American Musical Instrument Society

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The American Musical Instrument Society (AMIS) was founded in 1971 to promote the study of the history, design, and use of musical instruments across cultures and eras. Based in the United States, AMIS supports organology research and brings together collectors, curators, historians, performers, instrument makers, conservators, restorers, dealers, teachers, and students.

AMIS publishes a journal and a newsletter, holds annual conferences (sometimes with the Galpin Society), runs an active website and email forum, and presents five awards.

Journal and newsletter
- The Journal of the American Musical Instrument Society is published annually and features 3–6 illustrated articles on a wide range of topics, plus book reviews, lists of recent publications, notices, and advertisements. Articles are reviewed by experts. The journal is available in libraries on four continents and can be accessed through ProQuest; an index to back issues is on the AMIS website.
- The Newsletter is published twice a year and includes official notices, society news, short articles, reviews, acquisition lists from member institutions, member news, and classifieds. Current and recent issues are archived on the AMIS website.

AMIS-L and communications
- AMIS-L is a Listserv for members and designated others, created after a 2006 joint conference with the Galpin Society and CIMCIM to keep members connected online.

Awards
- Curt Sachs Award: given for lifetime contributions to AMIS; the recipient is invited to speak at the annual meeting.
- Nicholas Bessaraboff Prize: for the best English-language book-length publication; began in 1989, originally biennial and then became annual in 2009; prize includes $500.
- Frances Densmore Prize: for the most significant English-language article-length publication; began in 1988, originally biennial and then became annual in 2009; prize includes $500.
- Frederick Selch Award: for the best student paper; established in 2004; prize is $250 and decided by a committee.
- William E. Gribbon Memorial Award: to help students attend AMIS meetings; established in 1989; includes a one-year student AMIS membership and substantial travel and lodging support; applicants must be 35 or younger and enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate programs with career goals related to AMIS.

AMIS serves a global community of people interested in the history and use of musical instruments, offering resources, publications, events, and opportunities for researchers and students.