2025 Conference

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2025 KUACMI CONFERENCE

Partnering with the

COLLEGE MUSIC SOCIETY

April 5-6, University of Kansas

(Lawrence, KS)

X

KUACMI

CMS

The College Music Society Central Chapter (CMS Central) and the University of Kansas Asian Classical Music Initiative (KU ACMI) will jointly present an ACMI section at the 2025 CMS Central Chapter Annual Conference. This section welcomes works engaging with AAAPI (Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander) musical heritage in various forms: traditional AAAPI music, Western classical works with AAAPI influences, contemporary compositions by AAAPI composers, cross-cultural collaborations, as well as works representing individual artistic reflections by AAAPI composers.

Through performances, research presentations, creative works, discussions on pedagogy, curriculum development, and disciplinary concerns, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for musicians, scholars, and educators dedicated to AAAPI music while fostering an inclusive space for cross-cultural dialogue. We welcome participants from all global backgrounds and at any stage of their journey—whether they are preserving traditional heritage, exploring cultural fusion, or seeking expression beyond cultural labels—as they contribute to building bridges for diversity and global dialogue in music.

Submissions: via Submittable

Note: ACMI does not fund travel expenses. The format may shift to virtual if necessary.

Notification of Acceptance:

The 2025 Conference Committee welcomes proposals for AAAPI music performances, scholarly presentations, and compositions. The Committee solicits the broadest representation of our profession and its interests and welcomes submissions from all, including those:

In academia (full-time and adjunct faculty, students, and retired faculty)
Active as independent musicians and scholars
In the music industry and entrepreneurship
From cultural organizations and institutions

After getting invited...

*Every collaborator/presenter needs to register

General Registration Fee: $185

CMS Student Membership Registration Fee: $60

The 2025 Conference Committee invites submissions for papers regarding AAAPI musical practice, musicians, cultural significance, and poetics. Topics can include but are not limited to:

Analysis of works by AAAPI composers
AAAPI-influenced classical music, musical traditions, musicians, and composers
Composition, technique, and performance for non-Western instrumentation and materials
Sociology, anthropology, ethnomusicology, and historical perspectives of AAAPI music
Issues in transnational and cross-cultural music production, performance, and circulation
Significance of AAAPI cultural heritage for music
Pedagogy, Curriculum Development, and Disciplinary Concerns

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit this Google form via CMS Submittable with the following information:

Proposals should not exceed 300 words and must be anonymized
Accepted papers will be allotted 20 minutes for presentation plus 10 minutes for questions
Applicants may choose to also include supporting materials (e.g. musical examples, figures, tables, selected bibliography, etc.), which will be uploaded separately on the Google form

*By submitting this call, the speaker gives permission to ACMI for the presentation to be recorded and broadcast live

Apply for Papers

The 2025 Conference Committee welcomes submissions of original (authorial) works to be performed during the conference.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Works must be under 10 minutes in duration for one or more of the following:

Solo instruments
One or two pianos (two or more hands)
Small ensembles
Voice
Tape works
Works with electronic accompaniment
Non-Western instrumentation

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Composers must either perform their own works or provide their own performer(s)
Works utilizing electronic media will be considered based on available technological resources
Performers must provide their own computer or tablet and interface for any needed audio or video playback
Composers are expected to attend the performance

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit this Google form via CMS Submittable with the following information:

The names, pronouns, email addresses, and institutional affiliations of all proposers and/or collaborators.
The composition’s title, instrumentation, and duration.
A brief biography of the composer (not to exceed 150 words).
An abstract or program notes (not to exceed 250 words).
A PDF copy of the full score and individual parts as one PDF file. Please make sure the scores and parts are fully anonymized. For works that are not represented in a traditional score-and-parts format, please provide a description of the conceptual framework used in the realization of the composition.
Audio/MIDI Example.
A list of required equipment (this includes chairs, stands, electronics, etc.).
Confirmation of whether the composer can provide performers.

*By submitting to this call, the composer is permitted to record audio and video of the concert in which the submitted piece is included, and upon winning, to provide ACMI with a headshot, biographical information, and the score and parts in PDF format at no charge.

Apply for Exisiting Scores

The 2025 Conference Committee welcomes submissions of pre-existing and original works that showcase:

AAAPI (Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander) musical traditions and practices
Western classical works influenced by AAAPI culture
Individual artistic reflections by AAAPI composers

CALL FOR PERFORMANCE

Limited to 20 minutes or less
Features music by one or more composers
No limitation on ensemble size (including solo)
Time includes set-up and pause between movements

*Performances are intended to present live music, and therefore speaking is generally limited to brief introductory comments.

CALL FOR LECTURE-RECITALS

Limited to 25 minutes each
Inclusive of delivery, discussion, and questions
Time includes set-up and pause between movements

*Lecture recitals present scholarship in combination with live performances. Performers must arrange for their own accompanists.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Works utilizing electronic media are considered based on available resources

Performers must provide:

Own computer/tablet for audio/video playback
Own instruments (including percussion, except pianos)
Own accompanists

Piano limitations:

Maximum two pianos
No alterations unless immediately reversible
No permanent preparations

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit via Google form via CMS Submittable

Basic Information:

Proposal title
Names/contacts of all participants and collaborators
Performing ensemble details (if applicable)

Supporting Materials:

Collaborator biographies (150 words max per person)
Program notes (performances) or abstract (lecture-recitals) - 250 words max
Equipment and performance setting details
Audio sample (minimum 3 minutes) demonstrating soloist/ensemble proficiency

IMPORTANT NOTES

The same material may not be submitted as both a lecture-recital and performance

By submitting, performers agree to:

Audio recording of the concert
Provide headshot and biographical information if selected
Provide score and parts in PDF format at no charge if applicable

Apply for Performance and Lecture-Recital

More Information

For more conference updates and details, please visit:

CMS Central Chapter Website