American Composers Forum

American Composers Forum The American Composers Forum facilitates an ecosystem of creativity through music.

Our goal is to make music creators, and their music, a vibrant and integral part of human culture.

06/04/2026

Hey composers! What do you want to know? We've created a new digital message board called The Forum that allows musicians to talk to each other, and share knowledge on all things new music. Whether you've got questions or answers, The Forum is your place to discuss!

Visit our website now to create your free account and start the conversation.

https://composersforum.org/the-forum

06/03/2026

"When I think of American music, I think of all the different possibilities that we have, which is both the beauty of the curse of this nation... We soak up from everywhere. American music is a sponge."

Cellist-composer Malachi Brown speaks about his ACF-commisioned work "It’s Black, It’s U.S.," which will receive its world premiere on Wednesday June 17th at The Africa Center in New York City. eaving together Malachi’s personal experiences with Black historical narratives, the composition celebrates the beauty that shines from Black culture in a world that often refuses to recognize its glorious nature.

https://composersforum.org/recomposing-america/malachi-brown-sugar-hill-salon

Video by Rocky Jones

Help us support artists by making a gift to ACF! Your contribution helps to keep artist resources free for all, includin...
06/01/2026

Help us support artists by making a gift to ACF!

Your contribution helps to keep artist resources free for all, including popular Opportunities page, our free membership program, and our direct support through Recomposing America, innova recordings, and McKnight Composition Fellowships.

Make a gift today by visiting our website or following the link below!

https://composersforum.org/contribute/ways-to-give

Congrats to ACF | create awardee Alicia Waller upon the release of her first full-length studio album, Louder, Then! Fro...
05/29/2026

Congrats to ACF | create awardee Alicia Waller upon the release of her first full-length studio album, Louder, Then! From plush, dreamlike sounds to contemporary soul bangers, the LP explores the vast tapestries of Black music in America. Stream the full album today!

photo by Kendra Irene

Head over to The Forum before 2pm Central TODAY to ask your questions! Loki Karuna will be hosting an AMA on the "Ask AC...
05/21/2026

Head over to The Forum before 2pm Central TODAY to ask your questions! Loki Karuna will be hosting an AMA on the "Ask ACF" channel on The Forum, our new digital message board for all things new music. Signing up for an account is free, so register now if you haven't already!

https://composersforum.org/forums/forum/ask-acf

05/20/2026

"[David Cope's] work has always sparked conversations around authorship and music....In 2026, the film poses questions about can things other than humans create music?"

Documentary-filmmaker Jae Shim discusses "Opus Cope," a PBS-bound documentary following late composer David Cope. Our support of this film is part of our ongoing Recomposing America initiative. Stay tuned for more Recomposing America initiatives!



Video by Rocky Jones

05/18/2026

Take a peek into a week in the life of , one of our Recomposing America artists. In June, he will present "Sanctuary," a moving residency project, exploring the full spectrum of the immigrant experience—from hope and wonder to struggle and strife. The work is inspired by Kaviraj’s own journey from Oman to the Twin Cities and his family’s rich musical ancestry. Visit our website to learn more!

https://composersforum.org/recomposing-america/kavyesh-kaviraj-walkerwest-music-academy

Today we're reminded of an interview with composer Omar Thomas that was released on our publication I CARE IF YOU LISTEN...
05/14/2026

Today we're reminded of an interview with composer Omar Thomas that was released on our publication I CARE IF YOU LISTEN in 2025. In response to a question from contributor Gemma Peacocke, Thomas said "Every piece is an opportunity to educate and to make space for a story that hasn't yet been told."

In a time when there are those who would erase parts of our history, we affirm and uplift those voices who cause us to envision our possible futures.

Omar Thomas Large Ensemble I Care if You Listen (.com)
TMJ4 News Wisconsin Public Radio

Got questions? Our Executive Director Loki Karuna will be hosting an AMA next week on The Forum, our new digital message...
05/14/2026

Got questions? Our Executive Director Loki Karuna will be hosting an AMA next week on The Forum, our new digital message board for composers and new music lovers. Visit our website to create an account, and don't forget to drop in your questions in the "Ask ACF" channel, starting at noon CT this Thursday!

https://composersforum.org/forums/forum/ask-acf

05/13/2026

"When I first moved to America, I thought of myself as having found that safe place to be, to create. What I want to tell is that story of almost every immigrant... how we endure, how we persevere, how we're challenged, and how we pass it on."

As we continue to question what American music means today, we spoke with Recomposing America Artist Kavyesh Kaviraj. He talks about his "unique take on music," which unites his experiences in Indian, Omani, and Jazz traditions, among others. Visit our website to learn more about Kaviraj's ACF-commissioned work, "Sanctuary." The piece premieres in St. Paul, MN on Wednesday June 3rd.

This program was supported by a grant from Jerome Foundation.

Video by Rocky Jones

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