Sigma Alpha Iota

22 Spring 2025 • sai-national.org SAI Affiliates The National Music Council (NMC), an SAI Affiliate, released "A Statement Concerning Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Global Music Community" in 2024. NMC defines Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) as "machine-based content generators that are artificially 'trained' on a set of ingested, often copyright-protected data, to find patterns within that data, and thereafter to generate additional content based on such data." While GenAI can aid in musical expression, it can equally cause longstanding damage to musical creativity, commerce, and culture if left unregulated. As a result, NMC offers general positions on GenAI-related regulations for its member organizations. These are presented with the understanding that GenAI is ever-evolving and generating ongoing discussion. Note that neither the NMC nor Sigma Alpha Iota speak on behalf of its members; members are free to express their own views on these matters even if contrary to those in the statement. Some points addressed in the GenAI statement include: • Continuing support for AI tools and technological advancement • The 3 Cs: consent, credit, and compensation • Public disclosure and mandatory record keeping for GenAI-derived works • Individual name, image, likeness, voice, and instrumental sound protections The statement concludes, "the broadly-based US member organizations of the NMC are hopeful that this outline of its current positions on GenAI will be helpful in moving legislative discussions forward, toward the promise of more effective rights protections and marketplace efficiencies in the immediate future." The full statement is available on NMC's website at musiccouncil.org. The National Music Council is the Congressionally-chartered, educational umbrella organization for the broad spectrum of US music community advocacy groups. Founded in 1940, NMC's membership is today comprised of almost fifty leading American trade organizations representing four distinct categories of music community interests: those of music creators; musical artists & performers; music copyright owners & administrators; and music educators. For more information, visit musiccouncil.org. A Statement Concerning Generative Artificial Intelligence The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) celebrated forty years of Music in Our Schools Month in March. NAfME states the purpose of Music in Our Schools Month as "[raising] awareness of the importance of music education for all children—and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music." In 1973, Music In Our Schools Month began as a single statewide Advocacy Day and celebration in New York and, by 1985, grew to become a month-long celebration of school music. It was that year that The World's Largest Concert was created, where music teachers and students throughout the United States and Europe gathered at the same time to sing the same concert program in their schools. Concerts in subsequent years were broadcast on PBS stations throughout the United States. Now known as Concert for Music in our School Month, NAfME posts videos of the concerts online to a wider audience. The 40th anniversary theme is United Through Music, which "reminds us that, although each person—baby, child, youth, and adult—is a beautiful musical human, when we come together our song soars higher, louder, and stronger." (NAfME press release) Throughout March, NAfME-affilated state music education associations participated in advocacy activities, including meetings with state and local elected officials, sharing why music education should continue to be funded and supported. Music in our Schools Month The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is a collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education. The only association that addresses all aspects of music education, NAfME, together with its affiliated state music education associations, advocates at the national, state, and local levels and provides resources and opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Founded in 1907 and representing more than 57,000 members teaching millions of students, NAfME advances the music education profession and promotes lifelong experiences in music. For more information, visit www.nafme.org

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