We all know music is changing radically. Digital media have undermined CD sales, sidelining major record companies, but the digital revolution has also created new opportunities for independent artists. With national distributors folding, and our digital rights not fully secured, how will musicians survive and make a living? How will the new media affect live performance, music education and creativity? How can our national federation best support musicians as we go through these changes?

Four public forums will focus on these issues to gather ideas and help move music forward. Each forum will open with two speakers giving their view of where things are headed. After that we will open the forum to discussion by everyone present. All points of view will be heard and recorded, then passed on to the Canadian Conference of the AFM for possible action at the national level.

Saturday, August 16th, 2008 3 - 5 PM Battery Hotel
FORUM ONE: Rights and Income in the Digital Age
With downloading and falling CD sales eroding traditional income from music, how will composers and songwriters protect their rights and obtain income from use of their music?
Speakers - Paul Hoffert, Eddie Schwartz, hosted by Don Quarles

Sunday, August 17th, 2008 3 - 5 PM Battery Hotel
FORUM TWO: The Future of Live Performance
With more and more music moving to the internet, what will the role of live performance be,
and how will musicians, orchestras and new music find their audiences?
Speakers - Rita Chiarelli, Paul Bendzsa, hosted by Jeff Gilhooly

Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 7 - 9 PM Battery Hotel
FORUM THREE: Music Education and Creativity
How does learning music affect us? How can musical creativity be supported in education?
How can the new digital tools be used for music education and creativity?
Speakers - Jowi Taylor, Janeatt Hogan, hosted by Angela Antle

Thursday, August 21st, 2008 7 - 9 PM Battery Hotel
FORUM FOUR: How can the AFM Help?
What programs does the AFM offer to help and support musicians? How can our national
musicians' federation provide better assistance to working musicians?
Speakers - Bill Skolnik, Alan Willaert, hosted by Ted Blades

Who Can Attend?
The forums are open, public events. We welcome musicians, music industry professionals, young musicians and the general public to attend and participate. We are looking for your ideas and input. To send us your questions and ideas, click here. See you there!