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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Aaron Wang is a senior studying music at UC Berkeley. Growing up in southern California, he became obsessed with its diversified music scenes. Music has been a part of his life since he was five years old when he learned to play classical piano and has since gone on to learn percussion and saxophone. After graduating high school, he decided to pursue a career in the ever-evolving music industry where he could create more safe spaces in the music industry for future generations of musicians to thrive confidently. He is very excited to learn more about the music business, and can’t wait to work with the Music Forward team this spring!
Danika Noriega is a sophomore student at the University of La Verne pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and a Minor in Music. A passionate and work driven student who has developed a deep connection with the stories and emotions that connects individuals through the use of music as it represents a source of social interactions and welcoming communities of like minded individuals. Danika has helped with community service projects through her local organizations of Rotary/Interact and the Well in the Desert. Danika aspires to become a leader for her community that she is able to demonstrate her ability to create a friendly and positive environment for all she encounters.
Arwen is a senior at the University of California, Irvine with a major in Business Administration and an emphasis in marketing. Passionate about the arts, marketing, and design/illustration, she hopes for a creative career that provides opportunities for her artistic endeavors while working for a cause she believes in, including inclusivity and female empowerment. She is eager to learn more at Music Forward.
Genevieve Temple is a junior at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, pursuing her BFA in Film/Video. As a passionate filmmaker and viewer, she is compelled by the fundamental crossover between music and video. She is very moved by music and has been classically trained in piano for over 10 years. Whether it is one of her own compositions, a colleagues’, or a beloved musician, Genevieve loves incorporating music into her films. She is proud to put two of her passions toward supporting The Music Forward Foundation’s mission.