[Last updated: August 27, 2020]
In these unprecedented times, it is vital that we all remain committed to helping each other, being kind, and providing assistance wherever and whenever we can. We will be more dependent on each other than ever before.
Like everyone, we are deeply concerned for the health and well-being of all people, and particularly the healthcare workers and providers who are on the front lines of this fight. We have already begun to see the devastating effects across all elements of society, including our own music industry.
With that in mind we took the liberty of doing a little bit of homework on your behalf to consolidate some resources for musicians which might be of assistance during these times, from grants to emergency medical aid to a few tips and fun items too. COVID-19 has created untold challenges for musicians around the world, but there are possibilities – challenges have a way of breeding solutions.
Resource Lists
American Composers Forum
A comprehensive list of resources from the American Composer’s Forum, including regional opportunities and information on federal responses to the COVID-19 crisis. (US only)
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resource
This list is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. The aggregated list contains a massive amount of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options at the national, state, local, and private levels.
I Care If You Listen
An excellent list of resources from an excellent organization.
Music Unites Us (ASCAP)
ASCAP has put together some resources that will help you stay healthy, creative, connected and financially stable until we can all have in-person jam sessions again.
Grants & Aid
Help Musicians
To help you gather useful information and find sources of support, you will find information here about: 1) Where to check for the latest advice on Coronavirus; 2) How Help Musicians may be able to support you; 3) Signposting to other organisations who may be able to offer support. Help Musicians will continue to monitor the situation and update this information when needed. (UK only)
Foundation for Contemporary Arts
Emergency Grants is the only active, multi-disciplinary program that offers immediate assistance of this kind to artists living and working anywhere in the United States, for projects occurring in the U.S. and abroad.
Craft Emergency Release Fund
Relief grants for artists who have experienced a recent, career threatening emergency, such as an illness, accident, fire or natural disaster.
Sweet Relief
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.
Jazz Foundation
The Jazz Foundation of America provides housing and emergency assistance, pro bono medical treatment, disaster relief, and employment opportunities.
MusiCares
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality.
Artists’ Fellowship
The Artists’ Fellowship, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation that financially assists professional visual artists and their families in times of emergency, disability or bereavement.
Artist Relief Tree
This fund is set up to collect donations from those of us with the means to help. They intend to support artists, particularly freelance artists, in a small way. Unfortunately they cannot hope to replace artists’ entire fees or lost work, but they wish to provide hope, make a small difference, and show solidarity with colleagues and friends.
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone reached out to a number of artists and industry folks to share the most useful ways that fans can uplift independent musicians during this crisis. Definitely worth a read.
Musicians Foundation
Musicians Foundation is the country’s oldest independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to musicians and their families in times of need, crisis or transition.
Yamaha Educator Site
In 2015, music educators celebrated the passing of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which calls for a “well-rounded education” that includes music and the arts. ESSA included Title IV-A funds that school districts can apply to meet the mandates of the law.
Ideas for Dealing with Your Work Environment
Remote Work Best Practices
A very useful article with advice for working from home.
Video Meeting Tips
If you’re going to be attending a lot of meetings by video conference in the coming weeks, this resource offers tips on how to make those meetings work.
Online Teaching: How to Salvage (And Grow) Your Teaching Business
If you’re still unsure of how to make the most of the lockdown, here are our tips to salvage your teaching business – whether it’s a side gig or your main job.
How to Stream Your Performances
You’ve probably already got most of the equipment you need to start doing it yourself. Allow this live-streaming guide to explain how.
Some Free Tech
Moog and Korg Free Apps
To help musicians who are staying home, Moog and Korg have released their synthesizer apps for free. Moog’s Minimoog Model D iOS app and Korg’s iKaossilator app for iOS and Android are available for free for a limited time.
Avid Gives Free 90-Day License:
If you need access to ProTools, you got it.
And of Course Bob Ross
The Bob Ross YouTube Channel
Utterly indispensable in these times!
