In a move to foster diversity and provide opportunities in the music industry, the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and live-entertainment giant Live Nation have announced a groundbreaking partnership. Together, they will launch a music business intensive course and paid internship program aimed at equipping industry newcomers with the necessary skills to succeed in the live music sector.
Set to kick off this summer, the program will offer aspiring music business professionals from across the country an all-expense-paid experience in Los Angeles. Participants will undergo a one-week intensive course covering a broad range of roles in the live music industry. From concert production to artist management, the curriculum aims to provide insight and technical skills required to bring a show to the stage.
Keynote talks featuring industry players, including musicians and Live Nation executives, will complement the educational component of the program. This immersive experience will offer invaluable networking opportunities and firsthand insights into the workings of the live music business.
To ensure participants’ success beyond the classroom, each individual will be offered a four-month paid internship at Live Nation. Additionally, a select group of participants will have the opportunity to join Live Nation’s new ‘School of Live Apprenticeship Program.’ This extended training initiative will provide further education and a six-month paid apprenticeship, with the potential for long-term job placement within the company.
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of BMAC, expressed pride in the partnership and emphasized the organization’s commitment to equity and access in the music industry. Stiggers highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for Black professionals and thanked Live Nation for their support in furthering BMAC’s mission.
Omar Al-joulani, Co-President of Live Nation Concerts, underscored the significance of the collaboration, noting that Live Nation’s School of Live learning center uniquely positions the company to offer aspiring talent valuable hands-on training. Al-joulani emphasized the program’s focus on reaching often overlooked talent and providing them with the tools and opportunities necessary to become future leaders in the industry.
The partnership between BMAC and Live Nation represents a significant step toward promoting diversity and inclusion in the music business. By investing in education and professional development, the program aims to empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and pave the way for a more equitable future in the live music industry.