All Access Fest is a virtual career fair to help youth, ages 16 to 24, find work in the music industry. The day-long event will host panel discussions with speakers like UK R&B artist Sinéad Harnett, founding member of N.W.A., Arabian Prince, and four-time Grammy Award winner James Fauntleroy, plus industry professionals will provide fundamental masterclasses.
Expect to learn about key music software, including Avid Pro Tools, as well as teachings on how to beef up your skills to pitch, interview, and promote to grow your imprint. Attendees will get to address how to improve their resume, marketing, split sheets (keeping track of everyone’s credits), and managing mental health, all free of charge.
The event is put on by Music Forward, a nonprofit organization helping youth achieve careers in music. The goal is to make the music industry more inclusive by granting opportunities and education to anyone regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic background. Music is for everyone, but oftentimes only those with privileged access get ahead—Music Forward is changing this.
Guests can speak to local employers, representatives from colleges and universities, and companies like Live Nation, Hollywood Records, and Avid. There will also be networking options with like-minded peers.
Event sponsors include CD Baby, Concord, Spotify, The Orchard, and House of Blues.
Key panelists:
Sam Black, recruiter at CD Baby
Kayla Erhardt, Berklee College of Music
Tessie Lammle, agent at United Talent Agency
Shazila Mohammed, senior director of publicity at Grandstand Media
Taryana Gilbeau, workplace inclusion manager at Live Nation Concerts
Gretchen Boster, VP of people at CD Baby
Chris Smith, social work supervisor at The Actors Fund
Tricia Fontneau-Ramo, artist relations and publishing at Hollywood Records
Lexi Todd, director of business and legal affairs at Primary Wave Music
Andrew Woloz, VP of streaming and brand partnerships at Concord
Orla O’Rourke, audio application specialist at Avid
James Moss, head of House of Blues hall operations at Live Nation
Charyn Harris, tour manager and artist logistics
Quinn Wasson, associate manager of artist and talent relations at Spotify
More information can be found here and here. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.