About Us

As Philadelphia’s music authority, The Philadelphia Music Alliance promotes the vast legacy of contributions from Philadelphians to all music genres and encourages emerging artists and students toward achieving musical excellence. In addition, The Alliance creates, supports and sponsors programs and events that enrich and strengthen Philadelphia’s musical community. Their best-known creation is the Walk of Fame, a must-see tourist attraction on Philadelphia’s dazzling Avenue of the Arts.

Mission Statement

Established in 1986, the Philadelphia Music Alliance is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Philadelphia’s rich musical legacy by increasing awareness of the city’s great musical tradition and supporting the current music scene.

Our History

The Philadelphia Music Alliance was founded in June 1986 as a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Philadelphia as one of the nation’s oldest and most prolific music capitals. Established by music executives and concerned citizens in order to recognize the legacy of vast contribution of Philadelphia to all the musical genres, the Philadelphia Music Alliance serves to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music.

The Music Alliance is best known for the Walk of Fame along Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts. This series of over 150 bronze commemorative plaques honors Philadelphia area musicians, music professionals and radio DJ’s who have made a significant contribution to the world of music throughout our city’s history. The Walk of Fame is the City’s most impressive public monument to the people who have made Philadelphia a great music city.

The PMA works to ensure a continued vibrant music making community through its music education programs for city school students and local college students, as well as supporting partnerships with outstanding music education programs such as Musicopia, Project 440, JazzPhiladelphia and others – all designed to not only to encourage our city’s continued stellar contributions to the cultural heritage of the world but to fill a void created by shrinking budgets for cultural programs in our city and in our schools.

The Alliance also serves as a resource to students, educators, musicians, city agencies, and other cultural institutions. The PMA has worked with Visit Philadelphia, Multicultural Affairs Council, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Commerce Department, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Franklin Institute and others, as well as the University of the Arts, Drexel University, and Temple University.