Though the typical Austinite may never see it, there is much more to Austin’s vibrant musicians than late night shows and the latest hustle.
Austin Music Foundation is one of the few local non-profits that support local musicians, so they can continue to rock our musical worlds.
Although I knew of Austin Music Foundation, I was amazed to discover just how hard the organization works to help musicians become as business-savvy as they are creative. This is vital to their lasting success. Because while Austin gets the best of their creativity, musicians aren’t always equipped with the business savvy it takes to be successful in the industry over the long run.
Empowering Local Artists
Alex Vallejo talks with a local artist.
Artists come to Austin Music Foundation with different needs. Some bands need budgets; some need help marketing. Some bands need to be told to go back to the studio. Alex Vallejo, Director of Austin Music Foundation’s Creative Media Center and drummer for the iconic Austin band that bears the same surname, helps guide upcoming artists through the organization’s mentorship program.
Austin Music Foundation knows that, to be a successful musician, it takes more than a tip jar. Artists make it to Austin because they have creative strength, but Austin Music Foundation prepares artists for what they don’t know to expect.
In fact, Austin Music Foundation and its team members like Vallejo help artists make money in surprising ways, from harnessing the power of Twitter to writing songs that go viral.
Preparing Musicians for Business
Austin Music Foundation’s Creative Media Center
At the foundation’s Creative Media Center, artists are able to access digital and educational resources that improve their ability to share their creative awesomeness. If you’re a musician and not sure where to start, Austin Music Foundation provides free and private consultations to anyone who asks.
Though demand for quality music has increased, wages for musicians have not. Given the disparity, Austin Music Foundation’s free services are a boon for Austin artists who are eager to grow and thrive.
Providing Public Educational Resources
Austin Music Foundation public education panel
If you’re a non-musician and wondering where you fit in, there’s a place for you. Although Austin Music Foundation directly serves musicians, they also operate with the consumer in mind, by helping musicians professionally present their craft to a community hungering for quality music.
You can experience Austin Music Foundation firsthand by visiting one of their panel discussions, where experts converge to discuss and answer questions relating to a specific topic. Each panel is a free public offering for anyone interested in the challenges of the music industry.
Love Austin music? Want to get involved? Austin Music Foundation invites you to volunteer your time, sponsor an event or donate to the overall cause of keeping great music alive in Austin.
1333 Shore District Drive, Suite 600 – Website
@ATXtherapist wants to know:
Who is your favorite local musician?
Thanks for sharing! I honestly wish we had more programs like AMF to assist musicians with the business side of things, but I am grateful to have some guidance. We are over saturated with talent in this city which is wonderful; however, the downside is that venues have a seemingly endless “supply” of musical talent and tend to take advantage.