Gospel Music Association

Resources: Music from the ChristianMedia.ca Glossary

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as a face and voice for the Christian music community. As an umbrella trade organization, the GMA provides an atmosphere in which artists, industry leaders, retail stores, radio stations, concert promoters and local churches can coordinate their efforts for the purpose of benefiting the industry as a whole, while remaining true to the purpose of communicating the gospel message. The GMA continues to build a platform for all genres of gospel music through its programs, special projects and services.

More than 4,200 members make up the Gospel Music Association and include record company professionals, aspiring and established artists/writers/musicians, concert promoters, radio professionals, retailers, publishers, producers, booking agents, artist managers, and more. This diverse group represents every Gospel music genre including pop/contemporary, rock, hip hop, inspirational, urban, southern gospel, Latin and more.

The GMA offers several events, services and resources throughout the year including the GMA Music Awards, GMA Week, GMA Music in the Rockies, GMA Academy, special publications (GMA Music Industry Networking Guide and GMAil), and ongoing advocacy and public relations efforts.

The GMA’s sister organization, the GMA Foundation, operates the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame/GMA Foundation’s mission is to recognize and preserve the history and legacy of all forms of gospel music and to provide educational resources that encourage participation and appreciation by the general public.

Programs and Services

For more than three decades, the GMA Music Awards has honored outstanding achievements and excellence in gospel music. The most-anticipated music event of the year for fans and industry alike, the show celebrates a rich musical diversity. Dove Awards are presented to individuals representing modern rock, rap/hip hop, pop/contemporary, inspirational, urban, southern gospel, bluegrass, country, praise and worship and more.

More than 3,000 gather each April in Nashville, Tenn., for this premiere annual gospel music convention. The event attracts a diverse group of industry segments including artists, radio, retail, managers, agents, promoters, and industry. Music genres represented include Christian pop, rock, rap, urban gospel, black gospel, southern gospel and more. The week includes more than 100 artist performances and educational seminars geared to radio, retail, managers/agents, promoters, and industry. GMA Music Week is a must-attend event for established professionals and those interested in launching a career in music.

GMA Music in the Rockies(formerly “Seminar in the Rockies”) has a long-standing history as the premier competition, gathering, and educational event in Christian music. Since 1974, aspiring artists and songwriters have traveled from all over the world to perform, compete and hone their skills under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals and peers. Artists such as Stacie Orrico, Rachael Lampa, Babbie Mason, Point of Grace and Mark Lowry all began their careers at Music in the Rockies. Located in the beautiful city of Estes Park, Colo., Music in the Rockies is a must-attend event for any aspiring or indie artist, songwriter, worship Leader and musician, and for producers, publishers, and A&R professionals. Families also take advantage of this resort destination through diverse activities and the acclaimed Music in the Rockies Concert Series.

Launched in 1995, the GMA Academy is a regional talent competition and seminar designed to educate, encourage, and support the growth and development of Christian artists and songwriters. The program features a talent competition for unsigned artists and songwriters, culminating with the National Finals held at Music in the Rockies, located in Estes Park, Colo. Regional competitors and winners have gone on to launch successful and rewarding ministries and careers, and include artists like Jars of Clay and Nichole Nordeman.

These programs, projects and services are implemented through the support of GMA members, work of the GMA staff and the many "professional volunteers" who serve throughout the year on the GMA Board and on various committees. These individuals give of themselves, providing leadership for today and direction for the future of gospel music.

web site: http://www.gospelmusic.org