Registration is open for free virtual event for teens and young adults ages 13-26 interested in turning their passion for music into a career.
The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) and Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) are pleased to announce the return of City of Music Career Day, taking place virtually on Friday, August 27, from 3-5:30 p.m. City of Music Career Day connects teens and young adults ages 13-26 to music industry professionals through networking opportunities, experiential learning, engaging workshops, a special performance by local artist NËSTRÄ, and a virtual table fair with internship opportunities. Registration is now open and early registration is encouraged at tinyurl.com/COMCD-2021.
Creative industries — particularly the music industry — were severely impacted by COVID-19, including venue owners experiencing 90-100% revenue loss and music industry professionals having to change the way they worked. For example, while live music venues were shuttered, artists and production workers adapted to live streaming concerts to reach audiences. City of Music Career Day will be a space for the Seattle music community to connect, learn about job opportunities and inspire one another to address the new realities facing the industry.
Participants will be exposedto a wide range of music-related careers, including performance, management, production, licensing, broadcasting, composition, concert production and more. Alongside engaging panels, attendees will be able to network with industry mentors in small groups. The virtual table fair will also feature a wide variety of internship and volunteer opportunities with organizations including the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) and Climate Pledge Arena.
“Music is one of very few human endeavors that can be shared across generations,” shared three-time Latin Grammy nominated artist and City of Music Career Day mentor, Jovino Santos Neto. “For me, being able to impart musical information and wisdom to younger musicians is a constant source of inspiration, furthering my own personal growth while helping others on the path to achieve their musical goals.”
City of Music Career Day Featured Panels:
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Hear from Seattle-area rapper Travis Thompson and members of his team — Shelton Harris (manager), Elan Wright and Nima Skeemz (producers, Ruby Room) — on how collaboration can take talent to new heights.
- Finding Community While Developing Your Craft: Alumni from local music programs — Joshua Limanjaya Lim (More Music @ The Moore), Frankie Barker (The Vera Project) and Sharmaine Tillmon (The Residency) — discuss key lessons learned, connections made and other ways these programs have helped them launch their careers in music. Moderated by Daniel Pak (Totem Star).
- Music on Screen: Find out who is behind the music that is composed and curated for film, TV, video games and other media. Featuring composer Andrew Joslyn and music licensing pro Sarah Hunt (Audiosocket).
- Putting on the Show: Go behind the scenes of venues, festivals and event production. Learn about the various roles, how talent gets booked and what has changed due to COVID-19. Led by Jazmyn Scott (LANGSTON), in conversation with Evan Johnson (Neumos, Capitol Hill Block Party), JJ Johnson (The Vera Project) and Janice Jimenez (Climate Pledge Arena).
“I am excited to participate as a mentor in this year’s City of Music Career Day,” shared Miss Casey Carter, a multi-talented music event planner, media host and artist developer. “Being able to connect and be a resource for the future of our community means so much to me. Though I know I’m there to share my own personal knowledge, I’m also looking forward to learning from the attendees too!”
Now in its ninth year, City of Music Career Day is a partnership between OED, ARTS and the Seattle Music Commission to support and grow the creative economy by promoting workforce development in the music industry. This event is also supported by Connors & Co., KEXP, the Museum of Pop Culture and The Vera Project to foster opportunities in the creative community. Our goal is to encourage students and non-students who have demonstrated a passion for music to follow their dreams, expand their understanding of career paths in the music industry, and network with industry leaders and peers to facilitate possible career opportunities.
Interested participants can learn more about City of Music Career Day and register by visiting tinyurl.com/COMCD-2021.
Producing Partners:
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The Office of Economic Development is committed to building an inclusive economy in the City of Seattle. OED works at all levels of our local economy to support small and micro-businesses; partner with neighborhood business districts; support creative business sectors, workers and event organizers; partner with key industries that drive innovation, job growth and global competitiveness; and invest in our local workforce with an emphasis on young people, low-income workers as well as unemployed and underemployed adults.
ABOUT THE SEATTLE MUSIC COMMISSION: The Seattle Music Commission is a 21-member group of industry and community leaders assembled to advise the City of Seattle in its advocacy for, and policy related to, the support and growth of the local music industry and community. Commissioners represent a broad range of music industry backgrounds, including artists, venues, youth serving organizations, management, recording studios, and interactive media.
ABOUT THE SEATTLE OFFICE OF ARTS & CULTURE: The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) manages the city’s public art program, cultural partnerships grant programs, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, and The Creative Advantage initiative in the effort to foster a city driven by creativity that provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in diverse arts and cultural experiences. In alignment with the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative, we work to eliminate institutional racism in our programs, policies and practices. The Office is supported by the 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council.
