Strengthening the
Small Ensemble Music Community

Chamber Music America develops and supports an evolving chamber music field through grant programs, professional development services, publications, networking events, an annual conference, and more.

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Members of CMA Grantee Ensemble, Edward Simon & Afinidad Perform at CMA Concert, National Sawdust 2017 / photo: CMA

What We Offer

CMA’s programs serve ensembles, concert presenters, composers, chamber music advocates, and industry professionals working in a wide range of musical traditions, including jazz, classical, contemporary, and non-Western styles.

Creative Engagement & Social Innovation

Through public programs like Sound Journeys and Sounds of Houston, CMA helps link artists to networks, organizations, and educational programs.
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Grants & Awards

Funding opportunities for small ensembles and concert presenters.
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Chamber Music Magazine

An essential resource for musicians, presenters, composers, artists managers, educators, and other chamber music enthusiasts.
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Become a Member

A CMA membership connects you to thousands of other small ensemble music professionals. Benefits include exclusive funding opportunities, full access to Chamber Music Magazine, discounted conference registration, and more.

Member Spotlight

Stratøs right arrow
Ensemble Member since 2022

The recent compositions of Stratøs (a name that encompasses the artistic endeavors of Eddie Codrington) have netted him the Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award for three consecutive years (2019-21), as well as a National Sawdust New Works commission in 2020.

Membership Types & Benefits
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News & Resources

Articles, Press Releases, How-To Content, and More
In the News
Announcement | July 22, 2025
CMA Responds to NEA Funding Rescissions
Together with the Sewell Family Foundation, CMA will provide relief for orgs & ensembles reeling from NEA funding cuts
Announcement | June 24, 2025
Announcing $543,000 in Grants for New Jazz and Classical Compositions
Announcing $543,000 in grant funding through the 2025 New Jazz Works and Classical Commissioning programs
Upcoming Deadlines

09/18/2025

Classical Commissioning: A Responsive Shift

CMA has opened applications for Classical Commissioning: A Responsive Shift, a new grant that reimagines CMA’s hallmark program to provide critical support for the presentation of works by living American composers. This program has been strategically redesigned to address an urgent gap in arts funding, centering support around organizations and artists most impacted by recent NEA funding rescissions. The grant is funded by CMA, with generous support from the Sewell Family Foundation.
RSVP for the Application workshop on Wednesday, August 27, 12:30 PM ET

09/25/2025

Grants for NYC Applicants

Ensemble Forward

Funded by the New York Community Trust

With new guidelines and increased support from The New York Community Trust, CMA has opened the application period for its Ensemble Forward program, which awards $10,000 to 10 ensembles in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Selected ensembles will work with a career consultant to facilitate growth and guide project management. Ensembles will also participate in a tailored series of six cohort-specific learning sessions, with topics selected based on the needs and goals of each group. Read more about this year’s program updates!

Artistic Projects
Funded by the Howard Gilman Foundation

Artistic Projects offers grants ranging from $7,500 to $20,000 for chamber music ensembles and presenters (with operating budgets under $250,000) for creative projects in NYC, such as performances, recordings, or new compositions.

09/25/2025

Presenter Consortium for Jazz

Funded by the Doris Duke Foundation
RSVP for the Application workshop on Thursday, August 21, 2:00 PM ET

CMA has opened the application period for its Presenter Consortium for Jazz grant program, unveiling significant changes to the program’s design aimed at expanding support and streamlining the application process. CMA will award $15,000 each to 10 presenting organizations to support jazz performances.  This grant program marks CMA’s 26th year of jazz support—kicking off a renewed three-cycle that will award $2.5 million to jazz artists ad presenters. Click here to read more about this year’s program updates.