This long-gestating project aimed to unite every facet of the education sector in one strong, representative institution. From musicians to writers, producers to promoters, technicians to managers, the goal was to speak with one voice, defend the industry’s interests, and celebrate its successes. It echoed the approach taken by similar groups in other arts fields and stood as a model the sector hoped to mirror in music.
The launch event took place this Wednesday at the Fernando de Rojas Theater in Madrid, hosted by the Department of Fine Arts. The atmosphere matched the anticipation: a full hall and many familiar faces among the attendees. The Spanish Academy of Music (ACAMUS) was introduced with its leadership under conductor Luis Cobos. In his remarks, Cobos underscored the significance of this moment for the music world and the broader arts community. He stated that it marks a turning point where art, performance, technique, and management can converge to form a shared home for the industry. The new academy is intended to showcase the talent, hard work, and passion of a diverse group to audiences around the world.”
Cobos highlighted the backstage team accompanying him on stage — Sagliocco, Pinesinger, Vega, Paco Lopez, Judith Mateo, and Charlie Sanchez — all board members who had been quietly meeting for nearly two years, driven by excitement and resolve to establish the academy. The organization is non-profit and unaffiliated with any single company. Its president noted that it already had more than 500 members and counting.
The idea of such an institution has been in the works for years, yet it required the right conditions to align. Differences of interest among various sector representatives, the economic downturn, the disruptive impact of the internet, and the later pandemic all posed obstacles. The pandemic, however, underscored music’s role in easing tough times, even as professionals faced serious financial strain. In those months, Sagliocco observed that the music world was often quiet despite being a vital driver of cities and tourism, and that the profession finally found its voice. Online weekly meetings evolved into a coordinated push, and despite early tensions, a consensus formed to give the industry a unified platform. The wind has since shifted: the music sector is rebuilding and expanding anew.
Some awards with international reach
The academy’s ambitions are broad. In the spirit of the Grammys, it plans to host major awards with international impact that recognize not only performing artists but all professionals who contribute to the industry. The exact name and trophy design were still undecided at the time of discussion, though plans for the awards were clearly in motion and anticipated to reveal more details as the year progressed.
In addition, ACAMUS will serve as a global crossroads for European and American musical communities. It will coordinate with similar institutions abroad, forging agreements with public administrations to stage music cycles and educational programs in schools and universities. The organization will also support collaborative activities that assist musicians and industry professionals. Cobos emphasized that Spanish music should be elevated on the world stage, ensuring that the creative act and those who enable it are placed in a position of artistic, economic, and social importance while building a sustainable future for the workforce. The strategic plan even contemplates incorporating artificial intelligence considerations as part of a forward-looking agenda. The academy, Cobos noted, could mark a turning point in the history of music in Spain.
Currently, ACAMUS does not yet maintain a dedicated headquarters. Instead, it operates from the offices of the Artists, Translators, or Performers Association. While several administrations had offered locations, the initial phase will rely on the existing spaces to advance its work. Cobos described the dialogue with those administrations as very positive and sensed that officials were watching the development closely, recognizing ACAMUS as a major voice for the music industry. Talks with other sectors and potential engagement with the ministry of culture were anticipated in the near term.
At the Wednesday unveiling, there was palpable excitement among board members, industry professionals, and audiences who contributed via video messages of support. Notable figures appearing in these messages included Raphael, Ana Belén, José Mercé, Ainhoa Arteta, Jorge Pardo, Mikel Izal, Sole Giménez, and Zenet, among others. The early supporters skewed older in age, but Cobos invited more industry voices to participate and promised that a future edition would include awards recognizing emerging talents. He described the initial leadership as comprised of long-time industry veterans with representative clout, with plans to welcome younger professionals in subsequent cycles and to establish a mentorship stream that would sustain the academy’s growth.