The National Association for the study of Performance of African-American Music was founded in 1972 in Atlanta Ga. as the National Black Music Caucus when more that two hundred black musicians attending the biennial meeting of the Music Educators National Conference gathered at Morehouse College to protest their exclusion from MENC divisional and national planning sessions and programs.

It was from that protest meeting that NBMC evolved. The membership voted in 1997 to change the name from National Black Music Caucus to the National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music. It now exists as a nonprofit, professional organization whose members are dedicated to promoting, performing, and preserving all facets of African-American music.

While providing an arena where black composers, performers, researchers, and conductors are free to exercise their creative expertise, NASPAAM also recognizes the most effective method of perpetuating the African-American musical heritage is the early introduction of this music into the elementary school curriculum and extending it into higher education and beyond. NASPAAM's official membership meetings are conducted concurrently with MENC national conventions and national NASPAAM conferences. A national newsletter is also mailed to the membership periodically.

STANDING COMMITTEES

General Music

Choral / Instrumental

Research / Publications / Special Projects

Membership

National Symposiums / Conferences

Fund Raising and Development

Achievement Awards / Scholarships

Exhibits / Awards

 

NATIONAL SYMPOSIUMS / CONFERENCES

Indiana University - Aug 1979

Indiana University - July 1980

Atlanta, Georgia - Mar 1989

Charlotte, North Carolina - Feb 1991

Nashville, Tennessee - Mar. 1993

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Apr. 1995

Atlanta, Georgia - Mar. 1997

Washington, District of Columbia - Mar. 1999

Birmingham, Alabama - Mar. 2001

Chicago, Illinois - Feb. 2005