Perspectives was first published by the Princeton University Press, initially supported by the Fromm Music Foundation.

[2] However, as the journal's editorial "perspective" coalesced, Fromm became—in the words of David Gable—disenchanted with the "exclusive viewpoint [that] came to dominate" it.

"However intrinsically valuable the kinds of analytic approaches that came to typify it may [have been], Perspectives [became] in essence a highly specialized theory journal for contemporary music.

[3] When Fromm discontinued his support, Perspectives of New Music formed an independent corporation, which has continued its publication.

From 1995 until 2000, there was a group of five editors: Joseph Dubiel, Marion Guck, Marianne Kielian-Gilbert, Andrew Mead, and Stephen Peles.