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 To be announced soon!
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 3 (Summer 2025): Business Expansion & Identifying OpportunitiesCareer 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.
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.
Sessions
Archive
Music Census Sessions recordings will be published here at the end of each block.
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.
