FROM THE CMI DIRECTOR

American Public Media’s Classical Music Initiative has been completed with a great deal of success! Over the past three years, we engaged hundreds of you in training, pilot production and thinking of new ways to engage in radio and new media. The CMI Production Fund is closed, but we encourage you to download Classical Radio 101, a guide to today's classical music radio universe, and a primer on how radio is made, as a great resource for developing your own ideas.

One important outgrowth of the Classical Music Initiative was the identification of the need for leadership in helping music professionals and media professionals work together more closely. As a result, we held the first Music & Media Forum in New York City on January 19 and 20, 2006.

Please feel free to click around this site for some valuable information, including Terry Teachout’s key note presentation, a presentation from Tod Machover on his work, presentations and our first working paper from the convenings held in the summer of 2003.

While the Initiative has been completed, we are hopeful that the original intent of the project will continue with each of you. As NEA Director of Media, Ted Libbey said so eloquently "Radio should furnish the soil in which a love of music can grow."

WELCOME TO CMI

Welcome to the Classical Music Initiative and to the next generation of classical music programming on the radio. Thanks to a significant grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and others, American Public Media will make a substantial investment in new program strategies and new talent for the production of classical music on the radio and related technologies.

We will use the best of 21st century media to capture and convey the vigor and vitality of classical music to 21st century audiences. Join us!

American Public Media's Classical Music Initiative is funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional financial support is provided by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Solomon.

What is CMI?
A production fund for the development of new concepts, programs, and talent in classical music production, as well as for exploring digital and Internet delivery of classical music programming.
Production Fund

A production workshop to develop the talents of the next generation of classical music producers.
Notes from October 2004 Workshop

Building consensus by bringing together classical music and media professionals to inform and build the initiative.
Findings from the 2003 convenings

Working papers, such as CLASSICAL RADIO 101, a guide to today's classical music radio universe, and a primer on how radio is made. Plus partnership ideas and tips

National distribution of new content to build, stimulate and broaden audiences for classical music.
Production fund: programs

Why are we doing this?
Radio is the number one entry and major access point for millions of Americans to experience classical music. More people hear classical music on the radio than in any other setting. It is the "way in" to classical music and a great daily companion. More than a format, radio is an important classical music community resource. The NEA's grant recognizes American Public Media's dedication to and excellence in classical music programming
see Alan Brown's presentation

Who is CMI?
You are. Whether you are a producer, presenter, performer, or station staffer, this is your project. We want to work with you to develop your good ideas.

And as this is a challenge grant, American Public Media is seeking funding partners to help expand the reach and effectiveness of CMI.

Thanks for spreading the word about the Initiative.