Purpose of the WMA

The Western Music Association and its chapters foster the professional growth of individual performing members. Our open membership policy encourages western music performers and fans to join and participate in the organization. The WMA publishes the quarterly "Western Way", the only professional magazine dedicated to the promotion of western music, and our website, provides a central focus for western music performers and links to their individual websites. Inclusion on the website is one of the membership benefits for performing members. Our Educational Outreach Program was started because we view it as important to acquaint students with the musical heritage of the American West, from traditional trail songs, through the era of the movie cowboy, to contemporary western songwriting.

In large part, the WMA is responsible for the continuing popularity of western music. Articles on western music have appeared in national publications, including "Cowboys & Indians", "American Cowboy", "Cowboy" Magazine, "The Christian Science Monitor", and "Billboard", in many newspapers and regional publications in the United States and Canada, and in publications in Europe. Western music can be heard on dedicated radio programs and in folk and country radio formats in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and the number of new CD releases in the genre is growing every year. One of our most effective ways of expanding the visibility and enhancing the reputation of western music is through the annual Western Music Festival, Conference and Awards Ceremony. Through performances, workshops, seminars and our answers to frequently asked questions, we educate the public about western music and help people understand and appreciate the contribution of western music to our culture.