• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Austin Music Foundation Teaches Music’s Business Side With New Program

April 25, 2017 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Austin Music Foundation Front Sign

Austin Music Foundation seeks to elevate and educate Austin’s music community (Credit: Mathis Kennington)

Even in the Live Music Capital of the World, it’s tough to make a living as a musician. From poor pay to middling tips to late hours, succeeding in the Austin music scene requires patience, persistence, and a little luck. Unfortunately, the music isn’t always enough.

Enter Austin Music Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to bolstering our creative community through artist-empowering programs, education, and economic opportunities. With the organization’s newest venture, the Artist Development Program, Austin Music Foundation aims to educate Austin artists on how to navigate the tricky world of the music industry.

Learning a Crazy Industry

Gina Chavez Artist Development Program

Gina Chavez is one of seven artists currently taking part in Austin Music Foundation’s Artist Development Program (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Ever since Austin Music Foundation came onto the scene in 2002, the focus has been on equipping musicians with the tools they need to be successful on the business side of making music. The Music Industry Collaborative program focuses on connecting active entrepreneurs in the music business with mentors, while The Leaders in Austin Music program provides extensive leadership training.

These initiatives were created to keep the Austin music scene not just alive, but healthy and vibrant. But after extensive research, Austin Music Foundation felt a further step was needed.

“We came to the realization that, after consulting with hundreds of local musicians over the past several years, AMF needed to take a more targeted and impact-driven approach to artist development,” shared Austin Music Foundation’s Board of Directors President, Danny Gillespie, and Programs Director, Jennifer Dugas.

“The next phase was to design a new program that would give AMF a platform to establish a mechanism for monitoring and evaluation, and it would also allow us to dig deeper by bringing focused, hands-on guidance and tangible opportunities to a small group of artists who are on the cusp of reaching that next level in their careers.”

Austin Music Foundation’s Artist Development Program

James Junius Austin Music Foundation Artist Development Program

James Junius is one of seven inaugural members of the Artist Development Program (Credit: AMF)

That next step is the Artist Development Program. This free resource takes a select group of promising Austin musicians through a seven-month course, equipping them to take the next step in their careers. From advanced level business education to industry mentoring, the Artist Development Program gives participants a tailored toolbox designed to send their careers skyrocketing.

According to folk singer and songwriter James Junius, a member of the inaugural class, the experience has been nothing short of outstanding.

“The entire Austin Music Foundation team have been incredible leaders, mentors, and friends in the short time that I’ve known them,” shared Junius. “I wouldn’t know what I would be doing without the professional development, networking opportunities, and guidance they have selflessly given.”

The rest of the artists involved in this year’s inaugural program are:

  • 60’s style soul/pop singer Charlie Faye
  • Austin’s reigning queen of Latin soul Gina Chavez
  • Guitar virtuoso Jackie Venson
  • Heartfelt country/rock crooner Jane Ellen Bryant
  • Hip hop group Magna Carda
  • Indie chill band Migrant Kids

This crop of talented artists are receiving an incredible music business education thanks to the hard work and generosity of Austin Music Foundation sponsors and partners. Despite already making a name for herself in the ATX music scene, Jackie Venson is grateful for the opportunity:

“Between the support and advice from the industry veterans and the sessions where we learn about crucial business and career tactics, I can’t think of any other music city that offers a similar program,” shared Venson. “I’m honored to have been selected.”

Keeping Austin Music Alive and Viable

Jackie Venson AMF Artist Development Program

Jackie Venson is excited to be included in the inaugural class of Austin Music Foundation’s Artist Development Program (Credit: Bill Tucker)

In a city as unique as Austin, it’s no surprise new standards are being set in promoting, encouraging, and educating local talent. While similar organizations exist around the country, Austin Music Foundation’s program stands apart as a true nonprofit.

“There are many private for-profit businesses that offer artist development services–some are reputable, some are not,” shared Gillespie and Dugas. “What sets AMF apart is that we have a vested interest in the sustainability and success of our artists. But because we don’t depend on them as a revenue source, they are able to work with trusted expert advisers while maintaining their autonomy and artistic integrity.”

Integrity is at the heart of what makes Austin Music Foundation’s Artist Development Program such an incredible opportunity for musicians ready to take the next step in their careers. Through education, mentoring, and good, old-fashioned TLC, Austin Music Foundation stands ready to keep Austin singing for years and years to come.

 

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Which of Austin Music Foundation’s initial group of Artist Development Program musicians are you looking forward to seeing most?

Filed Under: Entertainment, Et Cetera, Music, Non-Profits Tagged With: austin music foundation

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Things to do in Austin this week of February 20 | Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of February 20, 2023 include Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil, National Margarita Day Party Bus Tour, and more!

Our top choices for things to do in Austin this Week of February 20, 2023, include Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil, Mardi Gras Murder Mystery Dinner, National Margarita Day Party Bus Tour, and more! Austin is now among the fastest-growing metroplexes in the US! Keeping up with the growth, luckily, there’s plenty going on in Austin all days […]

Things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of February 17 | Zumba Famly Fitness Class

Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of February 17, 2023 include Zumba Family Fitness Class, Ice Cream Art Camp, and more!

If there’s one thing about this city, it’s that there is always something going on. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of February 17, 2023, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Zumba Family Fitness Class, Ice Cream Art Camp, Dino Days: Dino Costume Contest, and more! […]

Things to do in Austin this weekend of February 17 | Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K

11 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of February 17, 2023 include Austin Marathon, Love Bites Haunted House, & More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of February 17 which include Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Love Bites: A Valentine’s Haunted House, PBR Cedar Park Chute Out, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be […]

Austin Valentine's Day 2023 - Best events, parties and celebrations near you

Austin Valentine’s Day 2023 – Best events, parties and celebrations near you

Every year, it gets harder to miss the cues of Cupid’s arrival when Valentine’s Day comes around the corner. The local eateries draw chalk hearts next to their Daily Specials, arrows start sticking out of engorged heart balloons and the internet starts getting populated with V-Day Event Diaries. How do you find reliable, vetted, and […]

Huge List of Unforgettable Austin Date Spots

Date Ideas Austin – 20 romantic things to do during day and night!

Recently I found myself wrapped up in one of those fleeting moments of self-empowerment, tickled by a craving for adventure. Interested in re-entering the dating pool, but also daunted by how exhausting the process can be, I decided the only way to start dating was to cannonball in. So I created a challenge for myself: […]

Recent Posts

  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of February 20, 2023 include Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil, National Margarita Day Party Bus Tour, and more!
  • Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of February 17, 2023 include Zumba Family Fitness Class, Ice Cream Art Camp, and more!
  • 11 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of February 17, 2023 include Austin Marathon, Love Bites Haunted House, & More!
  • Gluten Free Bakery Austin – Where to find gluten-free donuts, cakes, breads, & more!
  • Best Dessert in Austin – 10 Places to enjoy sweet desserts near you

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • Date Ideas Austin – 20 romantic things to do during day and night!
  • Expert Guitar Service in Austin From Luthier Danny Shoemaker
  • 11 Austin Businesses That Use Weird Sculptures to Get Your Attention
  • Cap City Comedy Club Is My Favorite Place in Austin and Here’s Why
  • Hidden in Plain Slice: 5 Secret Menu Items to Ask for in Austin

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

wpDiscuz