NEW ORLEANS – For decades, young people have looked up to those voices they’ve heard on the radio or performers they’ve seen on stage or television, and many have wondered how to get started on a path to achieve similar success. For those living in New Orleans, the Trombone Shorty Foundation has created a free pathway – open to the public – to better understanding many facets of the music industry, whether the dream is to be the singer behind the microphone, the engineer behind the recording console, or the record label sharing the music with the world.
This Fall, the Fredman Music Business Institute will be hosting multiple programs for youth between the ages of 14-20, all of which promote professional development and growth within the music industry. Bandleader Bootcamp, Intro to the Music Industry, Branding and Marketing, Ask a CPA and Ableton Live Fundamentals are free to attend, but advance registration is required. A better description of each course, including program dates, can be found below, and those interested are encouraged to visit tromboneshortyfoundation.org/programs/fredman to learn more or register a student.
ALL MASTERCLASSES INCLUDING FREDMAN PROGRAMS BELOW:
Bandleader Bootcamp:
Bandleaders occupy a unique and demanding intersection, including part musician, part businessperson, part HR department, part finance director, part music director, part songwriter, part salesperson. They’re expected to hold a creative vision, meet a payroll, mediate a personality conflict, nail a setlist, negotiate a contract, and still show up inspired for the gig. It’s a sprawling, high-stakes role that most people get thrown into with little preparation, learn on the fly, through trial and error, and the occasional disaster. There’s rarely a manual, mentor, or clear path for developing these skills, even though they often determine whether a band survives long enough to build something lasting.
This workshop exists to close that gap: practical tools, strategies, and frameworks designed to help bandleaders not just survive the job, but thrive in it, building bands that are creatively strong and sustainably run. Led by musicians Hannah Kreiger-Benson and Danovan Calhoun-Bettis, this workshop will give practical tools for young bandleaders navigating these competing demands for the first time, drawing on real experience leading bands through the exact challenges this role throws at you.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15
Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Location: New Orleans Career Center, 1331 Kerlerec St.
————————————————
Intro to the Music Industry:
Description: Curious about what it takes to succeed in the music industry, beyond the stage and studio? This four-part course introduces youth ages 14–29 to the key players, pathways, and possibilities in today’s music business. Through interactive workshops and real-world examples, participants will explore:
- The structure of the music industry: labels, managers, agents, and more
- Music rights, royalties, and how artists get paid
- Career paths on and off stage: from performer to producer to promoter
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, manager, or just want to better understand how the industry works, this course offers a beginner-friendly foundation to help you take your first steps with confidence. No experience required — just a passion for music and curiosity to learn. The program is free, but advanced registration is required. Signing up commits participant to all 4 sessions/dates.
Dates: Sept. 22, Sept. 24, Sept. 29, Oct. 1
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Location: New Orleans Career Center, 1331 Kerlerec St.
Registration Link: https://form.fillout.com/t/d5M4yfgC9Vus
————————————————
Branding and Marketing:
Description: Learn how to stand out in today’s music industry by building a strong personal brand and effective marketing strategy. In this hands-on course led by Krystle Sims, participants will explore the essentials of developing a brand identity, creating a brand kit, and identifying a clear focus for their artistic work. The class will also dive into practical tools for promoting music on social media, engaging audiences, and growing visibility across platforms.
This course is designed to help emerging artists define their unique style and build the confidence to share it with the world. This program is free and open to youth ages 14–29. Held Tuesdays and Thursdays. Advance registration is required; space is limited.
Dates: Oct. 6, Oct. 8, Oct. 13, Oct. 13, Oct. 15, Oct. 20, Oct. 22
Times: 5:30-7 p.m.
Location: New Orleans Career Center, 1331 Kerlerec St.
Registration Link: https://form.fillout.com/t/bdbTQv1ub5us
————————————————
Ask A CPA
In this hands-on workshop for youth ages 14 – 29, you’ll learn about tax forms and how to prepare and submit your tax returns from a CPA tax expert. During this workshop, participants will:
- Discuss the financial implications of working as a self-employed independent contractor
- When an LLC is needed and what are the associated responsibilities and costs
- Maintaining a record of expenses and eligible deductions
- Creating IRS, LDR, and Social Security Accounts
- Important tax documents to maintain
- How to request your tax transcripts from the IRS and LDR
- Determining your filing status
- Selecting the best free software
- What standard tax forms are and how to file your return online
Bring your phone or laptop to get the most out of this session. There will be plenty of time for Q&As to ask a CPA all the questions you have about tax prep! This workshop is free, but advance registration is required.
Dates: Oct. 21
Times: 6-7:15 p.m.
Location: George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart St
Registration Link https://form.fillout.com/t/u2S5cpfYxAus
————————————————
Ableton Live Fundamentals:
Description: Step into the world of digital music creation with Ableton Live, the go-to software for producers, DJs, and live performers around the world. This beginner-friendly course is designed for youth aged 14–29 who want to explore beat-making, song arrangement, and live performance techniques using one of the most powerful digital audio workstations available.
In this hands-on course, participants will learn how to:
- Navigate Ableton Live’s interface and Session vs. Arrangement views
- Create and manipulate beats, loops, and samples
- Use MIDI instruments and audio effects
- Build complete tracks from start to finish
- Explore live performance tools within Ableton
Whether you’re into hip-hop, electronic, experimental, or any genre in between, this course offers a supportive space to dive into music production and unlock your creative potential.
No prior experience required — just a laptop, headphones, and a love for music. Some laptops will be available for use during the program time; however, bringing your own laptop and/or hard drive is strongly encouraged. The program is free, but advanced registration is required.
Dates: Oct. 27, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 10, Nov. 12, Nov. 17
Times: 5:30-7 p.m.
Location: New Orleans Career Center, 1331 Kerlerec St.
Registration Link: https://form.fillout.com/t/n4hiTG7pJjus