Empowering New Orleans Musicians with Business Knowledge

Session 1: Social Media for Musicians

In the first session held at the Sanchez Multi-Service Center in the 9th Ward on Jan. 15, Singer-Songwriter CASMÈ, musician Lou Hill, and artist manager Amanda Mester came together. They shared valuable insights on how local musicians can effectively use social media platforms to promote their music. They discussed strategies for building a strong online presence, engaging with fans, and using social media as a tool for career growth. Musicians learned how to create engaging content, schedule posts, and interact with their audience in a meaningful way. This session opened up a new world of possibilities for local musicians to reach a wider audience and grow their fan base.

For example, Lou Hill shared his personal experience of how he used social media to connect with fans and gain recognition. He showed how consistent posting and interacting with followers can lead to increased visibility and opportunities. CASMÈ also emphasized the importance of using social media to showcase different aspects of a musician's work, such as behind-the-scenes footage and live performances. Amanda Mester added that social media is not just about self-promotion but also about building a community around the music. She provided tips on how to handle negative comments and engage in meaningful conversations with fans.

Session 2: Securing Grants for Music Projects

The second session on Jan. 22 at the Algiers Regional Library focused on securing grants and other funding sources to support local music projects. Industry professionals shared their knowledge and experiences on the grant application process, including how to identify suitable grant opportunities and write compelling proposals. They also discussed different types of grants available, such as government grants, foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships.

For instance, one of the speakers mentioned a recent grant that a local music project received, which allowed them to record a new album and promote it. They explained the importance of researching and targeting specific grants that align with the project's goals and objectives. Another speaker shared tips on how to make a grant application stand out, such as highlighting the unique aspects of the project and demonstrating its impact on the local music scene. Musicians gained a better understanding of the grant application process and were inspired to explore different funding options for their projects.

Session 3: Protecting Intellectual Property

The final session on Jan. 29 at The Nora Navra Library focused on how musicians can protect their intellectual property. Experts discussed copyright laws, trademarking, and licensing options to help musicians safeguard their creative works. They also provided practical tips on how to detect and prevent copyright infringement.

For example, one of the speakers explained how copyright laws protect a musician's original compositions and recordings. They highlighted the importance of registering copyrights to establish legal ownership and prevent others from using the music without permission. Another speaker shared case studies of musicians who had faced copyright issues and how they had successfully resolved them. Musicians learned about the different strategies for protecting their intellectual property and were equipped with the knowledge to take proactive measures to safeguard their work.

The free training sessions are part of a year-long effort by the city to support local musicians. More classes will be announced later, covering topics such as creating a music business plan, maximizing the use of streaming services, and protecting ear health in loud environments. These sessions are open to all local musicians, music venue owners, and other industry professionals. Registration is required, and interested individuals can register for the first three sessions and find information on future sessions at www.nolamusiccensus.org/sessions.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration is committed to ensuring that the next generation of superstars can emerge from New Orleans. The Music Census Sessions are a step in the right direction, providing local musicians with the tools, resources, and support they need to reach the next level. With the help of these sessions, local musicians can build successful music careers and contribute to the vibrant music scene in New Orleans.