The Society for American Music's Education Committee solicits proposals for a series of online video lectures on American music topics. Designed for general audiences (including, but not limited to, high school and university students, concertgoers, and/or historical societies), these lectures may address any topic or theme in American music studies and should approach the material with the layperson in mind. Each "Digital Lecture in American Music" should be 10--15 minutes in length (and no more than 20 minutes). Please note that the Society employs
an expansive definition of "American music" that encompasses all musics of the Americas, and especially welcomes submissions addressing Latin music, Canadian music, Indigenous music, and other marginalized music traditions. We also encourage proposals that explore creative uses of VoiceOver, editing, and musical performances. The committee will prioritize submissions from those who have not previously developed a digital lecture for the Society. Lectures in the DLAM series should consist of original and previously unpublished scholarship; if the proposal is based on previously published work, please explain any planned revisions. Lectures should also be as accessible as possible; please have a plan for captioning and
meeting ADA guidelines. The DLAM series is reviewed by the Education Committee and authors receive feedback at each phase of the process. Please see the schedule below for the steps of publication and an idea of the timeline. By submitting your proposal, you are confirming that this is a feasible timeline for you and your workload.
An application should contain a complete curriculum vitae and a proposal of no more than 600 words that includes the following:
The topic or theme to be addressed in the lecture.
A rationale explaining the relevance of the topic or theme to a lay audience.
The intended audience(s) for the lecture.
A discussion of the ways that the presenter will capitalize on the video medium.
A statement describing the presenter’s access to and any relevant experience with video production equipment and software, as well as storyboarding, script writing, and/or videography.
Details about how the presenter will make the video accessible.
Successful proposals will:
Explore a compelling topic of broad interest.
Present original research.
Engage with contemporary scholarship in American music studies.
Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a lay audience.
Make strong use of the video medium.
The Society for American Music’s Education Committee will select up to three proposals for this round of “Digital Lectures in American Music” and will award an honorarium of $500 USD upon completion of the project. The lectures will be hosted on the Society’s webpage and its YouTube channel .