Empowering Young Musicians: Musician Advancement Program

Access to Creative Industry Employment (sponsored by the Snap Foundation)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative

Across the music industry, there is a significant lack of diversity and representation. According to the League of American Orchestras, African Americans make up only 1.8% of orchestras nationwide, while Latinx make up 2.5%; further, only 9% of women conductors occupy artistic and music director roles. Additionally, a study by the Martin Prosperity Institute revealed that 73.8% of all creative class jobs in the country are occupied by white workers. Harmony Project engages primarily young people of color, 8% of whom identify as African American, 4% as Asian, 3% as Caucasian, 68% as Latinx, and 17% as Multiracial/Other. While our students pursue diverse fields of study, many are drawn to music. By establishing this program, we create a formalized pathway for our students to gain essential experience and forge connections within the music industry. Our aim is to address the systemic barriers they face and foster greater diversity and representation in the field.

Harmony Project's Musician Advancement Program will deliver a comprehensive and immersive curriculum tailored for young musicians from historically marginalized communities. Our goal is to equip students with the necessary tools and resources to embark on successful careers in music. By providing practical resources, real-life experience, and a strong support system, we will ensure that their aspirations in the music industry have a solid foundation. The program will include: Paid Gig Opportunities: Harmony Project frequently receives requests from entities seeking performers for various events. As part of the program, this cohort of students will be the primary group of performers chosen for such opportunities. In addition to compensation, they will gain valuable work experience and networking skills. Mock Auditions and Competitions: In a supportive environment, students will refine their audition skills, receive constructive feedback, and build resilience. Weekly Career Advancement Sessions: Participants will meet for weekly Saturday sessions focused on resume building, networking, and other essential skills to propel career development. Music Mixing and Recording: Practical training equips students with technical knowledge in music mixing and recording, preparing them for the technological aspects of the industry. Arts Administration Internships: Students will gain hands-on experience in arts administration and insights into the inner workings of the music industry.

Harmony Project envisions a Los Angeles where every young person has equitable access in being successful in whatever path they choose. Through this program, Los Angeles will begin to witness a transformative shift in its creative landscape. The program's vision for success is to empower our young people with sustainable careers, increased representation, and a supportive community. The intended impact includes fostering a diverse and inclusive arts industry, breaking down barriers to access and opportunity, and inspiring future generations of artists. With long-term scaling, the program will aim to expand its reach, forge partnerships with industry stakeholders, and become a model for similar arts education organizations to create pathways for individuals from historically marginalized communities to pursue careers in the creative arts industry.

Harmony Project is a data-driven organization that regularly evaluates all program initiatives. In our core K-12 music programs, we assess the musical growth and socioemotional development of our students through end-of-year surveys and teaching artist-administered evaluations that track quantitative and qualitative results All data is processed through PowerSchool and is utilized internally to measure impact and inform decision-making. This program will similarly have an evaluation plan created collaboratively by our data and evaluation team and program leader. Through the program, we will accomplish the following outcomes: - At least 85% of participants will report improved confidence in pursuing a career in the music industry; - At least 85% of participants will report that they have created viable connections within the music industry; - Each participant will participate in at least one paid gig; - Each participant will create a personalized career development plan.