Upbeat Academy Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its Beyond Beats fundraising campaign starting November 23. Beyond Beats aims to raise awareness of Upbeat Academy Foundation’s modern music education programs, which support students in the Greater New Orleans area with classes in music technology, production, marketing, branding, and more. Funds raised during this campaign will ensure Upbeat Academy’s programs remain free and thriving in 2021 and beyond. The online fundraising campaign runs now to December 31st, 2020.
Upbeat Academy Foundation inspires and empowers New Orleans area young people through a modern approach to music education. Utilizing an original curriculum that provides access to the technology and tools used in the production and performance of hip-hop, rap, R&B, dance music, and other popular genres, Upbeat Academy strives to nurture the next generation of musical talent and entrepreneurs, fostering creativity and collaboration both in the classroom and in the community.
Due to the uncertainties of this year, the Upbeat Academy team quickly worked to make its programs available online for its students. In addition to classes on Zoom and Twitch, Upbeat Academy has been supplying computers and portable workstations, making it possible for their Student Artists to create music in the comfort of their own homes. This year, the program has also expanded its Upbeat Studio programming, which includes FREEWATER marketing and branding classes and Music Industry Forums, hosting guests like producer Kenny Beats and talent agent De’Mont Callendar, and more! Upbeat Academy provides 20 classes per week, serving over 180 students in the Greater New Orleans area.
“We are proud of the success and adaptability of our programming this year,” said Matthew Zarba, Upbeat Academy Foundation’s Executive Director. “Despite COVID-19’s impact on our community, we have been able to continue our eight-year mission of creating relevant music and workforce development programs, both virtually and in-person, for young people who have something to say and are only in need of a beat and a microphone.”
Upbeat’s programming has relied heavily upon support from the music community, from our long-time partnership with BUKU Music + Art Project, to our in person FundRAGERS and despite our programmatic successes this year, COVID continues to impact Upbeat Academy. All proceeds raised from Beyond Beats will ensure the longevity of Upbeat’s programs, supporting New Orleans middle and high school students with access to the technology and tools used in the production and performance of hip hop, rap, R&B, dance music and other popular genres.
To learn more about the new campaign and to donate, visit the link: here.
