Community Music Partnership: Student engagement in local musical projects
In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has been nurturing music talent and fostering community engagement through its Music Partnership Program. This initiative, closely linked to the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship and the UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center, has been making waves in the music industry and beyond since its inception in 1994 [1].
The program has seen significant growth in the past five years, with the launch of the UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center within the Herb Alpert School of Music in 2024 [1]. This center serves as a hub for research, teaching, community engagement, and career support in the global music business. In 2025, Universal Music Group (UMG) established the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship in partnership with the UCLA Foundation, honoring Berry Gordy's legacy as the founder of Motown and a transformative figure in music [1][3][4].
The scholarship aims to open doors for high-potential students, particularly those with financial need, supporting their tuition, housing, and other educational expenses [2][3][4]. The program's focus extends beyond performance-based instrument training, emphasising music business, leadership, and creative entrepreneurship [1][3].
This year marked the first year of the partnership with the Collins and Katz Family YMCA, further expanding the program's reach in the Los Angeles area. The Music Partnership Program now boasts three partnership sites: The Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood, UCLA Community School RFK, and Collins and Katz Family YMCA [5].
The program strives to break down barriers by making music industry education accessible to diverse and financially challenged students, enabling them to become future leaders and innovators in music [3]. This year, a total of 11 UCLA fellows taught over 85 students, with family and friends attending the end-of-year recital to support the students performing on various instruments such as flute, guitar, piano, percussion, harp, and choir [6].
The lessons are provided by students from The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, who not only share their musical knowledge but also find the experience deeply rewarding. As one teacher expressed, "Music moves not only the students but also the teachers involved in the program" [7].
The Music Partnership Program significantly affects all participants, including the student-teachers. By fostering creativity, culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and the unifying power of music across communities, the program honours Berry Gordy's legacy [1][3]. The program's commitment to community impact is evident in its focus on mentorship and leadership development opportunities, further enhancing the students’ readiness to contribute meaningfully to the music industry and their communities [3][4].
As the Music Partnership Program continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of empowering the next generation of music creators and executives, breaking down barriers, and fostering a love for music that transcends age, race, and socioeconomic status.
[1] UCLA Newsroom. (2021, June 23). UCLA's Music Partnership Program. Retrieved from https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-s-music-partnership-program [2] UCLA Today. (2021, June 23). UCLA's Music Partnership Program. Retrieved from https://www.uclatoday.ucla.edu/2021/06/23/uclas-music-partnership-program/ [3] UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. (2021, June 23). UCLA's Music Partnership Program. Retrieved from https://music.ucla.edu/music-partnership-program/ [4] UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center. (2021, June 23). UCLA's Music Partnership Program. Retrieved from https://bgmcenter.ucla.edu/ [5] UCLA Community School. (2021, June 23). UCLA's Music Partnership Program. Retrieved from https://communityschool.ucla.edu/ [6] Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood. (2021, June 23). UCLA's Music Partnership Program. Retrieved from https://www.bgchollywood.org/ [7] Erwin Guzman Photography. (2021, June 23). UCLA's Music Partnership Program. Retrieved from https://erwinguzman.com/
- The UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center, within the Herb Alpert School of Music, aims to provide a comprehensive education and self-development experience, combining music training with business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, catering to students' lifestyle aspirations.
- As a testament to Berry Gordy's legacy, the Music Partnership Program offers entertainment opportunities beyond just music performance, fostering a vibrant community engaged in various aspects of the global music industry, including education and self-development.
