Music Forward Foundation And Live Nation Launch Scholarships

The Music Forward Foundation, in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, have announced its 2022 application period. Students pursuing music industry careers can apply for the college scholarship program January 17 through March 31, 2022.

Three $10,000 scholarships and two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding college students—in either their junior or senior year—majoring in music business and/or related fields at an accredited college or university in the U.S.

Music Forward partners with Live Nation to offer these unique scholarships to support the future of the live entertainment business. This opportunity is specifically designed to support students interested in the core aspects of the concert business, including concert promotion, venue operation, ticketing, sponsorship, e-commerce and artist management.

Community outreach and recruitment for all Music Forward programs, including scholarships, create equity by removing barriers and increasing access and opportunity for BIPOC youth, young women, and under-resourced communities. This focus aligns with our goal to contribute to a more equitable industry and just society. Student applications must be submitted online by March 31, 2022, at musicforwardfoundation.org/scholarships.

Scholarship recipient selections will be made by a panel of music industry executives and thought leaders across academic, entertainment, civic and corporate sectors. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, essay responses and recommendations. Scholarships will be announced in June 2022, and awards will be given for the fall 2022 semester.


The five scholarships will be awarded to students nationwide in the following areas:

Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship: Established in memory of a Live Nation employee who went above and beyond to improve the concert experience for fans, artists and staff, this scholarship is designed to support the ever-growing customer service expectations within the live entertainment industry.

Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship: Established in memory of one of Live Nation’s first female concert production specialists, this scholarship is designed to support women pursuing a career in live entertainment.

Live Nation Scholarship: Established to support students interested in the core areas of Live Nation’s business: concert promotion, venue operation, sponsorship, ticketing and artist management.

Affinity Plus Scholarship: Established in partnership with the Affinity Plus Foundation, the marquee sponsor of a Live Nation venue, two $5,000 scholarships will support local students or Affinity Plus members pursuing a career related to the music industry. Field of study may include but is not limited to live event operations, production, music engineering, music business management, music education, customer service, hospitality and/or other related fields.

“We are actively looking for ways we can diversify our talent pipeline and expand opportunities for youth who are interested in live music,” said Johnel Evans, Global Head of Diversity, Live Nation. “These scholarships are just one way we can introduce live music as a career path and our partnership with Music Forward supports the power and potential of the next generation of leaders.”

“Music Forward helps break the barriers of gender, poverty, and race to enter the music industry,” said Nurit Smith, executive director of Music Forward Foundation. “We are proud to offer these unique opportunities to inspire ambition and create momentum  for young people pursuing industry careers.”

For more information on additional scholarships offered by Music Forward Foundation, visit: musicforwardfoundation.org/programs/scholarships.