The Austin Music Foundation (AMF) is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides free business education for one of Austin's most valuable resources- musicians and
the music industry professionals.
AMF has been given an extremely generous gift of a 15 year rent-free lease at South Shore District, located on East Riverside near iconic venues Antone’s and Emo’s.
The new South Shore location will triple the size of our current space. AMF will operate its Creative Media Center (CMC), providing intimate work sessions with experts in the music industry. The new space will also be used to enhance its Music Industry
Collaborative (MIC), Leaders in Austin Music (LIAM) and other programs.
Here is a photo of our future office space waiting to be completed. AMF is asking its supporters to invest in Austin Music and help fund the cost of the building/finish out on the new space.
Our Story
The Austin Music Foundation (AMF) was launched in 2002 to strengthen and connect the local music community with innovative programs that empower musicians to navigate opportunities in the ever-changing music industry. Music professionals are like any other
small business owners; they must possess an entrepreneurial perspective and willingness to self-represent, manage, market and promote themselves as well as continually improve their musicianship. In Austin, a larger more stable musical middle class is emerging,
and artists are able to sustain a decent living making recordings, touring and selling merchandise.
In order to ensure that both established and up and coming musical acts sustain the vibrant Austin music scene, AMF offers free music business education. We are committed to ensuring that Austin's creative class and music industry businesses thrive and remain
in Austin. We take on an integral part in fostering the development and growth of infrastructure in this growing industry.
AMF Facts:
Since our founding in 2002, AMF has worked with over 9,000 artists.
Since the opening of the Creative Media Center in 2011:
- Served more than 3,000 artists and music professionals (over 2,000 in the last 12 months alone)
- Creative Media Center has increased the average number of clients by 300% since opening two years ago
- Produced over 55 panels and workshops since 2011
- Assisted with over 50 locally produced CD's
- Assisted with over 60 artists gigs and tours
"The Live Music Capital of the World"
Music is more than a fun night out for Austinites; it's our way of life. On any given night you can catch a show to hear Blues, Rock, Indie, Country, Classical, Tejano, Hip Hop and everything in between. Music is a powerful economic driver in our community.
According to the TXP, Inc. study on the Economic Impact of the Creative Section in Austin published in 2012, live music and music tourism is generating nearly $2 billion annually with more than $38 million in local tax revenue each year. The Austin music
industry provides over 18,000 jobs. A significant portion of the economic impact comes from major music festivals or events that attract artists and visitors from around the world. Austin, already dubbed the "Live Music Capital of the World", is now being
ranked among cities with the highest qualities of life.
* Free Private Consultations: The music professionals at AMF will work together with artists on any business or creative questions. Some of the areas of the industry that we provide assistance with are creative marketing, promoting, booking,
publishing, distribution, social networking, media relations and legal questions.
"I can't recommend that AMF Creative Media Center highly enough for local artists. Regardless of where you are in your career, the team have access to resources that can help." - Aly Tadros
* Free Monthly Panels & Workshops: AMF provides panels and workshops to help the Austin music professionals keep on top of the constantly evolving music industry. These topics include subjects such as Marketing Your Music, Publishing 101,
Tax Workshops, How to Get Booked at a Music Festival and Legal Clinics.
"I have especially enjoyed the workshops and the invaluable expertise shared by some of Austin's leaders int he music industry. Keep up the great work!" - Elizabeth Hernandez, Manager for The Frank Gomez Band
* Mixers: The Austin Music Foundation hosts mixers where music industry professionals are afforded the opportunity to network with their music peers as well as entertainment business executives.
* Music Industry Collaborative Program: An applicant-based mentoring program comprised of music industry entrepreneurs and mentor pairings. This program provides guidance on business plans, elevator pitches, raising
capital, assessing business risks, short and long term goals for their businesses.
"A great neutral ground for professionals around music to align their direction and vision, not just for their own businesses, but for Austin's music legacy and future."- Daniel Senyard, Vivogig
* Leaders in Austin Music Program: Provides participants with top-level music industry leadership effectiveness training for existing leaders in the Austin music community. The program explores solution-oriented initiatives regarding the
music industry's pressing concerns and opportunities as well as increasing cross-industry collaboration with other creative industries in Austin.
"Provided a fantastic overview, insight and approach to help contribute and guide our growing music industry"- Stuart Sullivan, Wire Recording
