The City of New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy, in collaboration with The Ella Project and the New Orleans Public Library, has launched an initiative to support and uplift local music professionals. The “Music Census Sessions,” a year-long series of free workshops, roundtables and networking events, aims to equip New Orleans musicians with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the competitive music industry.
The program was developed in response to insights gathered from the New Orleans Music Census, which highlighted the need for professional development and industry resources among the local music community. Designed to cater to musicians of all experience levels, the sessions will be offered in-person with virtual options, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience.
“New Orleans is known for its legendary music, but the question we need to ask now is this: What are we doing to ensure that the next generation of superstars can emerge from New Orleans,” said Julia Heath, Policy & Outreach Manager, Office of Nighttime Economy. “The Music Census Sessions are about creating an environment where every artist—whether they’re just starting or already established—has access to the tools, resources, and support they need to reach the next level. We want to help locals put the ‘business’ in music business.”
Each session in the series will focus on actionable, real-world topics, including social media promotion, securing funding and protecting intellectual property. By addressing practical needs, the initiative aims to ensure that participants leave with strategies they can immediately implement.
“The music census provided musicians and music businesses with the opportunity to identify specific areas that they wanted to access, connect and explore,” said Ashlye Keaton, Co-founder, The Ella Project. “We are looking forward to convening our cultural community and stakeholders with some of the leading experts in the music industry and its related sectors.”
Upcoming Sessions
The first block of sessions, titled Music Business Fundamentals, kicks off in January 2025:
- Utilizing Social Media for Music Promotion
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. - Funding & Grants for Local Music Projects
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. - Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Copyright and Royalties
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Musicians and industry professionals can explore the full schedule and register at www.nolamusiccensus.org/sessions.
