Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy

PROCESS OF JOINING SAGMA

1. Obtain and submit two recommendations from music industry peers. Membership cannot be considered without recommendations. Self-recommendations are not accepted and will be considered incomplete, causing your membership not to be processed.

2. Submit a bio or BRIEF industry job description.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROCESS

A. If you have been nominated for a STELLAR Award within the previous five years, the process above is waived and you should complete the Renewal Membership form instead of this one.

B. If you are renewing a SAGMA membership and your status has not changed (i.e. same company/position), the process above is waived and you should complete the Renewal Membership form instead of this one.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP IS FOR

A. Artist/Performers (someone’s whose primary career focus is music, someone who has verifiable credits on at least one (1) commercially released project and/or someone who earns at least 51% of their income from Gospel music)




B. Songwriters, Producers, Engineers, Instrumentalists, Gospel Music Announcers, Music Executives/Associates (e.g., labels and label distributors, publishers, promoters, agents, managers, lawyers, publicists, performing rights organizations and other executives whose primary career focus is in the production, distribution, streaming and marketing of Gospel music;




C. Industry writers (e.g., authors, journalists, bloggers)




D. Music educators (e.g. college/university educators, music/trade school educators).

THE STELLAR AWARDS APPROVES MEMBERSHIP AT ITS SOLE DISCRETION BASED ON ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE SUBMISSION.

WHAT DOES THE ACADEMY COMMITTEE LOOK FOR?

1. Two strong recommendations from music industry peers

2. Proof of a primary career focus in music, including but not limited to:

A. Active marketing and promotions

B. Awards and honors

C. Established online presence. If pertinent to craft, current and historical touring dates/performances, fan base interaction, music videos, charts or streaming statistics, current releases available, etc.

D. Press such as interviews, highlights, reviews by relevant outlets

E. Professional support system (i.e. manager, booking agent, publicist, etc.)

2023 Application

Upon completion of this application, the SAGMA Committee will process and review your application for membership approval. Upon approval of your application, you will be given directives for submitting your $100 membership fee. Once payment has been processed, you will receive your letter of approval and membership ID number within 72 hours.

All Stellar Academy transactions are final and non-refundable once approved by your financial institution. If you do not receive a membership number, you may contact the SAGMA administrator at 312-654-1100.