News Summary
Universal Music Group (UMG) and UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music have introduced the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship to support music industry students. Funded by Berry Gordy’s $5 million donation, this scholarship aims to assist students with financial needs and promote diversity in the music sector. UMG’s Sounds of the Future initiative enhances this effort, focusing on nurturing Black creativity and equity within the music industry. The scholarship represents a commitment to future music professionals and underscores the significance of music education.
Los Angeles — Universal Music Group (UMG) and UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music have announced the launch of the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship, aimed at supporting students in UCLA’s music industry program. The scholarship, named in honor of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, was unveiled on Monday, June 30, and is set to provide financial assistance to students facing tuition and housing costs.
The scholarship initiative is significantly backed by Gordy’s philanthropic gesture, a $5 million donation that established the UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center in May 2023. Each year, one student will be awarded the scholarship based on financial need and their potential within the music industry. Recipients may also have the opportunity to receive the scholarship for multiple consecutive years, contingent on their financial circumstances.
Lucian Grainge, the CEO of UMG, emphasized Gordy’s profound impact on the music industry and culture over the past 65 years. He stated that the scholarship is intended to invest in a new generation of young creators and innovators, highlighting the importance of fostering new talent in the music sector.
The selection process for the scholarship recipient will be overseen by the director of the Gordy Center. This partnership not only underscores the value of music education but also strengthens professional training as essential tools for transforming the music landscape. Robert Fink, acting dean of the Herb Alpert School of Music, noted that the endowment will empower future music professionals, providing them the inspiration and opportunities needed for innovation in their careers.
The scholarship is also a part of UMG’s Sounds of the Future initiative. This ongoing campaign, launched by UMG’s Task Force for Meaningful Change, aims to support Black creativity and foster equity in the music industry while celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage of Black music. The Sounds of the Future program has previously provided support to various nonprofits, including Roots of Music in New Orleans and Girls Make Beats in Los Angeles.
Activities associated with the Sounds of the Future initiative include immersive art installations and curated playlists that honor Black musical contributions, emphasizing UMG’s commitment to community-led programs and educational initiatives. This scholarship represents a vital step in UMG’s broader strategy to invest in the future of music professionals.
The establishment of the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship marks a significant milestone in the commitment to support diversity and inclusion within the music industry. By providing necessary financial resources and professional training, UMG and UCLA are jointly paving the way for aspiring artists and industry leaders to succeed and contribute to the rich legacy of music created by Black artists.
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- The Hollywood Reporter
- Wikipedia: Berry Gordy
- uDiscover Music
- Google Search: Berry Gordy scholarship UCLA
- Billboard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Berry Gordy
- Audacy
- Hits Daily Double
- Celebrity Access
