The RMA welcomes proposals from conference organisers for the affiliation of their events to the RMA. Benefits of affiliation include:
- free advertising of the event through the RMA website and social media accounts
- free, or reduced cost circulation of information through RMA mailings to members
- access to advice and support from RMA Officers and members of the Events Committee
In addition, the Committee will consider applications for financial support. Conference affiliation grants will not normally exceed £750 (£450 for a one-day event/study day).
Guidance for Applicants
In line with the RMA’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we encourage applications from across the full spectrum of music studies, including individuals from currently underrepresented groups.
How and When to Apply
Conference organisers can apply for both affiliation and financial support using this Application Form, which must be completed and returned to affiliation@rma.ac.uk. We have two deadlines for application each year: 15 March, and 30 October. Applications received by the deadlines will receive consideration within two months.
Applications for retrospective conference grants will not be considered. If your conference or event occurs close to or just after the next deadline, and there is a clear reason why it could not have been submitted before the previous deadline, please still submit your application as usual. Consideration will be given to an urgent decision but we cannot guarantee this.
The post-event report guidance (below) includes important notes on the RMA’s expectations which we ask you to read in advance of submitting your application.
Additional information for Postgraduate Researchers considering applying for affiliation
Research students planning events should contact the student liaison officer Maureen Wolloshin in the first instance. We can support you to understand the different options for your event: such as holding a study day, hosting a research skills event, or applying for affiliation. If you do proceed to apply for affiliation, we ask you to identify a staff member at your institution who will support your event.
Criteria for Affiliation
To be considered for affiliation/funding, conferences must:
- be open to members of the public;
- include substantial scholarly content relating to music;
- not overlap with the main RMA events already scheduled
Decisions about affiliated events are made by the RMA’s Events Committee. When considering applications, the Committee will prioritise events that, in the Committee’s judgement:
- make a fresh contribution to development of the discipline;
- are accessible to the Association’s membership;
- have a realistic and achievable business plan
The Association does not usually offer repeat financial support for recurring events unless the location or theme are substantially different. We expect that RMA members will be able to benefit directly (usually, from exclusive registration discounts).
RMA Expectations and Post-Event Reporting
Where the RMA makes a financial contribution to a conference or study day, we require organisers to report back on the event before funds can be released.
- We ask you to provide a narrative report for the website. See guidance for authors
- We ask you to complete a financial report for the Association’s Events Committee. Download guidance and template
The post-event report guidance includes important notes on the RMA’s expectations which we ask you to read in advance of submitting your application.
If your event makes a financial surplus
The RMA has established a scheme for displaced music researchers designed to offer free membership, mentorship and support to scholars from any country who have been displaced from their jobs or (doctoral) studies as a result of conflict and/or political circumstances. Therefore, conference organisers are strongly encouraged to donate to this fund any surplus they make above the level of the RMA subsidy in order to help those most in need of this urgent support.