“What’s the Future for Musicians?”  That’s both the focus and title of seminars in Chicago (Monday, Sept. 22) and New York City (Monday, Oct. 6) that will explore crucial issues at the intersection of music, technology, policy and law.  The seminars are presented by the Future of Music Coalition, a national nonprofit education, research and advocacy organization, in conjunction with the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and the Public Theater in New York.

Among the topics to be examined in breakout sessions and roundtable discussions are online promotion and distribution options, how to navigate the health insurance landscape, the importance of open Internet structures (‘net neutrality), podcasting and webcasting, local initiatives and funding opportunities, and how copyright law and business models affect musicians’ compensation.  The seminars are designed to give participants from all music genres the latest scoop on music-tech-policy, while enabling them to interact with the experts and exchange ideas and perspectives with other musicians, songwriters and indie label executives.

Although both seminars will run from noon-7 p.m., the New York City seminar and cocktail hour will be followed by a 90-minute program entitled “Creative License: A Conversation About Music, Sampling & Fair Use.” 

Detailed information on the seminars (including schedules and speakers), for which online registration is $25, is available at www.futureofmusic.org.