Call for Applications: MLA Dena Epstein Award for Archival and Library Research in American Music Grants and Subventions NEW

The Dena Epstein Award for Archival and Library Research in American Music was created in 1995 through a generous gift from Morton and Dena Epstein to the Music Library Association. Requests are currently being accepted for one or more grants to be awarded for 2027. The total amount to be awarded this year is $6,500. The decision of the Dena Epstein Award Committee and the Board of Directors of the Music Library Association will be announced at the MLA annual meeting, which will be held in Detroit, MI, March 3 – 6, 2027.

A grant may be awarded to support research in archives or libraries (both nationally and internationally) on any aspect of American music. For purposes of this award, “American music” is defined as music directly relating to or that has some direct connection with the United States of America. There are no restrictions as to applicant’s age, nationality, profession, or institutional affiliation. All proposals will be reviewed entirely based on merit. Awards may be presented to an individual applicant or divided among multiple applicants. At its discretion, the committee may choose not to award a grant during any particular year. Unsuccessful first-time applicants may resubmit a proposal for the same project up to two years after their initial submission. An applicant may receive only one award for any one project.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• A brief research proposal (under 5 pages) that includes:
  • a description of the project
  • a detailed budget, indicating:
    • the amount of funding requested (indirect funds and capital purchases such as computer equipment and furniture are ineligible)
    • justification for the funding
    • additional sources of funding
    • a demonstration of how the applicant’s research will contribute to the study and understanding of American music
• A curriculum vitae
• Two letters of support from librarians or scholars knowledgeable about American music 

Applications should be submitted by e-mail attachment and must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Please send required documentation to Chris Durman, chair of the Dena Epstein Award Committee, at cdurman@utk.edu. Other members of this year’s committee are Alecia Barbour and Samuel Boss.

The deadline for receipt of proposals and letters of support is August 17, 2026.