As part of the House of Blues and Live Nation Entertainment family, Music Forward inspires ambition and creates momentum to redefine what’s possible for the young people and the industry we serve. Focusing on young people ages 13-24 in underserved communities, we set the stage for success by providing workshops and showcases to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders, innovators, and artists.
Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry.
We use music as a catalyst for discovery, connection, and transformation.
We foster out-of-the-box thinking, flexibility, and innovation in every aspect of our work.
We believe in the power of the individual voice and we provide a forum so those voices can be heard.
We aim to do our best, be our best, and achieve the most we can for the young people we impact every day.
We initiate purpose-driven partnerships that produce win-win outcomes for our communities and our supporters.
We create a warm, welcoming, and respectful environment to nurture success in our workplace and our communities.
We honor the rich cultural roots that shaped our founding and leverage their significance to shape what we will become.
Music is a powerful force in people’s lives. It’s a universal language that influences everyone and moves our culture. There is a new generation of leaders whose voices will shape the future. Music Forward empowers this generation to succeed and lead while celebrating the diversity of their voices and viewpoints.
Music Forward kick-starts musical careers through workshops and showcases that connect passions to professions. We open doors to an unmatched, nationwide network of music industry insiders to redefine what’s possible for tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. Both community and industry are transformed by Music Forward experiences bridging opportunity for the music community to become more innovative and inclusive.
In addition to defining pathways to success in the industry for high-school and college-age young people, Music Forward offers music industry professionals a way to give back by connecting with GenZ, sharing insight and experience, and uplifting communities.
Also in service of the music industry, Music Forward in partnership with Live Nation, established the Crew Nation fund- a global relief fund to support live music crews who have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We are honored to play a role in developing and managing this fund that provides support for these independent workers who are the backbone of the live music industry.
Music Forward is proud to hold the Platinum GuideStar Nonprofit Profile Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition for organizational efficiency and transparency offered by the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.
Today’s youth face a nationwide crisis when it comes to education and employment.
11.7% of our nation’s 16-24 year olds — or 4.5 million young people — are disconnected, meaning they are not currently enrolled in school or working and that disconnection is even greater for youth of color. Experts also expect youth disconnection rates will spike dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, these young people face a variety of challenges, including:
Music Forward is doing its part to address these sobering statistics by helping youth turn their passion for music into professions, both on-stage and behind the scenes. Our programs help youth who have a passion for music develop skills to secure employment in the music industry and related fields, leading them to promising futures.
Music Forward is unyielding in our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We are rooted in the knowledge and respect of the Black community’s integral contribution to music and culture and recognize that a diverse, inclusive industry is critical to ensuring its vitality and evolution.
It is our charge to create equity by removing barriers to entry and increasing access and opportunity for under-resourced communities, with a focus on young women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color), LGBTQIA+, and marginalized youth.
We promote an environment where our employees, partners, and young people are included, celebrated, and empowered to contribute to a more equitable industry and just society.
These guiding principles help us to bridge our communities to the music industry, move culture forward, and champion the youth and industry we serve.
Music Forward was first established in 1993 as the International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF). The founders of House of Blues envisioned IHOBF as a charitable arm that they could use to bring the arts to schools and communities through programs that promoted cultural understanding, encouraged creative expression, and manifested their core belief of Unity In Diversity.
The organization officially changed its legal name to House of Blues Music Forward Foundation in 2014, and later shortened its moniker to Music Forward to help the public understand its role as an independent 501(c)(3) provider of direct services for youth.
For nearly 30 years, Music Forward has impacted over 1,000,000 young lives and invested more than $28 million towards providing transformational music opportunities to youth from under-represented communities.
Music Forward team members are a group of driven and passionate individuals that harness their skills and inspiration to elevate our communities. We believe ingenuity requires diversity and are proud to champion the many benefits of hiring and engaging diverse teams of contributors that benefit the young people we serve.
Nurit has two decades involvement in the arts and entertainment social sectors as artist and executive. A UC Berkeley grad, her work as a performer and creator has been seen on TV and film and on stages across the country. She has managed positions within varied organizations including Blue Man Group, SAG-AFTRA Foundation and Grand Performances. Born in Israel and raised in Los Angeles, she currently lives in her hometown of LA with her husband and two daughters.
Nurit has two decades involvement in the arts and entertainment social sectors as artist and executive. A UC Berkeley grad, her work as a performer and creator has been seen on TV and film and on stages across the country. She has managed positions within varied organizations including Blue Man Group, SAG-AFTRA Foundation and Grand Performances. Born in Israel and raised in Los Angeles, she currently lives in her hometown of LA with her husband and two daughters.
Laura is an experienced nonprofit professional with an extensive background in providing outcomes driven youth service programming. She began her career in Western New York where she developed and delivered educational access programs for at risk youth. Laura has presented best practices workshops at national youth at risk conferences and continues to lead dynamic teams in the delivery of engaging programs.
Elisa loves bringing people together, big ideas, and implementing a bit of process. She brings diverse experience from the social and business sectors, from developing school projects to driving recruitment for established and start-up offices in a global firm. Elisa deeply values respect for one another, learning, and openness to the possibilities.
Nina is an innovative nonprofit, education, and entertainment professional with a strong track record of developing mutually beneficial charitable partnerships to create career exposure and pipeline programs in media and entertainment. She was instrumental in creating music industry degree and certificate programs at two HBCUs and served as an adjunct professor of a music management practicum course for twelve years. Her music industry career began as a philanthropic consultant to several major music artists and includes working as director of operations for a music management company.
Cinnamon joined Music Forward with a history in the non-profit world, most recently as Program Director of HollyRod Foundation. Along with expertise in administration, events and programs, she brings a firm belief that life is better with music.
Rick has worked for years on both the performance and business sides of the music industry. As a musician, he’s performed as a percussionist in ensembles around the world and composed, sang, and recorded with a rock band. As a music industry professional, he’s worked in offices as varied as a performing rights organization, a record company, and a music college. Rick is committed to working on the front lines of the entertainment industry and developing the musicians of tomorrow.
Phebe is a recent Visual Media Arts graduate from Emerson College. She has a passion for creating learning opportunities for those who might not otherwise be afforded them as well as music and live performance. Being able to combine all of those things with her love of video editing, graphic design, and more makes Music Forward the perfect fit.
Cameron Haywood is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego, where he majored in iCAM (Interdisciplinary Computer Science and Music). He has a passion for music and has observed the industry for most of his life. As a musician himself, Cameron recognizes the importance of providing access and opportunity for artists from underserved/underrepresented communities. He was privileged to participate in Music Forward programs in high school and is excited to pay it forward for fellow aspiring musicians and music lovers.
Nalini has a lifelong love for music and serving others. She loves how music moves her, how it creates shared experiences, influences emotions, and brings together people from all walks of life. She is excited to work with Music Forward to celebrate a non-profit devoted to diversity, impact, and serving youth.
Clara is a first-generation Haitian American artist and administrator. She has a passion for the arts, education and learning. In the past she has provided administrative help to various organizations and companies and she also has experience in teaching dance and movement to all age groups. Clara holds a Master of Fine Arts in Choreographic Inquiry from UCLA’s World Arts & Cultures/Dance Department and a B.A. in Dance from CUNY, Hunter College.
From a young age, music has always been Caitlin’s north star; she believes in the power of music to inform, inspire, and engage with individuals of all backgrounds. Originally hailing from the Midwest, she spent eight years in the Pacific Northwest, working in arts nonprofit management and music and food journalism, before moving to the Northeast. She earned her B.A. in Journalism from Indiana University and is currently pursuing her master’s in Public Relations from Emerson College.
Berania Barraza is a Mexican DACA recipient and is the first in her family to attend university. She is currently double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Cinema and Television at CSU Fullerton. She grew up in Eastern Coachella Valley, where resources for the arts were scarce. After helping her community organize a local music festival, Berania has strived to uplift underserved communities by creating safe spaces that provide resources for artists.
To Blake, video editing is how she tells stories, and music helps people feel the world. With on-set film experience and outgoing personality, Blake loves working with people. Her editing experience blends a wide range of genres, including advertising videos, music videos, documentaries, and fictional films.
Abigail is a senior at Columbia College Chicago majoring in Music Business. Abigail has found passion through music and has seen the way that it can bring people together in a positive light. She wants to be able to work with artists to further their growth and development as it is a process that she loves to be a part of.
LeNece De Salle is a senior majoring in Arts Management with a concentration in the performing arts at Columbia College Chicago. She has a passion for the arts and experience performing in theatrical and dance productions as well as directing films/videos. LeNece recognizes the importance of funding arts programs so that youth have the access to valuable resources, education, and opportunities. She is hopeful for the future and is excited to learn all she can at Music Forward.
Leslie Montoya is a young Chicana chasing a dream in the entertainment industry. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Mass Communications at California State University, Los Angeles. Leslie is willing to embark a career in Music or Public Relations. She loves all things music from 90’s Hip Hop, R&B, Salsa and more. She spends most of her free time keeping up with the latest in Hip Hop culture and simply planning her next move. Aside from her interest in entertainment, she is big on giving back to her community. She hopes to one day open her non-profit dance studio in Boyle Heights and bringing representation in the entertainment industry.
Kristine Pham is currently a 4th year, majoring in communications with an emphasis in public relations at California State University, Fullerton. She has a passion for music events and strives to cultivate a positive space. Kristine is excited to support Music Forward with creating a more inclusive industry.
Karly Ramnani is a Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter, musical theater performer, and aspiring music industry professional. They are currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California, majoring in psychology and minoring in musical theater. Their love for music began at a young age when they first found Taylor Swift. This year, they have released two originals to Spotify – “full moon” and “after different things” – and performed them at several venues near their school and in their hometown of Richmond, VA. They’re so excited to join Music Forward this fall and connect with other music lovers through this opportunity.