MUSIC FORWARD CELEBRATES NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE FIRST-EVER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IN MUSIC AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT RECOGNIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 

NOVEMBER 18, 2024 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Music Forward, a national non-profit organization and Live Nation’s charity arm, proudly recognizes National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating its federally recognized apprenticeship program – the first of its kind nationally that focuses specifically on music and live entertainment. Apprenticeships bolster Music Forward’s mission to pave the way for the next generation of industry talent by helping young leaders transition from music enthusiasts into seasoned professionals via competitive training, professional development, on-the-job training, and mentorship and coaching. This innovative program is revolutionizing how young people from underrepresented communities gain the skills, experience and mentorship they need to thrive in one of the most dynamic industries in the world. 

The journey to this first-ever registered apprenticeship in music and live entertainment began pre-pandemic via Music Forward harnessing its connections at the California Department of Education, community-based organizations, arts media and entertainment industry leaders BRIC Foundation (BRIC), Entertainment Equity Alliance (EEA) and Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) coming together to assess the role of workforce stakeholders in supporting a thriving and diverse arts and entertainment industry. This process led to the realization that registered apprenticeships are a vital part of preparing the next generation of industry professionals.  

“This historic apprenticeship program bridges training, education, and high-skill, high-wage jobs in music and live entertainment, addressing challenges around building an inclusive industry and cultivating its long-term sustainability,” explains Music Forward Foundation Executive Director Nurit Smith. “With support from our employer partners, we are providing paid, hands-on experience to kick-start careers and drive economic mobility. This initiative is a critical addition to our work, our youth, and the industry we serve.”  

These career paths are being built in partnership with high schools in the Centinela Valley Union High, Compton Unified and Los Angeles Unified school districts along with the California Department of Education’s Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) and Career Technical Education (CTE) industry sector schools plus Compton College – who are all teaching essential workplace skills, training students on creative processes and industry-standard technology and emulating professional environments to create authentic learning experiences for students. From San Francisco to San Diego, Music Forward works to reach young professionals, giving them the tools they need to launch successful careers in the music and live entertainment industries. Since its launch, Music Forward has received over 200 applicants interested in apprenticeships. Of those applicants, 92% are BIPOC and 61% female – ensuring the program supports underrepresented voices.  

Music Forward’s competency-based apprenticeship program’s rigorous structure requires at least 1,080 on-the-job paid training hours coupled with mentorship and supplemental learning. It provides a vast breadth of apprenticeship opportunities in different pathways including Marketing, Special Events, Music Supervision and Talent booking as well as technicians in Lighting, Audio and Video (A/V) and production roles such as Grip/Rigger, Stagehand and Audio Engineering. Music Forward has partnered with entertainment industry heavyweights Live Nation, Wasserman, Bigger Hammer, Show Imaging, BRIC, Bulldog Event Group and others to provide a robust selection of apprenticeship placements where young emerging professionals receive training and experience to ensure they are poised for success. As the apprenticeship program grows, Music Forward seeks to bring in additional industry employer partners to continue expanding opportunities and build a bigger future together for young talent.  

Music Forward’s current apprenticeship program participants are Gabriel Escalante & Kaije Rood at Show Imaging as Warehouse Techs, Chloe Colligan and Troy White at Wasserman in Talent Coordination and Marketing respectively, Emily San Vicente at BRIC Foundation in Marketing and Breanna Flores at Music Forward in Special Events. 

“My experience has been incredible,” raves Wasserman apprentice Troy White. “My team has taught me tour marketing from the ground up, and my main takeaway is that being detail-oriented is the key to success in the agency space, no matter what department you are in, along with ambition!”  

Wasserman apprentice Chloe Colligan enthuses, “The experience has been really amazing, and I am so grateful for this opportunity! I think the main takeaway for me is seeing how the music industry operates first-hand, and it honestly surpassed my expectations.”  

Ensuring a strong foundation and necessary resources, Music Forward’s apprenticeship program has received remarkable government support including being the recipient of a $500,000 California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) grants, one of the only dedicated to careers in the creative economy.  

Governor Gavin Newsom’s dedication to Music Forward’s apprenticeship program is exemplified by his statement: “California is committed to helping disadvantaged youth prepare for high-quality careers. Through our nation-leading career education efforts, we’re boosting apprenticeships throughout the state and across industries to help young people launch into the right career for them.” 

Along with the COYA grant, Music Forward has secured nearly $1M in multi-year support for this initiative from the Irvine Foundation, the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, California Workforce Development Board and High Road Training Partnerships. These funds will allow for youth and employer incentives, education stipends, mentoring and training for careers in the creative economy.  

National Apprenticeship Week: November 17-23, 2024, is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity. National Apprenticeship Week gives registered apprenticeship sponsors the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices in their community. To learn more about Music Forward Foundation’s apprenticeship program, visit HERE.

On Friday, November 8th, Levitt Foundation’s President and CEO Sharon Yazowski met with Music Forward Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, UpNext.

During the presentation, Sharon touched on how Levitt funds and empowers organizations across the country to bring life to underused spaces in their local communities, and bridge art, culture, and economic opportunity through free outdoor concerts. In 2024, the Levitt Foundation supported more than 650 free outdoor concerts in 50+ towns and cities, fostering joy and belonging for people of all ages and backgrounds while strengthening the social fabric of communities.

The 2024 UpNext councilmembers are a cohort of young artists and emerging music business professionals involved in their local music scenes across the country, and will take on the task of creating an event in their own communities next spring. They will have a budget, sponsored by Levitt, to bring these events to life. Levitt Foundation’s mission to “activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life”, and Sharon’s presentation to the council and resources she shared will help guide the council as they begin planning their own community activations.

Suba Senthil, who is based in New York said: “It was very cool and informative to see the thought and care put behind communities and space when planning live music and festival events, and the deliberate involvement with booking local acts. The toolkit the Levitt Foundation puts together— with sponsorship deck templates, checklists, volunteer guides, etc. is such a great starting point for those producing events for the first time!”

Dominic Glaude, Boston-based Council member said: “Sharon from the Levitt Foundation was very informative at our last youth advisory meeting. She explained the importance of creating spaces for artists and creatives all over the country by helping to fund community festivals and create permanent venues. They also expressed allowing event coordinators to maintain creative control over their events which I found to be very inclusive of each community’s cultures. Nurit from the Music Forward Foundation also shared her insights on collaborating within your network.”

“It has been wonderful to see this cohort grow their professional skills and build their confidence as emerging industry leaders throughout these past 6 months. They have been able to land paid internships in the industry and share their work as artists to a wider audience. We were intentional with who we picked for the inaugural cohort – young people with a passion for music and their communities, who wish to make the industry a more inclusive space for the next generation and Levitt’s sponsorship will help them bring their plans into fruition.” – Nia Williams, Career Development Manager at Music Forward.

To learn more about our Youth Advisory Council, click here.

MUSIC FORWARD ANNUAL BRUNCH 2024

On Sunday, October 6th, we hosted our 2nd Annual Brunch at City Club Los Angeles, gathering for an inspiring afternoon honoring some of the music industry’s most influential voices. We recognized individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the industry, our communities, and our world. Joining us again as our presenting sponsor was American Express and we are grateful for their continued commitment to our work and recognizing our honorees. 

The morning began with a reception and a performance with the smooth vocals of our alum Kennedy Ray. As the event transitioned to the awards, KCRW on-air personality Novena Carmel guided us through the ceremony, where we honored artists, executives, and organizations whose work has been transformative in the music & live entertainment industry. 

“So many young people dream of a life in music and our industry. It can look easy to be a successful musician, songwriter, promoter, venue owner but to so many young people with those dreams, those opportunities don’t exist. That’s why Music Forward exists,” said Nurit Smith, our Executive Director. And at our brunch ceremony, we were in a room full of changemakers ready to help those same young people achieve their dreams. 

The Tour Award went to Incubus, and was presented by Geni Lincoln, Live Nation President, California Region, in recognition of the band’s long-standing belief in giving back through initiatives like the Make Yourself Foundation, which supports the arts and environmental causes. Accepting the award, founder and lead singer, Brandon Boyd spoke passionately about the importance of supporting emerging talent, noting how recent collaborations with us at Music Forward helped create new opportunities for future leaders. “Our mission has always been about giving back,” Boyd shared, “and we’re thrilled to be able to partner with organizations that are doing the same for the next generation.” 

The Executive Award was presented by Tatia Fox (American Express), to Steve Rifkind, founder of Loud Records, who has played a pivotal role in the careers of countless artists and has consistently pushed boundaries within the industry. Reflecting on his journey, Rifkind shared, “The music industry is all about taking risks, and supporting young talent has always been at the heart of what I do. It’s an honor to be recognized for that work, especially by an organization that shares that same vision.”  

The Company Award was presented to BMG for their outstanding commitment to artists, music education and support for young talent. BMG has consistently demonstrated a dedication to empowering emerging artists by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities that help young creatives navigate the music industry. Their partnership with us has been instrumental in delivering impactful programs that inspire and guide the next generation of music leaders. By championing education initiatives and collaborating on various projects, BMG continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of the music industry. There to present the award was Choklate, singer-songwriter and newly signed BMG artist. 

Peter Shapiro accepted the Venue Award for Brooklyn Bowl, recounting his journey from managing Wetlands, a renowned NYC club known for its activism and community engagement, to founding Brooklyn Bowl, which has become a hub for live music and social causes, all while maintaining environmental sustainability. “Live music has the power to bring people together,” Shapiro said, “and it’s always been my goal to make our venues more than just places to see shows, but places that foster community.” There to present the award to Peter was musician and friend, Eric Krasno. 

Stuart Ross, part of the team that launched Lollapalooza, accepted the Festival Award, sharing insights into the festival’s evolution and its impact on shaping live music culture globally. Having attended 288 Lollapalooza shows, Ross spoke about the festival’s dedication to creating inclusive and sustainable experiences for all attendees, emphasizing its role as a cultural touchstone that supports up-and-coming artists. Senior Music Writer at Variety, Chris Willman, presented the award. 

The Community Award was accepted by Gina Belafonte of Sankofa.org, the social justice organization co-founded by her father, Harry Belafonte. Sankofa.org uses the power of art and culture to promote social change and empower marginalized communities. “We are committed to using art as a catalyst for change,” Belafonte expressed, “and it’s wonderful to see the music industry rally around the causes that matter most.” The award was presented by Jesse Williams, actor and member of Sankofa.org’s Advisory Board.

The voices of our alumni were a huge highlight of the day. Evelyn Cruz and Stephanie Sanchez took the stage to share their personal journeys and how our programs helped to shape their paths in the music industry. “Music Forward gave me the tools and the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams,” Cruz reflected. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship and support, I received.” Stephanie Sanchez, current Youth Advisory Council member and intern at Music Forward said, “Programs like this change lives—they open doors that many of us didn’t even know were there.” The afternoon concluded with a soulful set by Judith Hill, who delivered a powerful performance that embodied the energy and warmth of the event. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, L-Acoustics, Concord, Pathways LA, Amex, Evan Kodra, Los Angeles Dodgers, McNicholas & McNicholas, Brooklyn Bowl, Live Nation Diversity, Amazon, Live Nation, and to our presenting sponsor, American Express. The honorees’ dedication and achievements continue to inspire us, reinforcing our mission to amplify voices and create pathways for young people to thrive in the music industry. 

Thank you for your support that inspires endless creativity and ambition. We are breaking the barriers of gender, poverty, and race for young people to enter the music industry, stay connected, and follow their dreams. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to our continued collective impact.

Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry.

Along with our Inaugural Brunch on October 1^st at the Hollywood Bowl, Music Forward Foundation continued the 30th anniversary festivities with the Inaugural Golf Classic on October 2^nd. Held at the picturesque El Caballero Country Club, the Golf Classic brought together community leaders, celebrities, and golf aficionados for a day of fun and philanthropy.

The day kicked off with a performance by Music Forward alum, sisters Neska Rose and Libi Rose, who captivated the audience with their incredible vocals and musical talents as participants entered the El Caballero Country Club creating the perfect ambiance to breakfast with the beautiful club grounds as background. 

The event drew an impressive list of celebrities including musician Mod Sun, actor/producer Billy Magnussen, actors Josh Henderson, Rob Huebel, John O’Hurley, Greg Tarzan Davis, Michael Evans Behling, Nick Creegan, Carlos Bernard, Scott Benzing, and comedians Alex Thomas, Blake Webber, Buddy Lewis, Griff Pippin, Jake Adams, Mark Smalls, and Hunter March. Artist and entrepreneur Chris Ruediger, former athletes Byron Chamberlain and Kenny Lofton, and TV personalities Wells Adams and Jamal Munnerlyn also joined in the fun.

Teams teed off shortly after breakfast marking the beginning of golf, competition, and camaraderie. The Golf Classic wasn’t just about golf however; it became an entirely unique experience thanks to the creative hole activations provided by partners like M Resort, Uncle Nearest, RNBW World, Eighty-One Wine, Brita Water, and Rod & Hammer Whiskey. Participants were able to go hole-to-hole sampling some of the finest beverages and snacks. In the words of one of the members of Amazon Business who joined us, it was the best golf event he had ever been to. 

At the end of the day Citizens Bank, the Wasserman Foundation, and the Country Club Adjacent Podcast teams emerged as the golf tournament’s winners, showcasing their skills and camaraderie on the green.

Later in the evening, singer-songwriter Reina Macias, another Music Forward alum, took the stage and delivered a soulful set of her original songs to round out the day. With stellar performances, celebrity participants, and exciting hole activations, our Golf Classic was a day that truly highlighted our commitment to transforming young lives and championing inclusivity in the music industry. Here’s to another 30 years!

2023 Sponsors & Teams

US Bank Live NationMorgan StanleySusman GodfreyGoldman Sachs JPMorgan Chase & Co.Miller BarondessJ. Wood Capital AdvisorsCitizensBrascia Builders IncASM Global

2023 Partners

Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills Uncle Nearest WhiskeyStarter Pepsi Louis XIII

2023 Committee Members

John Boyle – Global Chief Content Officer, ASM Global Tim Funk – Senior Director – Strategic Sourcing, Live Nation Will Hodgson – Head of House of Blues Operations, Live Nation Jon Landa – SVP. Media & Sponsorship, Live Nation Kate Lieberman – Head of Fan Hospitality, Live Nation Michael McGaw – VP Brand Management, Live Nation Kurt Melien – President Las Vegas US Concerts, Live Nation Buddy Percin – Chief Engineer Facilities, Live Nation Matthew Schwartz – Partner, Gibson Dunn Tom See – President Venue Nation, Live Nation Amnon Siegel – Partner, Miller Barondess Michael Yerke – President HOB Talent, Live Nation Patti-Anne Tarlton – EVP, Ticketmaster Zach Friedland – SVP Treasurer, Live Nation Lori Lilly – SVP Legal Affairs, Live Nation Heather Lowery – President, Femme it Forward Toi Crawford – CEO, Toi Crawford & Associates

2023 Honorees

The sun rose over The Hollywood Bowl on the morning of October 1^st, 2023, as nearly 200 music and live entertainment industry professionals, educators, musicians, and more gathered to celebrate changemakers and thought leaders in the industry and enjoy a spectacular sustainable and plant-based brunch. 

The Inaugural Music Forward Brunch kicked off at 10 am that day with guests arriving at the iconic Los Angeles venue to a rooftop reception with cocktails, hors devours, and music by Music Forward Alum, Hannah Abrahim, accompanied by her guitarist & harpist setting the tone perfectly for the morning of smiles, warmth, and hope that was to follow. 

By 11 o’clock guests were ushered down to the Kagan Patio for brunch and the awards celebration deejayed by KCRW radio host Raul Campos. Inspired by Tour Honoree: Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever, The World Tour, the menu served was entirely plant-based and all silverware and paper products were either recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable. Guests found their seats and the award presentation got underway. 

Music Forward Executive Director, Nurit Smith, welcomed the excited crowd and thanked them all for being a part of a movement striving for positive change in the music industry and beyond, a mission Music Forward has been pursuing for the past 30 years and encouraged all in attendance to keep pushing our industry, communities, and society forward. 

Lesley Olenick, VP of Touring at Live Nation, presented the first award of the morning to Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever, The World Tour, for striving for sustainability and eco-consciousness in every aspect of the tour. From reusable water bottles to providing sustainability resources to concertgoers, the tour went above and beyond to leave a mark on the world but not on the environment. Lesley got emotional as she thanked Billie for always striving to do better and inspiring her to do the same. Maggie Baird, Billie’s mother, accepted the award on behalf of the tour, and Billie herself graced the stage screens to thank the foundation for the award. 

Music Forward Alum, Leslie Montoya, followed. Taking the stage with all the energy and personality one could expect from the budding radio professional, Leslie explained to the crowd her journey with Music Forward and the resources it provided her that helped her find her way in the industry and land her the experience and full-time position she holds today. 

Next up, the one and only actor/percussionist, J Alphonse Nicholson (P Valley, Blue Bloods, and They Cloned Tyrone) presented the Festival Honoree: Broccoli City. Recalling back to when he and founder Brandon met, J Alphonse spoke not just to the festival but the full social enterprise that he watched Broccoli City turn into. From iconic festival performances to an app that encourages people to volunteer and give back to their community in turn for music-based incentives, and much more, Broccoli City inspires unity, charity, and community across the country. 

Another Music Forward Alum, Latisha Stephens, followed, telling her story of interning for the first time with Music Forward, then securing an internship through the foundation with BMG that has since gone on to become a full-time position. 

Next, the presentation went back to the roots of Music Forward with the Venue Honoree: House of Blues. Michael Grozier, an employee of the original House of Blues, and former member of the Music Forward Foundation Board presented the award. Michael talked about the ideals that House of Blues was founded on, “Unity in Diversity” & “Help Ever. Hurt Never.” and how those principles have continued to be upheld into the venue that it is today. He also spoke of the creation of Music Forward, formerly the International House of Blues Foundation, and how it spoke to the very core of what the House of Blues was trying to do and how rewarding it has been to watch and be a part of the programs they have provided since then.

After the presentation of the Venue Honoree, the lens shifted from the industry itself to the pipeline that feeds it. Music Forward’s Director of Learning & Career Advancement, Laura Clark & Dolby Institute’s Sr. Manager of Education Partnerships & Impact, Simone Price, presented the Educator Honoree: Allison Frenzel. The two spoke of Allison as a creative powerhouse as she kept the arts at the forefront of her work at the California Department of Education and everything she does. Working with Music Forward she has helped to bring programs to high schools across Southern California, to incarcerated youth in Kings County, and launch Music Forward’s CA state apprenticeships. 

The final Music Forward Alum of the morning, Despues Green, is the 2023 David E. Ballard Scholarship recipient. Despues went on to talk about his passion for impact and the change Music Forward is making with their programs. Coming from having experienced homelessness and the foster care system, Despues strives to create a real impact in his communities and those that are similar, and, in his words, having organizations like Music Forward around with similar goals gives him hope in the fulfillment of that dream. 

The final honoree of the night had a trifecta of presenters. Tatia Adams Fox, from presenting sponsor, American Express, Desmond Braxton, Howard University Alum, and artist Estelle. The three had the honor of recognizing Executive Honoree: Julian Petty. They all spoke of Julian’s impact on the industry as well as those who are looking to enter it. Desmond has been directly impacted by Julian’s work helping to create the Warner/Blavantnik Center at Howard University. The center helps prepare diverse young people for a career in music and helps them get the resources to one day join Julian in the executive suite. Estelle has been impacted by Julian’s passion and drive to always put artists first. With his position of EVP Head of Business & Legal Affairs at Warner Records and his previous work at private law firms, Julian makes a point to always advocate for the artist and make sure they are protected and flourishing under his legal guidance. Julian’s impact on the industry was exemplified as he accepted his award to a standing ovation, a stellar way to wrap up the award presentation. 

The event ended with a performance by Music Forward Foundation alum singer-songwriter Alina Hernandez singing back-up for Kori Withers showing off her father’s hits “Just The Two of Us,” “Lean On Me,” “Lovely Day,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.”   

To top it all off, the Music Forward Team surprised Executive Director, Nurit with a certificate from the County of Los Angeles commemorating the Foundation’s impact over the last 30 years. It was a fabulous event of shining faces, a few teary eyes, and joy of being able to work, inspire, and come together and empowered by music.

Pride Night

June launched into Pride Month with Concerts on Canon in partnership with Beverly Hills. Two of the phenomenal 2021 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Grant awardees took the stage with vibrant energy, bringing the audience together in music, self confidence, and pride.

Gov Ball

The inaugural year of the Governors Ball Scholarship opened the door to Music Forward taking on Gov Ball 2023. A select group of young people were brought on to the tour grounds before the festival to talk to the crew setting up the festival and get some insight into what it takes to put on a festival like Gov Ball. To top it all off those students also were given tickets to the festival to see all that hard work in action!

Inherit the Music – Atlanta

Music Forward traveled out to Atlanta to join forces with Inherit the Music, for an epic weekend of industry panels and conversations, a tour of The Tabernacle, and more!

Future Sounds Summit

Aspiring young professionals gathered at the Live Nation offices in Beverly Hills for the Future Sounds Summit. BE Nation and Music Forward joined forces for a day of fireside chats, break-out conversations, performances, and a networking lunch to help these young people on their journey to a career in the music industry.

Masterclass: Apogee

Young people were given an incredible opportunity to tour Apogee Studio and learn from the tech innovators it houses. They covered recording best practices, what technology you need to do what, and beyond.

All this and more marked an incredible two months here at Music Forward. Be sure to keep an eye out for more programs and ways to get involved coming soon!

Welcome to the jungle!

Or rather… welcome to load-in day!

Last week, in partnership with Live Nation’s Promoter Rep Ron Chamberlain offered, some lucky young members of our community received a behind-the-scenes look at what load-in is like for the legendary band, Guns N’ Roses.

Students representing colleges and universities from across the country including California State Los Angeles, Columbia College, East L.A. College, Loyola Marymount, and Providence College all met at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles at 11am to start their tour.  The aspiring music industry professionals all were buzzing with excitement at the experience that they were about to embark upon together.

First up, was a VIP Lounge walk-thru where everyone got to see not only the type of access that can be enjoyed in the VIP section but also what it takes to run a VIP lounge seamlessly so that guests have a great time.

As the tour continued, backstage and on the field these aspiring music industry professionals also got some exclusive face-time from some of the on-site venue team and the production crew members for that night’s Guns N’ Roses show as they continued to learn about the pre-show and backstage inner workings.

Here were some of the highlights:

• Learning from the Talent Buyer how they work with an artist’s team
• The band’s Tour Manager also shared how coordinating a tour happens as well as how to troubleshoot when things don’t go as planned
• An exciting conversation around the technical set-up with Axl Rose’s Vocal Technician

All of these members of the touring and production teams echoed each other when speaking about the behind-the-scenes world of live music leaving us with the following tips as we pursue our careers:

• Don’t give up
• Always work hard
• Pursue your passion! You’ll always have a good time if you’re pursuing your passion.

A few of our fellow attendees shared their post-tour thoughts:

“It was a great experience for those who are looking for opportunities in the entertainment industry. Receiving more insight from people who have worked in various positions such as a tour manager, can get someone who wants to be in that position an idea of what to expect and what they should do now to reach that goal. Even if someone isn’t sure what they want to do it’s better to know something from an expert perspective rather than an assumption as it can guide you to what you should focus on more based on your own preference and career goals. ” — Daniel, California State University, Dominguez Hills

“I am a concert lover, so being behind the scenes was such a unique experience for me. I appreciated the guest speakers for their honesty and transparency throughout the day. I learned so much about the touring/event planning side of the entertainment industry that I just might consider volunteering at a festival/event in the near future. Thank you Music Forward for the experience!” — Leslie, California State University, Los Angeles

“Touring Banc of California Stadium was an incredibly eye-opening experience! I got the chance to learn what it is like to work as part of a crew for musicians and bands like Gun N’ Roses. Seeing what the stadium looks like behind the scenes inspired me to ask questions and ensure I did more research on various industry roles in production for live events. No question is a bad question, only the ones that go unasked! I was also able to connect with the staff and other Music Forward Foundation students who are passionate about doing the same type of work in the future. I am so glad I attended this event as it was a huge network builder.” — Estarlyn, Providence College

After having gone through a whole year or more without live music, everyone walked away with renewed motivation and excitement about a potential career in the music industry! Rock on!