NEA program staff is extremely helpful and willing to answer your questions! Please consider being in touch with an NEA music specialist, well before the grant deadline nears, to talk through your plans for preparing an application. Seek comments regarding your previous applications to the NEA. Whether your project was funded or not, comments will strengthen your next application. Also, please note that, after you've consulted with NEA staff, it is acceptable to submit a new, improved application for a project which has been declined in a previous application. The following NEA staff may be contacted: Wayne S. Brown, Director of Music and Opera; Court Burns, Access to Artistic Excellence, (music organizations with names beginning A-L) 202-682-5590; Anya Nykyforiak, Access to Artistic Excellence, (music organizations with names beginning M-Z) 202-682-5487; Erin Jenkins Waylor, Challenge America: Fast Track Review Grants 202-682-5700; Denise Brandenburg, Learning in the Arts, Music 202- 682-5044; Laura Welsh, Arts on Radio and Television 202-682-5738.