Music Industry Apprenticeship Program

PROGRAM DETAILS

Our Music Industry Apprenticeship Program provides youth ages 16 – 24 with the skills and perspectives they need to be successful in the music industry. Through this program, youth learn from music industry experts, develop professional skills in the music and entertainment industry, and then apply those skills in paid, hands-on work placements with industry partners throughout the city. Apprentices receive training in the key skills necessary for success in the music industry and they are paired with mentors who help provide guidance and support every step of the way in their career journey. In the spring, Apprentices work with industry partners to apply their workplace skills in roles aligned with their personal goals and interests.

Applications for 2024-25 are now closed. Please fill out the form in this link to be informed when applications re-opens.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Music Industry Apprenticeship is open to young people ages 16-24 living in the City of New Orleans, who are either disconnected from school or work or enrolled in alternative or non-traditional educational programs.

SCHEDULE:

The program will include in-person sessions and independent work. In-person meetings are currently scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3PM – 7PM. Additional sessions may be scheduled at other times, such as weekends or other weeknights.

APPLICATION TIMELINE FOR 2024-2025:

Applications Open: Wednesday, July 10th
Application Close: Friday, August 23rd
Interviews Start: Monday, August 26th
Orientation: Thursday, September 12th
First Day of Class: Tuesday, September 17th

PAID PROGRAM:

The Music Industry Apprenticeship Program is a paid program, with participants earning a wage of $20/hour, comparable to a starting wage in the music industry.

TRANSPORTATION:

If transportation is not available to you, Trombone Shorty Foundation will work with accepted participants to provide transportation to and from the program location.

MEALS:

Trombone Shorty Foundation provides participants with snacks and a meal at each class.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

In addition to a paid wage for program participation, transportation, and meals, Trombone Shorty Foundation provides assistance and resources to participants in the following areas:

Access to technology
Mental Health Resources
Career Counseling
Mentorship
And More!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the program?

When does the program take place?

The program will include in-person sessions and independent work. In-person meetings are currently scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4PM – 7PM.. (additional sessions may be scheduled at other times, such as weekends or other weeknights).

What is the time commitment?

The apprenticeship includes both training and hands-on work placement. Apprentices spend approximately 16-weeks in music industry and life skills training preparing to be successful in the music industry. The time commitment for this phase is approximately 10 hours per week. Apprentices then have the opportunity to implement the skills they learned during 12 to 16-weeks of hands-on work placement. The time commitment for work placement is up to 20 hours per week.

Do apprentices get paid?

Yes! Apprentices are paid for both the training and work placement phases of the program at a rate of $20/hour, comparable to the starting wage in the music industry.

How do I apply?

Applications can be filled out online here.

What happens after I apply?

Trombone Shorty Foundation will review application submissions and call back some applicants for interviews. If you receive an interview, it will be scheduled by email.

What if I don’t have a ride to the program?

We encourage all participants to seek their own transportation in order to participate. However, if transportation is not available, staff will work with apprentices and families to secure transportation.

Do you have to be a musician to participate?

No! Anyone who loves music and wants to work in the music industry is welcome to apply.

OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS: