Universal Music Group has recently unveiled the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship at The Herb Alpert School of Music. This initiative, in collaboration with The UCLA Foundation, aims to support students enrolled in the Music Industry Programme. The scholarship follows the establishment of The UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Centre in 2024, dedicated to research, teaching, and career support within the music business.
Named after the legendary Berry Gordy, the scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student who demonstrates exceptional potential and financial need. Each recipient will receive financial assistance for tuition, housing, and other educational expenses, fostering the next generation of music industry professionals.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group, emphasized the enduring legacy of Berry Gordy, highlighting his significant contributions to the music industry over the past six decades. Grainge expressed UMG’s commitment to investing in young talents who embody Gordy’s spirit of innovation and creativity, carrying forward the legacy of Motown and Detroit’s pioneering sound.
In line with its Sounds of the Future campaign, UMG continues to support initiatives that promote Black creativity, cultural heritage preservation, and equity in the music industry. The partnership with The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music exemplifies UMG’s belief in the transformative power of education and professional development within the music sector.
Robert Fink, acting dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and Director of The Berry Gordy Music Industry Centre, emphasized the importance of equipping future music executives, artists, and entrepreneurs with the tools to build on Berry Gordy’s legacy of innovation. The scholarship recipients will be selected based on financial need and academic engagement, ensuring sustained support for their educational journey.
UMG’s extended support through the Sounds of the Future initiative includes contributions to organizations such as Roots of Music in New Orleans, fostering music education rooted in culture, and Girls Make Beats in Los Angeles, empowering female producers, DJs, and engineers. This initiative underscores UMG’s commitment to nurturing diverse talent and promoting inclusivity in the music industry.
The collaboration between UMG and The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music not only celebrates Berry Gordy’s cultural impact and the Motown legacy but also paves the way for a new generation to excel at the intersection of music, culture, and business. By establishing lasting investments like the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship, UMG and UCLA are ensuring a brighter future for aspiring music industry professionals.
As the industry evolves, initiatives like the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship play a crucial role in fostering talent, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting diversity within the music business. By honoring the legacy of pioneers like Berry Gordy, the music industry continues to inspire and empower future generations of creatives and changemakers.
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