Music Forward transforms lives, inspires careers and champions a more inclusive music industry. Focusing on young people from under-served communities, Music Forward sets the stage for success by providing workshops, showcases, scholarships, and internships to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders and innovators.
Building career pathways in music and live entertainment from Apprentice to Professional
Music Forward has been recognized as a federally approved apprentice program sponsor for fourteen (14) career pathways in music and live entertainment. Working with industry employers in the state of California, Music Forward will place qualified candidates into paid, on-the-job training opportunities where apprentices will receive training, mentoring, and access to supplemental instruction to support them in mastering the necessary competencies in their chosen field.
*Registered Apprentice Pathways:
· General and Operations Manager
· General Marketing Coordinator
· Marketing Manager
· Talent Director
· Meeting, Conventions, and Event Planners
· Lighting Technician
· Grip/Rigger/Climbers
· Stagehand
· Audio and Video Technician (Multisource Audio-Video)
· Costume Attendant (Costume/Wardrobe)
· Entertainment Production Accountant
· Music Supervisor
· Music Publishing
· Audio Engineering
*Apprentice placements are dependent on the needs of our employer partners. Music Forward is unable to provide specific timelines for placement opportunities within the listed pathways.
We are currently accepting inquiries from interested candidates that meet the following criteria.
- Must be a resident of California
- Between the ages of 18-24, or a veteran of any age
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
- Able to commit to an on-the-job training program for a minimum of six months. Training typically requires a full-time work schedule, between 30-40 hours per week.
- Possess foundational knowledge in the chosen career pathway
There is no fee to become part of the apprenticeship program. Music Forward will provide an assessment of skills and needs for qualified candidates and ensure the necessary resources are in place for a successful training experience.
In order to complete your inquiry you will need to provide the following:
- A resume
- Transcripts and a list of related course work for the pathway you are pursuing
Complete your inquiry and make sure to add notifications@email.submittable.com to your safe sender list in your e-mail account. Check junk mail for any potentially missed communications.
As part of our ongoing efforts to champion a more inclusive music industry, Music Forward is committed to providing opportunities within the music industry including internships, mentorship, and resources to grow professionally. As a participant who has attended a Music Forward Resume Workshop, we welcome you to submit your resume to be considered for future opportunities with us and our partners.
The purpose of this Resume Book is to identify qualified and prepared students for placement opportunities including internships, mentor programs, or entry-level positions unrelated to artist development or performance careers.

Music Forward and Citizens have partnered to inspire and prepare the next generation of diverse live music industry leaders in Boston. Together, the organizations are providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for eight (8) graduating high school seniors or first year college students to explore and prepare for a career in live music.
This 7-week paid summer internship program will take place at some of Boston’s most iconic live entertainment venues.
The program bridges our community to the music industry. Participating youth will receive hands-on training, job shadow experiences, mentorship, and workshops focused on fiscal empowerment and career-readiness.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews will begin in the winter/spring of 2024. Applications in draft form will not be accepted. Be sure to click the "Apply" button on your application in order to be considered for the opportunity.
Internship eligibility:
Must have graduated high school between June 2023-June 2024
Age 18 by July 5, 2024
Available in Boston between June-August, 2024
Provide contact information for one (1) professional reference
*Please add notifications@email.submittable.com to your safe sender list in your e-mail account. Check junk mail for any potentially missed communications.
Music Forward has joined forces with BMG to provide mentorship that will support the next generation of industry leaders, ages 18-24. BMG is a new kind of music company. Their mission is clear; to help artists and songwriters make the very most of their songs and recordings in the digital age. Selected participants will have an opportunity to be matched with a mentor from BMG and receive guidance and support to advance a project, develop skills, and build a network to turn passions to professions in the music industry.
- Format: Mentoring sessions will occur 1-2 times per month, in person and virtually, scheduled based on preference and availability of mentor and mentee. Sessions are typically 30 minutes to 1 hour long.
- Commitment: monthly meet-ups will happen in person, online, or by phone, plus two full-group, one-hour virtual events including a kick-off event on August 10th at 2 PM PST and a celebration event in mid-November.
REMINDER: Be sure to whitelist notifications@email.submittable.com or check your spam folder to ensure you receive communications regarding your application.
Make an impact with Music Forward by joining our Spring 2024 intern cohort! Build your professional network, skill set, and resume through formal and informal training sessions, tangible tasks and projects, and networking opportunities.
The following roles are open for application for Spring 2024 internships. Spring internships run from January 23 - May 2024. Deadline for application submission is December 11 at 9am PST:
- Education Programs (Career Development / Learning) Intern
Music Forward is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any of employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.