

A breakout session that will focus on some of the novel ways that jazz, classical and new music communities are using emerging technologies to build awareness and interact with audiences.

4. The Basics of Podcasting/Webcasting
By Charlie McEnerney, Producer, Well-Rounded Radio

A how-to breakout that will cover the basics of podcasting and webcasting. How do they work? How can musicians get their music to webcast stations and podcasters? How can you create your own?

Basics of Podcasting/Webcasting Handout

1. Retail and Distribution
By Rich Bengloff, President, A2IM, and Govindan Kartha, New World Record

A special session on the distribution and retail sale of CDs. How do CDs get into stores? How do labels interact with distributors? What should artists expect from the retail environment? How should musicians interact with local stores? And, should artists consider "digital only" releases? Experts from the independent retaial and label community will answer your questions.

2. DIY Licensing
By Kristin Thomson, Future of Music Coalition

A well-placed song in an ad, videogame, film or on a popular television show can bring an artist an enormous amount of attention and income. But how does the music get from your hands to prime time? How do the songs get chosen? What resources are available to you?

3. Internet Marketing Strategies
By Charlie McEnerney, Producer, Well-Rounded Radio

There are dozens of new programs, services, websites and widgets out there that are designed to help musicians promote themselves and their work. But participation in any one of them involves understanding how it works, and whether it's worth your time. This breakout will cover marketing strategies, and talk about how musicians can most effectively use their time to promote their works.

Internet Marketing Strategies Handout

4. New York State Initiatives and Funding Opportunities
By Jean Cook, Deputy Director, Future of Music Coalition

This breakout will provide attendees with an overview of the grant and funding opportunities available to New York State creators and presenters.

New York State Resources Fact Sheet