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The American Musicological Society (AMS) is confronting a significant financial challenge following the abrupt termination of all four of its active grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), effective April 1, 2025. These grants, totaling over $363,000, were essential for AMS programs such as Many Musics of America, Music of the United States of America (MUSA), Musics of the United States: Telling Our Stories, and Music Means: A Digital Platform for Exploring Music and Meaning in America.
This development coincides with broader governmental restructuring efforts led by Elon Musk, who has been serving as a special government employee heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk's tenure, initially set for 130 days, has involved sweeping cuts across various federal agencies, including significant reductions in grants and staff within the NEH. These actions align with the Trump administration's agenda to streamline government operations and reduce spending.
While DOGE's mission is to eliminate wasteful spending, the termination of AMS's grants has sparked concern among cultural and educational organizations. Humanities Kansas, for instance, faces potential program cuts due to the loss of federal funding. Critics argue that such reductions may disproportionately impact initiatives that enrich public understanding of history and culture.
Elon Musk's involvement in DOGE has been a subject of debate. Some view his role as a strategic move to apply his business acumen to government efficiency, while others express concern over potential conflicts of interest and the rapid pace of policy changes. Recent reports suggest that Musk may step back from his official role, with Vice President J.D. Vance affirming Musk's continued influence as a "friend and adviser" to the administration.
In the face of these challenges, AMS Executive Director Siovahn Walker has called for collective action to oppose the funding cuts and seek alternative funding sources. She emphasizes the societal importance of AMS's programs in preserving and promoting America's musical heritage. Walker urges members and supporters to contact Congressional representatives, contribute to AMS's Annual Giving Fund, and volunteer time and expertise to help mitigate the financial shortfall.
As the situation unfolds, the cultural and educational sectors remain vigilant, advocating for the preservation of programs that foster a deeper understanding of American history and culture amidst governmental restructuring and funding uncertainties.
The society has approximately 3,000 individual members spread across fifteen regional chapters in the United States, Canada, and other locations, along with 60 committees and subcommittees. Admitted to the American Council of Learned Societies in 1951, the society is also involved in the Répertoire International des Sources Musicales and the Répertoire International de Littérature Musicale. Its annual meetings feature paper presentations, panels, lecture-concerts, and informal gatherings of related musical societies. During these meetings, many of the society’s awards, prizes, and fellowships are announced.
Click here to read AMS Executive Director Siovahn Walker's letter regarding the AMS cuts.