Music Forward Foundation, in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, today launched its 2023 scholarship application period. Students pursuing careers in the music and live entertainment industry can apply for college scholarships February 14 through March 31, 2023. New this year is the announcement of the Governors Ball scholarship.
Four $10,000 scholarships and two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding college students—in either their junior or senior year—majoring in music, music business, production, and/or related fields at an accredited college or university in the U.S.
Music Forward partners with Live Nation to offer these unique scholarships to support the future of the live entertainment business. This opportunity is specifically designed to support students interested in the core aspects of the concert business, including concert promotion, venue operation, ticketing, sponsorship, hospitality, and artist management.
Community outreach and recruitment for all Music Forward programs, including scholarships, creates equity by removing barriers and increasing access and opportunity for BIPOC youth, young women, and under-resourced communities. This focus aligns with our goal to contribute to a more equitable industry and just society. Student applications must be submitted online by March 31, 2023, at http://musicforwardfoundation.org/scholarships.
Scholarship recipient selections will be made by a panel of industry executives and thought leaders across academic, entertainment, civic and corporate sectors. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, essay responses and recommendations. Scholarships will be announced in June 2023, and awards will be given for the Fall 2023 semester.
The six scholarships will be awarded to students nationwide in the following areas:
Governors Ball Scholarship:Established to support students native to the five boroughs of New York City, with preference to Queens, pursuing a degree in live entertainment, with a focus on music. The $10,000 scholarship will help further the student’s career pathway in performance, live production, music engineering, music business and related fields of study.
Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship: Established in memory of a Live Nation employee who went above and beyond to improve the concert experience for fans, artists and staff, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support the ever-growing customer service expectations within the live entertainment industry.
Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship: Established in memory of one of Live Nation’s first female concert production specialists, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support women pursuing a career in live entertainment.
Live Nation Scholarship: Established to support students interested in the core areas of Live Nation’s business, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support students focused on concert promotion, venue operation, sponsorship, ticketing, and artist management.
Affinity Plus Scholarship: Established in partnership with the Affinity Plus Foundation, the marquee sponsor of a Live Nation venue, two $5,000 scholarships will support local students or Affinity Plus members pursuing a career related to the music industry.
“We are always looking for ways to drive positive change within the music industry and diversify our talent pipeline,” said Johnel Evans, Global Head of Diversity, Live Nation. “There are vast opportunities and career paths in music and live entertainment, and our scholarships, in partnership with Music Forward, are aimed at showcasing and opening up those possibilities to a diverse set of emerging professionals.”
“Music Forward helps break the barriers brought on by gender, poverty, and race to facilitate the ability to enter the music and live entertainment industry,” said Nurit Smith, Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation. “Scholarships remain a pillar of our programming as we strive to create a pathway for diverse individuals who may not otherwise be afforded the opportunity to pursue their dream careers.”
For more information on additional scholarships offered by Music Forward Foundation, please visit: https://musicforwardfoundation.org/programs/scholarships/.
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About Music Forward Foundation
Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward bridges our 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 Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com