What is Forging an American Musical Identity (FAMI)?

Forging an American Musical Identity (FAMI) is a multi-year scholarly project celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. It is dedicated to the discovery, interpretation, and celebration of music written in the United States during the long nineteenth century (1801 to the start of World War I). The project is chaired by Katherine K. Preston of William & Mary and includes leading musicologists from Vanderbilt, Bard College, CUNY, and the New York Philharmonic.

What is America's Soundtrack: American History Through Music?

America's Soundtrack: American History Through Music is a comprehensive 225-lesson course being developed by Practicing Musician that traces American history through its music. FAMI is advising on the long nineteenth century lessons within the course, ensuring scholarly accuracy and depth for that period.

Will America's Soundtrack be free?

Yes. Practicing Musician is a Social Purpose Corporation with fiscal sponsorship through Realize Impact, a 501(c)(3). Every lesson in America's Soundtrack will remain free for individuals and small groups, permanently — no paywall, no trial period, no expiration.

Who are the scholars behind the FAMI project?

FAMI is chaired by Katherine K. Preston, the David N. and Margaret C. Bottoms Professor of Music Emerita at William & Mary and past president of the Society for American Music. Team members include Neely Bruce (Wesleyan University), Kyle Gann (Bard College), John Graziano (CUNY Graduate Center), Barbara Haws (Archivist and Historian Emerita of the New York Philharmonic), Kevin Scott (New York City Recording Orchestra), and Douglas Shadle (Vanderbilt University).

What was the Carnegie Hall FAMI performance?

On January 30, 2026, the American Symphony Orchestra under conductor Leon Botstein performed at Carnegie Hall as the culminating event of FAMI's January 2026 New York conference. The centerpiece was the first performance of George Frederick Bristow's Symphony No. 5, Niagara, since its world premiere. FAMI scholars including Katherine Preston, Douglas Shadle, and Kyle Gann prepared the performing edition of the Bristow symphony for the concert.

How can organizations partner with Practicing Musician on America's Soundtrack?

Organizations that study, preserve, perform, or teach American musical heritage are invited to reach out about partnership opportunities. Practicing Musician is also seeking investors and donors who see the semiquincentennial as an opportunity to make American cultural literacy a public good. Contact Dr. Rory Creigh, Vice President of Education, using the contact form on the partnership page.

Practicing Musician — Professional Music Educators

About Practicing Musician

Practicing Musician is a team of professional music educators, researchers, and instructors dedicated to making world-class music education accessible to everyone. Our editorial team includes chairs and members of the committees that researched, developed, and piloted the National Core Arts Standards and Model Cornerstone Assessments for Music, alongside NAfME Council chairs and a network of over 60 founding educator members. Every resource we publish is grounded in real classroom experience and reviewed by working musicians and educators. Meet the full team → | View founding members →