Music Forward was established in 1993 as the International House of Blues Foundation focused on bringing the arts to schools in House of Blues communities across the country through programs that promoted Black cultural appreciation and encouraged creative expression. Through our work in this traditional arts education space for 20+ years, Music Forward encountered youth across the country with no way of channeling their creative passion into life-long professions in the music industry. Educators lacked industry knowledge and resources to discuss the breadth of creative careers. Still guided by our roots and leveraging deep connections in the music industry, organization leaders redefined the mission in 2014 to create access and economic opportunities for underserved youth (13-24) to fill this gap.

Today, Music Forward views our arts and culture work through the lens of creative workforce development. This approach supports skills-building for youth while also supplying the local creative economy with diverse, prepared talent – core elements of our mission. Primary programs and services include Artist and Career Development, All Access Fest Career Fair, Scholarships, and Internships. These programs provide a platform for music industry professionals, often artists themselves, to inspire and educate young, diverse voices. All programs are designed with a positive youth development approach, and many involve mentorship, guiding young people through self-realization and social competency. In response to the pandemic, programs moved online, and Music Forward added a content library of video-on-demand and learning guides now reaching youth in 28 states.