Welcome to the American Songbook Association Inc.

Mission
The ASA seeks to create transformational experiences for all ages by
engaging in the music of the American Songbook, classic and new.

Vision
The ASA envisions a world where music is a common language of unity,
empowerment, and opportunity.

Values
We believe in the power of music. By creating accessibility to music
through the Great American Songbook, we can be a catalyst for
positive change, developmental growth, and a better sense of self.
Regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, geographical location,
or any other cultural dimension, we believe that the language of
music, in song and lyrics, can break down barriers and build
relationships.

What is the Great American Songbook?
The Great American Songbook represents popular music of the 20th and
21st centuries including jazz, musical theater, and classic standards that
have remained widely known and reimagined by a wide range of artists
since their original recordings. The notional idea of the “Songbook”
originated in the 1930s and ’40s before American musical taste began to
rapidly expand to include other forms of music including country,
bluegrass, and rock, particularly in the ’50s. Although many associate
the Great American Songbook with music from the early 20th century,
the ASA Songbook itself is still being writeen.

What We Do
We leverage the rich tradition of the Great American Songbook (Jazz,
Musical Theater, Standards) as an educational foundation to create
programming in three key areas:

Publication of Cabaret Scenes Magazine – Our bi-monthly
publication raises awareness of the Great American Songbook
and engages readers through articles, reviews, interviews, and
promotion of cabaret events

Educational Programs in New York City Public Schools and the
tri-state area – Our school programs are a catalyst for students
in building confidence, expanding their vocabulary, and
discovering their own unique voice. Though some interested
participants will receive low or no cost advanced musical
instruction, moving on to attend performing arts high schools,
our focus is not on producing professional musicians. We seek
to promote the development of students’ cultural capital through
exposure to classic American music. We create better public
speakers, independent thinkers and, most important, aspirants
for a successful future.

Engagement Programs for Seniors
Our programs for seniors stimulate their minds, create a sense of belonging, and promote better overall well-being.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carolyn Montgomery

BOARD OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Craig Pomranz

TREASURER
Frank Dain

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carla Gordon
Sandra Kitt
Keith Meritz
Wendy Scherl

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Carolyn Montgomery

ADVISORY BOARD
Lucie Arnaz
Jennifer Bassey
Desmond Child
Jamie deRoy
Adela & Larry Elow
Peter Hanson
Peter Leavy
Joel A. Martin
Marilyn Maye
James Morgan
Steve Ross
Billy Stritch
KT Sullivan
Debbi Whiting
Karen Ziemba

American Songbook Association Inc. Is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in New York State.