Frequently Asked Questions
Auditions and Selection Process
Who comprises the audition committee?
The selection committee is comprised of a representative from the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, three American Music Abroad Alumni Artists, and one member of the American Voices staff. American Voices assembles panels reflecting the artistic, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States.
How many bands will be selected overall?
Approximately 10 bands will be selected for the American Music Abroad 2024-2025 tour season.
How and when will groups be notified if selected into the American Music Abroad Program after auditions?
The selected bands will be notified in early May. The group leader of each selected band will be notified by email.
Programming
When will the tours be conducted?
BASED ON THE BAND’S and U.S. EMBASSY AVAILABILITY, the AMA tours will take place from September 2024 through July 2025. 10 tours will visit 20-25 African, Asia, and Oceania countries, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and the Middle East.
A typical program will connect bands with one to three U.S. Embassies abroad for 15 to 20 days of paid touring.
How long are the tours?
International tours range from 17 – 20 days (based on each band’s availability) and will visit 1 to 3 countries. Artists should be prepared to work from home for up to 4 days before their 17 – 20-day international tour to engage with the countries they will be touring.
Does anyone help the musicians with the tours?
Bands will have ongoing support from the U.S.-based American Voices head office, the U.S. Department of State, and, in particular, from the diplomats and staff of the U.S. Embassies and Consulates sponsoring the program. Each band will be assigned a program manager from American Voices who will help with logistical issues, scheduling, sound, and lighting, and general problem-solving. The dedicated program manager will also accompany the band during their travels. They will also be there to advise on social media outreach by the ensembles, including best practices for filming, videography, and photography.
Finances
What is the compensation?
There is a $300 honorarium per tour program day per musician (including rest days). Most programs will last for approximately 15 to 20 days. The average compensation per musician will be approximately $4,500 – $6,000 USD.
Are there any costs to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the American Music Abroad Program. If your band is selected to participate in a tour, all the tour flights, hotels, and transportation are covered by AMA. Additionally, each artist in the band will receive a $300 honorarium per person per day (including rest days) and the daily U.S. Government Meal and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) Per Diem rate for the cities of the tour (https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp).
