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.
Music is our catalyst for self-discovery, connection to our shared humanity, and transformation of our communities and world.
We honor our rich cultural roots by including diverse perspectives in our work, diverse representation in our team and network, and by driving diversity in the music industry.
We approach our work and constituents with an open mind, creative problem-solving, and purposeful adaptability.
We create warm, welcoming, and respectful opportunities that foster connection and nurture success in our workplace, our partnerships, and our communities.
We are committed to do our best, be our best, and achieve the most we can for the young people and communities we serve by being sought-out experts in our field, constantly learning, and sharing best practices.
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 and beyond. 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 30 years, Music Forward has impacted over 1,000,000 young lives and invested more than $42 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.
Adrian has over 17 years of experience as a marketer and sponsorship manager/director within Los Angeles’ music and entertainment space. He has worked at companies such as AEG Presents, Sam Nazarian’s SBE, LA Canvas, Grand Performances, and more. Adrian earned his B.A. degree from Pepperdine University and is also pursuing his MBA. He thrives in a team environment and loves learning about culture, tech, and anything related to art and music.
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.
In 2020 Katrina founded her own indie music label Lauretta Records from her living room floor. With a decade of experience in the music industry, Katrina wanted to ensure support for like-minded artists. She seeks to create space for underestimated artists and musicians, determined to engage indie artists in a sustainable way.
For the last three years Katrina has been a professor of Music Entrepreneurship for universities UCLA Extension and CBU. Katrina has also enjoyed leading conversations and workshops for the United States of Women, Netflix, ArtCenter, LA County Arts Commission, and the Center for Cultural Innovation for the larger entertainment industry. No matter the platform, Katrina is always thrilled to share her message of hope and possibility with emerging artists and creatives around the world.
Graduating from Claremont Graduate University with her Masters in Arts Management Katrina Frye has embarked on a new approach to “old traditions” in the arts economy. Launching Mischief Managed in 2013, she experimented with a subscription-style company offering management and marketing support for artists of all mediums. After working with over a hundred artists through workshops, lectures, and one-on-one coaching Katrina wanted to narrow her focus within the music industry.
Among everything else, Katrina is a full-time mother and avid lover of surfing and skating.
Mallory started her career in the music industry with an internship at Warner Records, which quickly evolved into a full-time role. Later, she moved to independent label Hopeless Records as Director of Marketing before pivoting her focus to People Operations when she helped open a craft brewery in Los Angeles. Her professional journey has been fueled by her love for building communities, fostering connections, and bringing people together through their shared love of art.
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.
Josh has lived in Los Angeles for seven years and has worked in several different types of roles and organizations – non-profit, live music, education, and government. Prior to Music Forward, Josh spent four years as the Development Manager at Constitutional Rights Foundation.
Music has been the driving force in Josh’s life since he got the Beatles 1 and Blue Album for Christmas when he was ten years old. Since then, he’s been lucky to attend over 500 shows with only a few more artists on his bucket list.
Josh grew up on California’s central coast and is a proud graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
With his experience in development and passion for music, Josh is excited to be a part of the Music Forward team to inspire careers for youth in the music industry.
Nia is an artist and arts administrator with years of experience in creative youth development and non-profit program management. With a multidisciplinary approach to art as a means of expression in her own life, ensuring young people have the confidence and resources they need to thrive and share their art with the world is a priority in her professional work. Nia believes music is the most visceral form of expression, and is thrilled to be a part of the Music Forward team.
Growing up, Ellen has always had a love for music and the effect it has on emotions. As an adult, Ellen is thrilled to be a part of Music Forward where she is able to share that passion for music and be of service to others. She hopes to make a positive impact at the company and every person she meets along the way.
Phebe is a talented young professional with a passion for music and creativity. With a degree in Visual Media Arts and a love for live performance, Phebe launched her career with Music Forward Foundation in the Marketing Department. Helping connect young people to their passions, she also continues to diversify her own skill set and puts her belief in the importance of providing opportunities in action.
Danielle received her degree in Multimedia Journalism in hopes to fulfill her passion for music and making an impact. She attended GRAMMY Camp in high school for Music Journalism where she learned how to interview and write articles from industry professionals. This completely solidified her interest in a career path in music. With years of marketing experience through family businesses and an entertainment company, she was longing to do work that made a significant impact. This is why she is extremely excited to work with such an influential company at Music Forward.
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.
Erin has had a lifelong passion for music, and can usually be found trying to teach herself a new instrument, studying song credits for fun facts, or traveling to attend another live music event. She is driven by understanding and working to dismantle barriers to access in both music and education, coming from a career in academic research and consulting with school districts around the country to design more equitable systems. As a first-generation college student herself, she is enthusiastic about the opportunity to integrate her passions and create better experiences for young people and the industry.
Andrew is a recent graduate from UC San Diego with a degree in international business and a minor in design. He grew up playing multiple instruments, which evolved into songwriting, and eventually forging an interest in working in the music industry. Andrew has interned for companies like Live Nation and Insomniac, and is excited to join the marketing team at Music Forward this summer. He hopes to go into creative marketing and is eager to make a difference through his work.
Sophie, a recent graduate from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., is thrilled to join the Music Forward team as the Artist Development Intern this summer! With a background in vocal performance, including leading her college acappella group and performing with jazz and choir ensembles, Sophie’s passion for music is undeniable. Last summer, she discovered her true passion while interning with Live Nation Urban, fueling her desire to work directly with artists to fulfill their creative potential as they tour and perform across the world. Fun fact: Sophie also hosted a college radio show called “Globetrotter,” which took a deep dive into international music. Now, she looks forward to being part of the next generation of industry professionals, supporting aspiring artists in the ever-evolving music industry.
Michelle is a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music where she majored in Music Business and Vocal Performance. She grew up in San Marino, California, where she learned the importance of community and the value of education. Michelle strives to influence and empower those seeking equal opportunities within the music industry. The arts will always hold a special place in her life and she is more than grateful to encourage the next generation of music industry professionals.