The Music Performance Trust Fund initiatives cover a wide range of admission-free live music events throughout the United States and Canada. The largest and most diverse category of our programs is Community Events – well over half of MPTF’s annual performances reside in this category.
At the heart of the MPTF’s mission is to enrich the public through access to the unity and spirit of live music. Community events are just that – admission-free live music presented in parks and public spaces available to all. They include summer series, festivals, and individual concerts meant to enliven city streets, create interaction, and enhance local economies. These musical celebrations are often steeped in tradition and community pride.
HOW CAN I RECEIVE MPTF FUNDING?
Contact us. Our Local 427-721 representative serves as MPTF’s representatives. Our office will guide you through our process and apply to MPTF on your behalf.
Our Local representative will go over MPTF policies and see if you are eligible for MPTF funding. Once we determine you qualify for an MPTF grant, we apply to MPTF.
All correspondence should be between you and our union representative/office.
Should a problem occur, you may contact MPTF here.
Local union members are also encouraged to apply for MPTF funding. Most of MPTF’s community events in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida are initiated by our Local Office, which collaborates with community leaders in city government, parks programs, arts councils, chambers of commerce, and other partners to create meaningful special events to enhance their quality of life.
Music in the Schools
As music programs in schools continue to decline, the Music Performance Trust Fund has been increasing its support and commitment in this area. At present, approximately 35% of available funds are earmarked for in-school programming. The MPTF is proud to co-sponsor programs that not only present live music to the children, but also incorporate historic, instrumental and theoretical workshops. To continue its funding of these invaluable programs, MPTF is broadening its local and nationwide search for philanthropic support. Below represents just a few of MPTF’s invaluable school programs.
The MPTF supported 616 school program performances during its 2023-24 fiscal year. Over $845,000.00 was committed to fund these events, the largest music education expenditure in over two decades. From contemporary jazz and Latin jazz to big bands, and from opera to chamber groups and full orchestras, professional musicians brought opportunities for musical discovery to young people from Kindergarten to 12th grade throughout North America.
Professional musicians are often educators themselves, earning advanced degrees and vast stage experience. Their school program performances introduce students to musical diversity, the rich history of musical composition, and the array of instrumentation, from brass to woodwinds, strings to percussion.
The MPTF has continued its recent efforts to join other not-for-profit organizations to bring live music to classrooms and assemblies throughout North America. These relationships include the Save the Music Foundation and a renewed relationship with Young Audiences Arts for Learning. The MPTF and Young Audiences began partnering over sixty years ago. However, the joint efforts were phased out in the 1990s. New programs are currently being reviewed to re-establish this venerable collaboration.
Resources
How can I receive MPTF Funding?
International Musician Magazine: Music Performance Trust Fund updates
Learn more about the Music Performance Trust Fund.