Welcome to Music Census Sessions, a free resource for New Orleans music professionals. Designed for folks with all levels of experience, these in-person and virtual workshops, roundtables, and networking events will give you practical tools to build, grow, and sustain your music career.
Born out of the findings of the New Orleans Music Census and countless conversations with our city's music community, the Music Census Sessions initiative addresses the unique challenges and opportunities facing locals in the music industry. By providing access to education, resources, and connections, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of music industry professionals while celebrating and supporting the legacy of those who’ve built New Orleans into the musical powerhouse it is today.
Upcoming Events
Putting the “Business” in Music Business.
Being a creative takes immense time, energy, and focus. Navigating the business side of the music industry can often feel overwhelming, pulling attention away from the music itself. That’s why the New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy and The Ella Project teamed up to create Music Census Sessions —to help shoulder that burden and provide the tools, knowledge, and connections New Orleans music industry professionals need to succeed.
This series is tailored for everyone — from those just stepping into the music industry to veterans who’ve been shaping the New Orleans sound for decades. Each session focuses on actionable music industry and business skills, ensuring that no matter your experience level, you’ll walk away with strategies to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Session Schedule
Block 1: Music Business FundamentalsUtilizing Social Media for Music Promotion
2:00pm - Wednesday, January 15th 2025
Sanchez Multi-Service Center - 1616 Fats Domino Ave.
Speakers: CASMÈ (singer-songwriter), Lou Hill (musician and entrepreneur), and Amanda Mester (artist manager and journalist)
Focus: Practical strategies for musicians to leverage social media platforms for promotion, branding, and connecting with fans.
Funding & Grants for Local Music Projects
2:00pm - Wednesday, January 22nd 2025
Algiers Regional Library - 3014 Holiday Dr.
Speakers: Kia Robinson Hartfield (Director of Programs, Marketing, and Communications for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation) and Gene Meneray (Co-Founder of the Ella Project)
Focus: Practical advice on securing funding through grants, crowdfunding, and financial support programs. Special attention will be given to navigating applications for local and national grants.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Copyright and Royalties
2:00pm - Wednesday, January 29th 2025
Nora Navra – 1902 Saint Bernard Ave.
Speakers: Ashlye Keaton (Co-Founder of the Ella Project) and TBD
Focus: How musicians can protect their music and ensure fair compensation for their work. Topics will cover copyright law, royalties, and distribution rights.
Music Census Sessions Networking Hang
5:00pm - Thursday, January 30th 2025
Location TBD
Casual gathering to connect, recap on what we learned during Block 1, and chat all-things-New Orleans music.
Block 2 (March - April 2025): Business SustainabilityBuilding a Music Business Plan
Focus: Guide musicians through creating a personalized business plan for their music career. Includes sections on defining your product (music), understanding your audience, creating a marketing strategy, and setting short- and long-term goals.
Career Sustainability in the Music Industry
Focus: How to build a sustainable, long-term career in music. Topics will include alternative revenue streams, building a business model, and balancing creative work with financial planning.
Maximizing Revenue Streams for Musicians
Focus: An in-depth look at how musicians can diversify their income, from digital streaming and sync licensing to merchandise and live performances.
Block 3 (Summer 2025): Business Expansion & Identifying OpportunitiesTouring Tips for Local Musicians: Expanding Beyond New Orleans
Focus: A practical guide to touring for independent musicians. Topics include budgeting, booking, and promoting tours regionally and nationally.
Building and Managing Your Music Team
Focus: Learn how to identify, hire, and collaborate with key team members such as managers, booking agents, publicists, and attorneys. Explore strategies for maintaining professional relationships and contracts that support long-term growth.
Leveraging Licensing and Sync Opportunities
Focus: How to get your music placed in TV shows, films, video games, and commercials. Learn the basics of licensing deals, building relationships with music supervisors, and creating music libraries.
Block 4 (September - October 2025): Supporting SuccessHealth & Wellness Resources for Musicians
Focus: Exploring affordable healthcare, mental health resources, and wellness options for musicians in New Orleans. Partner with local organizations such as the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic to offer practical advice and resource access.
Financial Planning for Musicians
Focus: Dive into budgeting, saving, and long-term financial planning for musicians. Includes insights on taxes, retirement savings, and setting financial goals.
Live Sound & Ear Health
Focus: Educate musicians about the importance of hearing protection in high-decibel environments. Topics include an overview of sound, understanding noise-induced hearing loss, selecting appropriate ear protection, and how to maintain ear health over time.
This schedule is subject to change.
Music Census Sessions is a partnership between the New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy, The Ella Project, and The New Orleans Public Library to turn insights from the New Orleans Music Census into action.
Questions? Reach out to Julia at julia.heath@nola.gov.
