The Lute Society of America, founded in 1966, is devoted to the historical European lute and its music.  Membership is open to anyone, anywhere:  scholars and listeners as well as amateur or professional players.  Many of our members are also interested in and involved with related instruments like the theorbo or chitarrone, vihuela, cittern, bandora, orpharion, mandora, mandolino or Renaissance or Baroque guitar.  Libraries and other institutions are also welcome as members.  Dues for 2008 are

• 45 dollars (US) for one year,
• 85 dollars for two years,
• 125 dollars for three years,
• 500 dollars for lifetime membership (individuals only).

Note that beginning January 2009 dues will increase as follows:

• 55 dollars (US) for one year,
• 100 dollars for two years,
• 140 dollars for three years,
• Lifetime membership remains at 500 dollars (individuals only).

  Membership benefits include:

  • Four issues of the LSA Quarterly per year.
  • One issue of the scholarly Journal per year.
  • A directory of your fellow members (issued periodically).
  • Access to the LSA's microfilm and photocopy rental library. This library contains a wide range of old manuscripts and books that are hard to find anywhere else.
  • Your dues also provide the financial resources needed to support the staff who organize ongoing programs like the Summer Seminars that are produced annually.

Applications for membership must include a full mailing address, plus any additional contact information (such as a telephone number or e-mail address) that you wish to list in the directory, in addition to complete VISA/Mastercard charge information or a check in US funds drawn on a US bank for the amount (see above) corresponding to your desired term, made out to Lute Society of America.  It is recommended, but not required, that you use our membership application form (PDF, 418 KB).  Please send to:

Membership is on a calendar-year basis and is renewable each year in January. New members joining in midyear will receive any publications already issued during that calendar year.

For further information contact board member Ed Martin or the President of the LSA, Dick Hoban.   To send a change of address notification, write to the Administrator, Nancy Carlin.