The Music Industry Apprenticeship is a new program from the Trombone Shorty Foundation. Launched in Fall 2022, the program offers New Orleans youth the opportunity to learn from music industry experts, develop professional skills in the music and entertainment business, and apply those skills in hands-on work placements at businesses in the city.
Taught by Nate Cameron (glbl wrmng, Them People Productions), youth who are accepted into the program go through a 12-week process where they receive training in the key skills necessary for success in the music industry. In regular weekly meetings, apprentices take part in activities designed to expose them a variety of music business careers and develop the foundations of professionalism. Apprentices are paired with a mentor who will work closely with them to explore interests, set career goals, and navigate roadblocks while emphasizing essential professional skills. The program includes a stipend comparable to a starting wage in the music industry!
Apprentices who have completed Phase One of the program will move on to a hands-on work placement with local music industry organizations. Apprentices will work closely with the staff of the industry partner to apply their skills in the workplace in roles that are aligned with their personal goals and interests. Work placements are part-time, up to 20 hours per week, and youth continue to receive a stipend.
Applications for this year’s cohort are currently closed but check back in the summer of 2023 for the next round. If you are interested in learning more in the meantime, please fill out this form (CLICK HERE) so we can contact you when a new round of applications is open.
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS:
glbl wrmng is a collective of New Orleans native and/or based creatives ranging from, but not limited to songwriters, lawyers, producers, visual and performing artists, publishers, singers, musicians, emcees, engineers, managers, photographers, activists, curators, and much more. The collective aims to produce a series of collaborative projects, music recording, and workshops that not only foster a spirit of collaboration and unity amongst the young hip hop, visual artist, and music business community, but also as a catalyst for artist development, music business incubation, and education on key areas of the music business such as sustainability, licensing, publishing, etc.
Them People Productions is a cultural arts organization spearheaded by husband and wife team Nate Cameron, Jr. and Krystle Sims-Cameron. Native New Orleanians, the two moved their family to The Bay Area in 2015 after several years of living in the midwest. Together, Krystle and Nate have had a hand in developing multiple successful events with the objective of bringing Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups together for fun and fellowship in order to strengthen communities.
Our Music Industry Apprentices recently had the opportunity to meet with and learn from Tank and the Bangas during their Red Ballons vinyl signing at NOLA MIX Records.