A new national nonprofit is offering independent musicians a year of practical career development, industry mentorship, and financial support. Musician Growth Lab has opened applications for its inaugural 2027 cohort, which will include five artists or bands from across the United States. Applications will remain open through October 11, 2026.
Running from January through December 2027, the virtual program is designed to help musicians develop the business skills required to build sustainable careers without stepping away from their existing creative work, touring schedules, or day jobs.
Participants will attend monthly “Growth Sessions” led by music industry professionals, receive one-on-one mentorship and office hours, and qualify for a $5,000 grant upon successfully completing the program.
Sessions will cover touring, publicity, synchronization licensing, contracts, royalties, distribution, merchandise, financial management, and long-term career planning. The curriculum was developed with input from an advisory council of working musicians intended to keep the program grounded in the challenges artists currently face.
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Musicians are increasingly running small businesses
Musician Growth Lab founder and executive director Kevin York developed the program after spending five years working with artists as a publicist.
York said he repeatedly encountered talented musicians juggling multiple jobs while attempting to finance and manage their careers independently. The problem was not necessarily the quality of their music, but the growing number of responsibilities artists were expected to handle around it. According to York:
“The definition of being a successful musician has changed dramatically. Making great music is still essential, but today artists are also expected to run what amounts to a small business.”
That business can include booking shows, managing budgets, negotiating agreements, planning releases, overseeing merchandise, collecting royalties, pitching media, and building an audience — often without the staff or financial resources available to established acts.
Musician Growth Lab aims to make that knowledge more accessible by combining structured education with individualized guidance from experienced industry professionals.
Because the program will be conducted virtually, selected musicians can participate from anywhere in the country while continuing to write, record, perform, and work.
Five artists or bands will be selected for the first cohort. Musicians can review the eligibility requirements and submit an application through the Musician Growth Lab website.
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Musician Growth Lab is a national nonprofit organization helping independent musicians build sustainable careers. Through career development, mentorship from experienced music industry professionals, and financial support, Musician Growth Lab equips artists with the knowledge, guidance, and resources to navigate the business of music without losing sight of the reason they started making it in the first place.