[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   THE MUSIC PERFORMANCE TRUST FUNDS

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said that 
music is the universal language of mankind. If so, recording industries 
music performance trust funds enable that language to be heard and 
enjoyed by all.
  Since its creation in 1948 by the Recording Companies of America and 
the American Federation of Musicians, MPTF has raised over $500 
million, and has sponsored more than a million free instrumental 
performances throughout the United States and Canada. MPTF can truly be 
described as the largest single sponsor of live music in the entire 
world.
  Indeed, the effect of MPTF is enormous. It provides young musicians 
with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. It permits 
individuals to hear excellent artistic selections, and to broaden their 
musical tastes. It functions as an educational tool enabling students 
to acquire a better appreciation and understanding of music. It serves 
as an outstanding example of industry and employees working together 
for a greater future, in which the arts are widely accessible to people 
in their own communities.
  It is often said that few things in life are free. When MPTF was 
first envisioned, it was designed to be an exception to that rule. Its 
original goal was to present free musical performances for community 
education and outreach, with emphasis on reaching the largest possible 
audiences. For half a century, in reaching for that goal, MPTF has 
helped to develop, strengthen, and enrich our national culture and 
heritage, especially the appreciation and enjoyment of live music.
  Because of these admirable achievements, it is a privilege to take 
this opportunity to commend the recording industry and MPTF for their 
leadership. Through their efforts, music is fulfilling its potential as 
a magnificent unifying and humanizing experience that can be shared and 
understood by all.

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