Greetings Everyone, 

My name is Oswaldo Navarro, Career Development Manager with Music Forward Foundation. One of my favorite aspects of my role is working directly with students as they jumpstart their career in the music industry. In the competitive world of job hunting, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference for college students and young professionals.

A resume can be considered as a ticket to unlock various opportunities, serving as a dynamic document that not only showcases your educational journey but also highlights your skills, experiences, and potential to be an asset to the employer. 

In this blog, I want to explore the importance of a resume for entry-level candidates and how it can pave the way for a successful future.

1. First Impressions Matter

Imagine you’re applying for an internship, a part-time job, or even a scholarship. In most cases, your resume is the first point of contact between you and the decision-maker.  Your resume is your opportunity to make a positive first impression. A well-structured, error-free resume can demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail, setting you apart from the competition right from the start.

2. Reflecting Your Growth

A resume is not just a list of your academic achievements and work experiences, it’s a reflection of your personal and professional growth. It showcases how you’ve evolved over the years from a student to a young professional. Highlighting your coursework, projects, leadership, certifications, and extracurricular activities paints a picture of your development and commitment to learning.

3. Tailored to Your Goals

One of the most significant advantages of having a resume is its adaptability. You can tailor your resume to match your specific goals and aspirations. Whether you’re seeking an internship, a research position, or an entry-level job, you can modify your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to your target role. This customization helps you stand out and demonstrate your suitability for the position. You can highlight this in your cover letter and share your passions, goals, and foremost your interest in the role and company. 

4. Showcasing Transferable Skills

This is the MOST IMPORTANT step. College life isn’t just about attending classes and earning degrees. It’s also about acquiring valuable skills that can be applied in various settings. A well-constructed resume allows you to highlight these transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. 

5. Networking and Opportunities

Networking is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth. A resume serves as a tool that you can readily share with professors, career advisors, and potential employers during networking events, job fairs, or informational interviews. It facilitates meaningful conversations and opens doors to exciting opportunities that you might not have considered otherwise.

In a world where opportunities are competitive and first impressions matter, a well-crafted resume is indispensable for college students and young professionals. It’s a versatile tool that reflects your growth, showcases your skills, and opens doors to a world of possibilities. By investing time and effort in creating and maintaining a strong resume, you’re not just preparing for your future; you’re actively shaping it. 

So, future leaders, take notes – your resume is a powerful tool that can help you unlock the doors to success. Start building it today!

Lastly, make sure to save your resume to a cloud to avoid losing it and to easily update on the spot 

-Oswaldo 

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!

Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider, has joined forces with Jones Beach Theater and the Music Forward Foundation, a national nonprofit organization, to provide students from underserved communities with a series of music industry career-readiness programs, including venue tours and paid internships. The initiative seeks to engage Long Island youth in exploring career paths in the music industry and equip them with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in their chosen field.

Music Forward @ Jones Beach Theater, a community partnership with Northwell Health, engages high schools and community partners across Long Island to provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to inspire personal and professional development and to prepare the next generation of music and live entertainment industry leaders.

The program offers students interested in live music careers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the iconic Jones Beach Theater through venue tours, educational workshops, and paid internships.

Behind-the-scenes experiences at the iconic 15,000-seat amphitheater will begin in June. They will highlight a variety of careers that make live music possible as students consider career pathways within the industry. 

“At Northwell, we’re partnering with organizations across Long Island to provide summer employment opportunities that will expand access for local students and empower them to pursue their goals and advance their careers,” said Maxine Carrington, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for Northwell Health.  “We’re very excited to work alongside Music Forward on this program to help students gain knowledge and build the necessary skills to thrive in the industry.” 

Twelve graduating high school seniors will be selected for the program’s inaugural seven-week paid internship, taking place in July and August. Each week of the internship program will include hands-on training and job shadowing, mentorship from industry professionals, and workshops focused on career readiness. In addition, the program will highlight various careers associated with producing live music events, such as talent acquisition, venue operations, live production, marketing, ticketing, and more.  

“This is an incredible opportunity to positively impact the youth we are working with from underserved communities.  They get a chance to work with music industry mentors that can provide them with insight on the profession,” said Debbie Salas-Lopez, Senior Vice President of Community & Population Health. 

“The crew at Jones Beach is grateful to Northwell and Music Forward for collaborating with us to create this program,” said Adam Citron, General Manager of Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. “The amphitheater is an important part of the community and a great place to start a career. Our entire crew looks forward to helping the students get their start in the music industry.”

Through this partnership, Northwell Health and Music Forward will help remove barriers and increase access and opportunity for BIPOC youth, young women, and under-represented communities within the music and live entertainment industry. This initiative aligns with Music Forward’s goal of contributing to a more equitable industry and society.  

“We’re honored to join with Northwell to introduce creative workforce programs and activate new, exciting opportunities for Long Island youth,” said Nurit Smith, executive director, Music Forward Foundation. “We look forward to providing these students with the knowledge, resources, and access they need to lead music and live entertainment into the future.”

The 2023 summer concert season at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater features Hot Summer Nights with TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue, and more on Tuesday, June 13; Steve Miller Band with Joe Satriani on Saturday, July 1; Luke Bryan on Thursday, July 6; Counting Crows with Dashboard Confessional on Saturday, July 8; Big Time Rush on Sunday, July 9; Sam Hunt on Friday, July 14; KIDZ Bop on Saturday, July 15; Matchbox Twenty on Tuesday, July 18; Dave Matthews Band on Wednesday, July 19; Boy George & Culture Club on Sunday, July 23; Mudvayne on Friday, July 28; Godsmack and Staind on Sunday, July 30; Foreigner on Wednesday, August 2; Goo Goo Dolls on Saturday, August 5; Joe Bonamassa & Styx with Don Felder on Saturday, August 12; The Lumineers on Friday, August 18; Disturbed on Saturday, August 19; Slightly Stoopid and Sublime with Rome on Saturday, August 26; The Smashing Pumpkins on Wednesday, August 30; The Offspring with Sum 41 and Simple Plan on Saturday, September 2; James Taylor on Sunday, September 3; Sting on Friday, September 8; Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper on Saturday, September 9; and Zac Brown Band on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17. Tickets are on sale now at LiveNation.com.

About Music Forward Foundation

Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward bridges communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and industry we serve. Music Forward invites everyone to play a part in moving culture forward; join the movement by following @MusicForward, and learn more at www.musicforwardfoundation.org.

About Northwell Health

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, about 900 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 83,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We’re training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Music Midtown in Atlanta played backdrop to a very special experience for a group of students from Stone Mountain High School when they joined us along with Alternative R&B singer, rapper, and songwriter, 6lack, for an exclusive sound-check and conversation during the anniversary celebration of his East Atlanta Love Letter album.

6lack is an alumnus of the Atlanta-area high school and the participating student group was full of aspiring musicians, rappers and producers–all driven to succeed in the music industry. The program included a backstage tour, a private sound-check experience, and an exclusive Q&A with 6lack. All students received passes to the festival itself to experience his electric hometown performance that night.

When we asked a couple of the students about their experience, they enthusiastically shared their encounters. After finding out that they were going to meet 6lack, one of the students, Alaysha Jenkins, said she felt “elated because he is one of my favorite artists and he is from my hometown.” She felt inspired by his connection to her school and community and his advice to “become someone to impact the world with your voice,” resonated with her immensely. At that moment, Alaysha gratefully noted that 6lack became a mentor to her.

Another student, Immanuel Kumbut, was the first to ask 6lack a question during the private Q&A. “What advice can you give to an up-and-coming performing artist?” 6lack simply replied, “Just be yourself… if you be yourself, people will be more receptive and willing to listen to what you have to say.”

All Access programs help students discover pathways to success in the music industry. In addition to meeting 6lack that morning, students experienced stage setup and soundcheck for the festival performance, where they saw the off-stage careers in action that are necessary for a successful show.

When youth experience direct learning from onsite experiences and meaningful connections, they feel empowered, confident, and motivated for success. 6lack’s authenticity and drive translate into his music, and the students of Stone Mountain High School internalized his words of determination: “Whatever you’re good at, whatever it is you love… work at it every single day. Work at it till you feel crazy like you’ve got to get it done…Nobody else is going to make it happen for you.”

The impact that All Access with 6lack had on these students during this special morning at Piedmont Park is apparent and it’s Music Forward programs like these that shape future goals and inspire future leaders.

To kick off the program, our participants gathered around a large conference table and dove into a Pitch Perfect workshop. This workshop is designed to emphasize the importance of having a personal brand and communicating your personal skills and goals in a networking setting. Students worked to develop their “pitch” and practiced with each other for feedback.

After the practice session, we began the exclusive panel discussion with specially selected music industry experts. We were joined by multiple professionals from various sectors within Live Nation including Sponsorships, House of Blues, Ones to Watch, and Live Nation Marketing. Students were able to get a glance into the working world of entertainment at a major music corporation and understand the variety of pathways to careers in the industry. After the conversation, the panel turned into a space for networking, allowing the students to introduce themselves to, and exchange information with the industry professionals. In spaces like the music industry, networking and creating authentic connections with others is an important skill to hone professionally.

The final portion of the All Access event was an office tour of Live Nation HQ, in which students gained more perspective on the intricate roles and departments that make up the Live Nation enterprise. The group visited different floors of the building, meeting more music industry leaders and gaining insight into their role in the business throughout the tour. The group then ended at the front of the office on Hollywood Boulevard to say their goodbyes.

All Access helps prepare students for the transition into the working world. The program introduces students to opportunities and pathways, strengthens interpersonal networking skills, and connects students directly with professionals to build relationships in the industry. At Music Forward, the success of our programs is seen through the skills we help build and the connections we help facilitate in real-world programs and experiences like this one. We are zealously paving the way towards promising and flourishing futures for our talented youth.

Dominique Buddington is a junior at Dillard University in New Orleans studying Music with an emphasis in the Music Industry. She volunteered to help at All Access Fest in New Orleans, expecting to gain some insight into the music industry, and the advice and connections she received have actually put her on a path to exploring a real career in the industry. In between volunteer duties, she was also able to sit in on thought-provoking discussions that led her to approach panelist Bradford “Bentley” Roublow, Director of Entertainment and Talent at Bentley Barz Entertainment, after the Q&A session. Dominique said, “I went up to him after the networking panel and told him what my interests were. He works as an independent manager in the city and a local label/artist development company. We continued conversations, and now I have an internship at his company where I get to help local artists with branding, as well as being involved with events, music videos, and merch development.”

All Access Fest gave Dominique the opportunity to practice taking initiative and connecting with a professional in a networking space. Dominique has an appreciation for this opportunity, stating, “I’ve been looking for an internship for months on my own and I wasn’t finding anything until I went to All Access Fest in New Orleans and found my current internship all in a matter of three hours. I met so many people, networked with so many people in the city, and I was so glad I was able to come and experience this incredible opportunity.”

Dominique reflected on how significant programs like these are, specifically in the city she knows and calls home. “A program like this is definitely needed, especially in the New Orleans community. There is so much raw talent in this city – I really got to see that at this event. If we have opportunities to mold and shape young people, they won’t stop chasing their dreams.”

Dominique has big plans for her future after Dillard and is feeling more motivated than ever to achieve these goals. Her focus lately has been on one word: hope. She affirmed, “This program gave me hope. Hope that I could be successful in my own city. I thought for the longest time I would have to move to be able to find something related to my career. I know now that if I work my way up, I can eventually expand and create something new.”

Music Forward strives to create clear pathways to success for youth wanting to get involved in the music industry. With resources, outlets, and professional insight at our programs, youth are able to thrive with clear direction and inspiration. With these tools and opportunities -Dominique is on her way towards a thriving future in the music industry.

Music Forward teamed up with our Ambassador and multi-platinum selling global superstar, Khalid, for a very special All Access program during his Free Spirit tour. The experience took place at Amway Center in Orlando with a group of aspiring young musicians from nearby Jones High School. The program included a private sound-check and an exclusive Q&A session with Khalid and his Musical Director, Khirie Tyler. They discussed creative processes, musical inspirations, and advice for a career in the industry.

Marchel Washington, Jones High School Senior – Class of 2020 recounts her extraordinary experience:

The day was August 16^th, I spent the whole time thinking about meeting him. I could barely sleep the night before; I was just too excited. Khalid was my prime focus that day. Free Spirit, his album, was playing on a constant loop and I was more than ready to hear him in person.

The experience was more than I expected. We were treated like VIP and skipped a long line of people just to hear his soundcheck. The music, the dancers, the lights, the people, were indescribable. It felt as if I was on a different planet, in a different place, it felt refreshingly new. If I could, I would relive that night all over again. The entire day is a memory I refuse to lose.

I will always remember meeting Khalid. He was humble and down to Earth. He did not have a complex feel as if he was better than anyone else, he felt human. His demeanor was comforting overall. I must admit, Khalid gave the best hugs ever. A lot of people say not to meet your heroes or any celebrities because they aren’t what they seem to be, but Khalid was an exception.

Khalid taught me an incredible thing. He said ’Creativity cannot be rushed; it has to flow.’ I am a poet and at times it can be hard to create. I try to force creativity, but Khalid taught me that it will not function that way. Creativity will flow when it needs to and when it is unlocked. I learned a valuable lesson I will never let go: to be humble, patient, and creative.

This experience opened my eyes and made me realize I could do and be more. It made me want to explore life more as a creative. I want to grow as a poet, create works that connect with people and bring comfort and truth. It made me want to write poems that will have the same impact that Khalid had on me. My entire outlook on being an artist has changed due to that night and I am forever grateful to the Music Forward Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

Music Forward teamed up with Cricket Wireless and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, Julia Michaels, to present an All Access program with local youth. We invited ten young women with aspirations of careers in the music industry to meet Julia and talk candidly about pathways to success, the creative process, and real-world insight into the industry.  The group of participants came from across Los Angeles and represented a diverse array of musical backgrounds; they arrived with excitement and eager minds for this unique experience. They were also invited to go behind-the-scenes of a production studio to learn about the relationship between live entertainment and film before experiencing Julia’s in-studio performance as part of Live from the Cricket Lounge.

The aim of this event—as with every All Access program—was to create a space for young people to explore the music industry from an inside perspective and make valuable connections for next steps on their own career paths. Music Forward gives our participants the opportunity to channel their creativity through inspiration from others’ professional experiences within the field. Julia answered a variety of questions during the session and gave honest, genuine advice about the obstacles she’s faced within the music industry and how she has overcome them. After the Q&A, Julia performed an intimate set with an acoustic rendition of her most popular song, “Issues,” along with other new releases. To end the special night, she connected directly with the group and took photos during a personal meet and greet.

This was a particularly special event as Julia is part of our inaugural Ambassadors Council, which launched this week. The Ambassadors Council is a group of inspirational artists dedicated to empowering the next generation by contributing to the Music Forward mission. Ambassadors stand with us as advocates, harnessing the power of music to elevate the next generation.

When given the opportunity to chase their dreams, the ambition and potential of these young women are unmistakable. And we are confident they will excel in anything they set their minds to achieve!

Legendary artists such as Dr. Dre, Miley Cyrus, Santana, and Ozzie Osbourne have recorded in this studio that is off the beaten path, yet minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. Our group went behind-the-scenes to learn about what it takes to be a record producer!

When we arrived at The Hideout, we were greeted by the studio’s head engineer Luis “LP” Pacheco. LP showed us around the building, which includes four recording spaces as well as a warehouse where they keep hundreds of vintage microphones and other sound equipment. 

While he guided our group through the studio, he told us about how he began working as a sound engineer by starting as an intern and working to hone his skills as an engineer over the years. We walked through the historically rich hallways and peered at the golden records hanging on the wall; each shining record filled with its own background story.

LP led us back to the big studio, where we met up with another audio engineer, Tristan Hardin, and studio manager, Khloe Churko. We sat down with them for a panel discussion on the creation of music and the business of music. The music engineers have different specialties and musical preferences. LP is more involved with rappers and DJs like John Bellion and Swae Lee, while Tristan works with rock and metal artists who come through the studio, like Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment, and Disturbed. Khloe, a #girlboss in the music industry, offered a great view of what it’s like working in a recording studio with other professionals and managing day-to-day activities. 

The panelists shared similar stories of starting as interns or assistants, moving up the ladder, and learning from other professionals along the way. Everyone emphasized that a passion for music is a requirement to work in the studio, which was great news for our students! There was time for a Q&A at the end, and our alumni had tons of questions. Our participants asked about everything from how they can get involved with the studio to detailed questions about the top-of-the-line sound equipment. Everyone on the Hideout team shared great tips for making it in the music industry and encouraged our students to keep working hard.

This incredible program was filled with insight, experience, and one-on-one connections that left everyone excited and inspired for the future of the music industry. As I start my senior year of college, this program also made me excited and inspired for my future in the music industry!

When I first started and someone would ask me what I do for a living, I would think of my job description and our mission statement. But after last week, I realized there’s so much more to that.

I think about the first Music Forward program I attended last week, a program in which our team worked with 40 young people from East LA Rising as part of an All Access workshop, which is designed to offer insight for youth on coveted gigs in the music industry. I think about how amazed I was to find the group fully engaged in our discussion. I could see the wheels turning behind wide eyes as we explored the huge music industry in a small classroom in East LA. When we called out for answers or for people to share, a sea of hands shot up in the air, eager to participate. Our workshop aimed to help the young people form their own personal “pitch”, for job interviews and meeting people in elevators, to help them identify what they were good at, or passionate about and how it connects to the music industry. I watched as they figured it out and, slowly but surely, became confident enough to share their hopes and dreams with us.

I think about the girl who responded to the mock interview question “Why do you want this job?” with “Well… my mom lost her job, and we’re about to lose our house, so I really want a job to help my mom.” This same girl came up to us later and asked for our autographs. I think about how humbling that was, to be someone that our students look up to.

These same students completed the All Access experience by taking a field trip to Live Nation Entertainment headquarters in Hollywood. They toured various floors of the expansive offices and connected with professionals across departments responsible for bringing live music experiences to millions of fans globally. Students heard about professional pathways and asked questions to get a deeper understanding of how to connect their passions to professions.

When someone asks me what I do for a living, my answer is easy: I get to be a part of something bigger than myself. I can say with pride that we are motivating the next generation to be fearless in their journey, regardless of the hurdles they face.

We are empowering young people across Southern California and across the country to move forward with confidence. That’s our mission at work, and I am so proud to be a part of it.