Welcome! We invite you to learn more about The Music Fund by using the navigation menu at the side of this page.
The New York State Music Fund was established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors when investigations into the practice of “payola” or “pay for play” by major recording and broadcasting companies were resolved. These settlements stipulated that funds paid by the music businesses should benefit the residents of New York State through music education and appreciation programs.
To date, the Music Fund has awarded nearly 400 grants totaling over $35 million for exemplary contemporary music of all genres being created by today’s composers and musicians including new classical music, jazz, folk music from around the world, experimental music, and noncommercial forms of popular music. In addition to the creation and performance of new music, the Music Fund supports school and community-based educational programs, and recording and media dissemination projects that expand public access to music.
For grant descriptions, please click on Grant Award Lists to the right.
The New York State Music Fund does not expect additional funds for another cycle of grants in the near future. For information about past related settlements, please visit www.oag.state.ny.us, and search under “payola.”