Alabama is overflowing with extraordinary artists and musical history creating a remarkable legacy that is world-renowned. The legendary ‘Swampers’ from Muscle Shoals recorded with countless music industry icons. Those artists include Aretha Franklin, Wilson Picket, Etta James, Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name just a few. The State of Alabama is making music history once again with the creation of the first statewide educators association dedicated to popular music and the entire music and entertainment industries. the first in the nation to create an organization that supports and promotes popular music in education.
The Alabama Music Industry Educators Association (AMIEA) is a statewide organization formed to connect and support music educators teaching contemporary popular music as well as the production and business of the music and entertainment industries. The primary goal of AMIEA is to facilitate an exchange of information between educators at all levels and music industry practitioners to prepare students for careers in the music and entertainment industries.
This organization was initiated by Robert W. Smith, acclaimed composer/producer/teacher and Coordinator of the Music Industry Program at Troy University in Troy, AL. Mr. Smith brought together educators and music industry professionals from around the State of Alabama who shared his vision and passion for giving popular music a home in our public and private schools at all levels in our educational system. This alliance provides teachers with the tools they need and the opportunity to collaborate and learn from other educators and music industry professionals. The creation of curricular content with rigor and relevance is a primary objective of the AMIEA. Alabama students may also become members of AMIEA in a special student category. AMIEA student members can meet and network not only with each other, but with top music industry professionals.
At its upcoming conventions and conferences, AMIEA will also provide workshops and clinics presented by educators and industry professionals giving unprecedented access to information and experiences as part of the ongoing learning process. Students also have the opportunity to perform at conventions and annual events sponsored by AMIEA with industry professionals interacting in meaningful dialogue and action. AMIEA also includes corporate members giving both educators and students invaluable resources for their ongoing development and music-making.
In 2022, AMIEA is planning three major events. In January of 2022, the organization and its members will participate in the Alabama Music Educators Association Convention in Birmingham, AL. In April of 2022, AMIEA will convene at Troy University as part of MIC Check, a unique performance and clinic environment featuring industry professionals from around the country and in various aspects of the industry. At MIC Check, students will have the opportunity to work with and learn from industry stars such as Chris Vrenna, a founding member and drummer for the iconic band Nine Inch Nails.
AMIEA will conclude its inaugural year with the Alabama Battle Of The Bands to be held at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in the world renown Muscle Shoals area. For more information on AMIEA, membership, events and opportunities to support arts education in Alabama, please visit https://alabamamusicindustryeducators.org
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