March Music-Versity with Kate Nash at Music Hall of Williamsburg

Music Unites students meet with Kate Nash! The English singer, song-writer, and Music Unites ambassador Kate Nash provided MU students with behind-the-scenes access and a Q&A session before her NYC show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Kate discussed life on tour, how she prepares for live performance and her song-writing process.

Music Unites Partnering Up with Alchemy Club

Music Unites at inaugural *COCKTAILS FOR CAUSES* to raise funds and awareness for five charitable organizations making a difference in New York and around the world

Alchemy Club is a private social club composed of young entrepreneurs and visionaries in sectors including finance, media, technology, and fashion.

MU x NYU Clive Davis: February Music-Versity Educational Event!

Music Unites provides unique opportunities and programs to students who would like to pursue a future in music through a series called ‘Music-Versity’. Together, with the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, Music Unites will be hosting a panel of legendary industry leaders, giving both NYU students and inner city youth an insight into their future endeavors. The field trip will begin with a tour of the Clive Davis Institute, then a keynote introduction from Jeffrey Rabhan, the chair of NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. The event will then turn into an educational panel moderated by Billboard’s Bill Werde for NYU students and Music Unites’ three programs: YANY Youth Choir, CARES and Guitar Program at Women’s Academy of Excellence. The panelists include Rome Thomas, SVP Sales & Artist Development- A&M/Octone Records, Monique Blakeman, Swizz Beatz Management, Bozoma Saint John, PepsiCo, MU Artist Ambassador Michael Zakarin of The Bravery, Jon Cohen, Co-CEO Cornerstone Agency & Co-Founder of The FADER and Lori Feldman, SVP of Brand Partnerships and Music Licensing, Warner Bros. Music. The event will also include a special performance by the MU Student Ambassadors Candace Lee Camacho and Kyle Alfred.

If you wish to sponsor this event or any part of MU’s Music-Versity Series, please contact Glenda.Fu@Musicunites.org

Music Unites x Swizz Beatz: Power Of One Studio Session [VIDEO: Pulse Films]

MU x Swizz Beatz: Power Of One Studio Session from MUSIC UNITES on Vimeo.

Music Unites and Swizz Beatz held a workshop in the producer's studio, concentrating on aspects of the music industry and how he started in the business. Twenty students got the opportunity to see the private state-of-the-art facility, as Swizz guided them around his studio answering questions and explaining the music creation process. The session also included a Q&A with Swizz regarding his career, where Swizz encouraged all students to pursue their passion, and turn their obstacles into triumphs.The award-winning producer's remarked that he 'is still a student and always will be a student.' "I love learning and loved that all of the students in the studio were learning from me, but at the same time, I am also learning from each and every one of them," - Swizz Beatz.

After the Q&A, students observed MU Student Ambassadors Candace Lee Camacho and Kyle Alfred recreate a studio session setting. Candace and Kyle performed a song on the spot, and with Swizz's help turned it into a recording reality.It was an impressive inside look at how songs were created and recorded in the studio.

The initiative is part of a series of events leading up to 'Music-Versity: Power of One', an event at the Intrepid Museum on January 17th, which will include students from The Bronx Charter School of The Arts and two of our MU programs: MU Cares and MU's Guitar Program at The Women's Academy of Excellence.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities for our Jan 17th Intrepid Event please contact glenda.fu@musicunites.org

A special thank you to PULSE FILMS for this amazing video!

Music Unites x Swizz Beatz: Studio Session for MU and BXA Students

On December 12th, 2012, Music Unites and Swizz Beatz held a workshop in the producer's studio, concentrating on aspects of the music industry and how he started in the business. In the studio, students were able to see the whole state-of-the-art facility. A Q&A with Swizz regarding his career also took place. The students were very engaged and curious! Swizz's main message, which heavily stuck with Music Unites Student Ambassador Candace Lee Camacho, was that he is still a student and always will be a student. He says that he loves learning and loved that all of the students were in the studio because they were learning from him, but at the same time, he himself was learning from the students. 

After the Q&A, students observed as MU Student Ambassadors Candace Lee Camacho and Kyle Alfred recreated a studio session setting. Candace, Kyle and Swizz recorded an original song written by Candace and showed the students what recording was really like.

The initiative is part of a series of events, leading up to an event on the Intrepid Museum called "Music-versity: Power Of One" on January 17th including students from The Bronx Charter School of The Arts and two of our MU programs: MU Cares and MU's Guitar Program at The Women's Academy of Excellence. 

For more information on how to get involved / sponsor this event please contact: glenda.fu@musicunites.org

Photos above by Martin Roe and Gene Bradley, respectively.

Music Unites YaNY Choir Performs At The Saks 5th Ave Window Preview

On November 19th, the Music Unites YaNY Choir performed at the Saks 5th Ave window preview! 

Music Unites in LA: ICM Partners School Trip

On November 14th, students from Centennial H.S. in Compton, CA / MU's Academy in LA visit the ICM Partners offices in a Q&A panel on talent agency responsibilities and resume writing!

Music Unites First Workshop Of The Year at WAE with Thibault Cauvin!

On Friday, October 19, Music Unites is hosting a guitar workshop at the Women’s Academy of Excellence at 1PM.

The workshop will be led by Thibault Cauvin. A very special thank you to the D’Addario Foundation, who has been instrumental in jump-starting the Music Unites Guitar Program, bringing free guitar instruction into schools!

Music Unites in LA! World-renowned conductor Dino Zonic visits Centennial H.S. in Compton, CA!

On October 3rd, 2012, World-renowned composer, director and conductor Dino Zonic visited Centennial H.S. in Compton, CA for a special assembly and educational discussion on music and careers in music by sharing his life story and playing music for the students. The students of Centennial were engaged and learned so much from Dino at this special workshop! They can hardly wait for his return to their school!

Dino’s music has been performed all over Europe and the United States, including for Pope John Paul II, The Dalai Lama and U.S. President Bill Clinton and this past Wednesday he dedicated his time to speak to the students at the Music Unites Academy at Centennial H.S.!

Music Unites x Warner Bros. Records "Be Your Own Muse" Initiative

Music Unites aims to empower every young high school teen through music. With the generous donation of 30 guitars from Guitar Center, we have proudly started a free after-school guitar program at CentennialHigh School in Compton.As part of Music Unites’  “Empowering Women Through Music” initiative in Los Angeles, Music Unites together with Warner Bros Records kicked off  "Be Your Own Muse," an educational workshop that took place on September 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  This workshop focused on educating young girls from Compton middle and high schools about the careers behind the music business. 

The panel included a Q&A session with some of the most influential women in the industry along with a songwriting workshop to follow at the House Of Rock studio with WarnerBros Records recording artist and singer-songwriter Helena, and Music Unites Student Ambassador, Candace Lee Camacho. “Be Your Own Muse”panelists will include: Shira Lazar (Co-Founder, What's Trending),Helena (Warner Bros Records recording artist), Caroline Yim (Music Agent, ICM Partners) Julie Pilat (98.7, Assistant PD / Music Director KIIS Los Angeles), Phylicia Fant (VP of Media Relations and Events at Warner Bros. Records) and Julie Muncy (VP of Radio Promotion at Warner Bros. Records)and Michelle Jubelirer (Partner at King, Holmes, Paterno & Berliner).

"Warner's 'Be Your Own Muse' initiative was a very powerful and monumental event, I was so blessed to be a part of it. The girls from Compton were ecstatic and astonished to find out the guitars were actually for them! They left our songwriting session motivated and empowered to play and write their own music. I love those young women- they are the future of our industry," said Camacho.Helena said that the Music Unites event was "a glittering dream -- it was exciting to bring such beautiful and talented minds together to share thoughts and imaginations."This is exactly what Music Unites is about -- inspiring our musical community and empowering our students to use their creative minds and reach for success, despite all opposition. We're excited to share our work with the Los Angeles community and hope to embark on new philanthropic endeavors that empower the next generation of musicians.

Music Unites "BE YOUR OWN MUSE" Panel and Workshop in LA at The House Of Rock!

As part of Music Unites’“Empowering Women Through Music” initiative in Los Angeles, Music Unites together with Warner Bros Records will kick off "Be Your Own Muse," an educational workshop to take place on September 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.This workshop focuses on educating young girls from Compton middle and high schools about the careers behind the music business. The panel will include a Q&A session with some of the most influential women in the industry along with a songwriting workshop to follow at the BlueMic studio with Warner Bros Records recording artist and singer-songwriter Helena, and Music Unites standout student, Candace Lee Camacho. “Be The Muse” panelists will include: Shira Lazar (Co-Founder, What's Trending), Helena (Warner Bros Records recording artist), Caroline Yim (Music Agent, ICM Partners) Julie Pilat (98.7, Assistant PD / Music Director KIIS Los Angeles), Kelly Watson (VP Sales & Strategic Partnerships at Spin Media) and Michelle Jubelirer (Partner at King, Holmes, Paterno & Berliner).

Music Unites at the House Of Rock 2012 Grand Opening!

Music Unites announces the role of House of Rock LLC's featured charity beneficiary for House of Rock’s VIP Opening Party on Saturday, September 15, 2012. 

Each year House of Rock LLC brings to life a $20 million historic estate and transforms it into an unparalleled exclusive media event and live music venue that becomes a larger than life virtual pop culture experience.  

This event will celebrate the launch of Music Unites’ inaugural philanthropic initiatives in Los Angeles and will be hosted by event Co-Chairs: Mike Albanese (Publisher of Spin Magazine), Randy Spendlove (President of Paramount Music), Steve Levine (Partner, ICM Partners) and Jed Selkowitz (Vice President of Strategic Marketing at XIX Entertainment). 

Music Unites will also present a performance by celebrity ambassador, English singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas, whose widely praised Nonesuch Records debut album recently charted at #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers Album Chart.

As part of Music Unites’  “Empowering Women Through Music” initiative in Los Angeles, Music Unites together with Warner Bros Records will kick off  "Be the Muse," an educational workshop to take place on September 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  This workshop focuses on educating young girls from Compton middle and high schools about the careers behind the music business. The panel will include a Q&A session with some of the most influential women in the industry along with a songwriting workshop to follow at the BlueMic studio with Warner Bros Records recording artist and singer-songwriter Helena, and Music Unites standout student, Candace Camacho. “Be The Muse” panelists will include: Shira Lazar (Co-Founder, What's Trending)), Helena (Warner Bros Records recording artist), Julie Pilat (98.7, Assistant PD / Music Director KIIS Los Angeles) and Michelle Jubelirer (Partner at King, Holmes, Paterno & Berliner). Guitar Center will be donating 30 guitars to our students at this event.

Tickets are $500, for tickets and more information click here

Music Unites Recieves A Grant From The BMI Foundation, Inc.

Music Unites has just recieved a grant from the BMI Foundation, Inc. to further advance our goals in empowering and uniting communities and students through music! They are most impressed with the quality of our work and with our dedication! We can't wait to update you with more great news while continuing to connect people through the universality of music!

Music Unites and LACOSTE L!VE's "Unlock The Croc"

LACOSTE L!VE, the younger-minded, fashion conscious crocodile, will invite customers to “Unlock the Croc” this Saturday at its Broadway boutique for a chance to win tickets to the upcoming LACOSTE L!VE Concert Series at Williamsburg Park.

Street teams will distribute key chains in Soho and Washington Square Park in the early afternoon, and recipients can return to the store later in the day to try their luck at unlocking one of several mystery prize boxes. One grand prize winner will receive 2 series-long VIP concert tickets and a $1,000 LACOSTE shopping experience. Four additional winners will receive 2 General Admission concert tickets to a show of their choice and a $100 LACOSTE shopping experience.

Penguin Prison (Downtown Records) will be on hand to spin tunes during the in-store giveaway from 2PM to 4PM. Click HERE for an exclusive download of their new Fair Warning Remix EP, presented by LACOSTE L!VE.

Ten percent of all sales from the day will benefit Music Unites, the non-profit organization dedicated to bringing music education to underprivileged children in underfunded inner city school systems.

Beginning in July, the LACOSTE L!VE Concert Series will feature acts including GOTYE, COUNTING CROWS, CAKE, JANE’S ADDICTION, MY MORNING JACKET, SUBLIME, ANIMAL COLLECTIVE, DAVID BYRNE, ST VINCENT and the reunited Swedish punk group REFUSED, among many others. The new concert and recreation space, located at North 12^th Street and Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is the newest in a progression of great outdoor concert spaces that began with McCarren Park Pool and continued at the Williamsburg Waterfront. 

Mick Fleetwood Supports Music Unites at 'Rhythm Of A Rose' Art Exhibit

Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, signed a painting at the 'Rhythm Of A Rose' exhibit at The Mouche Gallery in Los Angeles to benefit Music Unites. The Mouche Gallery features a collection of Fire Art from some of the World's most celebrated Artists in Music, Film and Sports. Their goal is to share the extraordinary talent, vision, leadership and philanthropy of artists.

Ten percent of all proceeds went to Music Unites to support music education. Music Unites thanks Mick for all his support!

Women's Academy of Excellence Music Unites Youth Choir Performs at Bronx Zoo With Nat & Alex

Music Unites, the non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining funds for music education programs in underdeveloped New York City school districts, celebrates its third anniversary by presenting a special program as part of Animal Tales Extravaganza at WCS’s Bronx Zoo.  This momentous event will take place on Saturday, June 2 at The Bronx Zoo and features a debut performance by the Music Unites youth choir from The Women’s Academy of Excellence in The Bronx, as well as a headline performance from celebrity recording artists Nat & Alex Wolff, followed by a meet & greet at the zoo’s Dancing Crane Pavilion.

Each weekend of the Bronx Zoo’s Animal Tales Extravaganza includes an array of activities for families and children. The zoo’s Dancing Crane Pavilion will be transformed into an intimate story time corner, presented by Plum Organics. Zoo-goers can take a break and read from a wide variety of animal-themed books from Simon & Schuster, Candlewick Press, and Hyperion. Children can then stage their own animal tale with a puppet they create at the Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschools crafts area.

The main stage has something for everyone throughout the spring season, and is pleased to team up with Music Unites on June 2 to present a very special debut performance by the charity’s youth choir from the Women’s Academy of Excellence along with headliners and celebrity ambassadors Nat & Alex Wolff. 

Music Unites, BMI & Viacom @ Viacommunity Day 2012

On April 20, 2012, Viacom as part of Viacommunity Day, took part in a songwriting workshop at W.C. Bryant High School in Queens for Music Unites and BMI. The workshop was designed to foster the creativity of adolescence through the medium of songwriting.

Empower, Inspire & Unite The Next Generation @ Viacommunity Day

Viacommunity day is Viacom's Social Service day where employees partake in volunteer efforts in a variety of agencies around the city. This year, employees of Viacom will participate in a songwriting workshop hosted by Music Unites and BMI at the WC Bryant School in Queens. This workshop is designed to foster the creativity of adolescence through the medium of songwriting. Music Unites is looking for talented songwriters to contribute their skill to this special workshop. Here is how it works! 1-2 songwriters will be paired with 5 Viacom employees and a classroom of 20 high school kids. The goal of the 3 hour session will be to write a song all together. There will be up to 5 groups working on songs. The day will culminate with a casual performance of songs written by each group. This is an opportunity to educate kids about the process of songwriting, provide an emotional outlet through which to express themselves and promote a team building effort amongst peers.

This event will run from 9am to 1pm on Friday April 20th. We would like songwriters to bring in their guitars, computers or what ever it is your writing instrument is. Contact deena.goodman@musicunites.org to get involved.

Pearls of Wisdom Philanthropy Award Given To Michelle Edgar

Pearls of Wisdom" have been passed down to the young women of The WAE by parents and staff members. Together as a strand of "pearls," student-scholars are able to remember the valeus and principles instilled in them as they move from grade to grade and on to college. Seven honorees including Michelle Edgar, were given the philanthropy award were selected based on pride, excellence, ambition, responsiblity, leadership and sisterhood. Our Music Unites Youth Choir of The Women's Academy of Excellence also made their debut performance in front of the packed room singing One Republic's "Good Life.". To end the evening, Student, Chidi Nnjai Blessing was the scholarship recipient to go to college awarded by principal Dr. Arnette Crocker

Nikon Inc and Warner Music Group Partner With Music Unites at this Year's SXSW for "The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon"

Nikon Inc. and Warner Music Group partnered with Music Unites for a very special event held at South by Southwest® Music & Media Conference (SXSW®) in Austin, Texas. “The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon” presented two days and three nights, between March 13-15, of stellar showcase performances at Austin’s famed La Zona Rosa.

Music Unites gave five deserving students from Austin’s Lanier High School the opportunity to attend “The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon” on Wednesday, March 14th, where met Warner Bros. recording artist – and Music Unites ambassador – Gary Clark Jr. The students received Nikon cameras and participated in a workshop with renowned rock photographer Robert Knight before getting an exclusive chance to photograph Clark and other live performances from “The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon.”

The yaNY Music Unites Youth Choir Performs at Michael Dorf's Music Of The Rolling Stones at Carnegie Hall

On March 13, 2012, Michael Dorf's annual concert at Carnegie Hall this year honoring the Rolling Stones benefited music education programs in underprivileged districts. Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, the Carolina Chocolate Drops and others performed 21 tracks from the Rolling Stones class collection "Hot Rocks 1964-1971 on the 40th anniversary of its release. The proceeds went to support nonprofit organizations that provide music classes to impoverished youths, among them the Church Street School of Music, Young Audiences, Music Unites and the Pinwheel Project. The Young Audiences New York Music Unites Youth Choir performed alongside TV On The Radio. 

WARNER MUSIC GROUP AND NIKON TEAM WITH MUSIC UNITES FOR SPECIAL EVENT AT SXSW

Nikon Inc. and Warner Music Group will partner with Music Unites—a non- profit organization that provides music education to students in under- served school districts—for a very special event to be held later this week at their upcoming residency at South by Southwest® Music & Media Conference (SXSW®) in Austin, Texas. “The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon” will present two days and three nights of stellar showcase performances at Austin’s famed La Zona Rosa, slated for March 13^th through 15^th. Music Unites will be giving five deserving students from Austin’s Lanier High School the opportunity to attend “The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon” on Wednesday, March 14^th, where they will meet Warner Bros. recording artist – and Music Unites ambassador – Gary Clark Jr.  The students will each receive Nikon cameras and participate in a workshop with renowned rock photographer Robert Knight before getting an exclusive chance to photograph Clark and other live performances from “The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon.” Lanier High School, an inner-city school in the heart of Austin, is home to over 1500 students.  The five students chosen to attend “The Warner Sound Captured by Nikon” were selected based on their passion for music and photography.

MEIKO VISITS MUSIC UNITES EMERSON FOR MUSIC IN SCHOOLS MONTH

On Tuesday, March 13, Meiko, an American singer-songwriter born and raised in Georgia, will make her way to Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts to speak with the WERS radio station about the importance of music education and why an organization like Music Unites is so essential. Later that evening, Meiko will be performing at TT The Bear's Place on 10 Brookline Street in Cambridge, MA. Tickets are $8 and she will be performing songs from her new album, The Bright Side, available in stores May 15.

The First Ever Music Unites Youth Choir and After-School Guitar Program Launches in the Bronx at the Women's Academy of Excellence

Music Unites announces their first milestone achievement toward accomplishing their Five Borough Youth Choir Campaign Initiative to fund five Music Unites Youth Choir programs across NYC's five boroughs with the January 2012 launch of their inaugural youth choir at The Women's Academy of Excellence in the Bronx.

Auditions were held on January 7, 2012, with a total of 16 young ladies making the final cut for the Music Unites after-school programs.

The Official Music Unites Youth Choir and After-School Music Unites Guitar Program will be led by Rachel Fry and Shaheed Shabazz.

New York FAME Benefits Music Unites

Benefiting Music Unites, The New York FAME will hold a charity event on February 15, 2012 at the Manhattan Center Studios, home of the Hammerstein and the Grand in New York City. Featuring establish and emerging fashion designers and performers from around the world. Music Unites, a non-profit organization, partners with established and emerging artists to present concerts which raise awareness and funding for music programs in inner city schools. Music Unites also brings these artists into the schools and communities served by the organization to teach and inspire through the power of music.

This past September, The New York FAME left its mark during NY Fashion Week, as the marquee event to attend. From it's celebrity attendees such as Legendary Natalie Cole, Chyna Lyane from the award winning Oscar movie Precious, R&B performer Trina, Pamela Long from Bad Boy Records, and special performance by Nuttin But Stringz from Americas Got Talent.

The YaNY Music Unites Youth Choir Performs at The Roots Holiday Show

The yaNY Music Unites Youth Choir performed at The Roots Holiday Show for the 5th Annual Okayplayer Holiday Jam on Thursday, December 15 at Brooklyn Bowl. They performed the following songs: "All I Want for Christmas," "Just The Way You Are," and "Hey, Soul Sister."

Gary Clark Jr. Performs at Music Unites and Rolling Stone In Tune Event to support Five NYC borough initiative

On Wednesday, December 14, Music Unites and Rolling Stone Magazine presented the next installment of their ongoing In Tune series, featuring Warner Bros. recording artist Gary Clark Jr. The concert was part of Rolling Stone’s Rolling Stone Fest, a new pop-up and event series at New York City’s Openhouse Gallery located at 201 Mulberry Street in SoHo. This special evening was in support and celebration of Music Unites’ announcement of its first milestone achievement toward accomplishing its “Five Borough Initiative” to fund five Music Unites Youth Choir programs across NYC's five boroughs with the January 2012 launch of its inaugural youth choir at The Women’s Academy of Excellence in the Bronx. The featured performance of the night showcased Austin native and visionary singer-guitarist Gary Clark Jr., whose critically acclaimed major-label debut EP Bright Lights was released in August and received four-star review from Rolling Stone.

Music Unites Introduces MUYC Ambassador Jon Batiste at SOHO House

On Thursday, December 8, 2011, Music Unites welcomed Music Unites Youth Choir Artist Ambassador and jazz musician Jon Batiste. Batiste will start a Music Unites Youth Choir at a school in Harlem as part of Music Unites' Five NYC Borough Music Unites Youth Choir Campaign. The campaign launches in January 2012. One school in each of the five NYC boroughs will be selected to be a part of this amazing Music Unites initiative. Students who have never been exposed to music will now have the opportunity to perform in a choir and work with a well-known artist who is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Music Unites and Rolling Stone Present: Gary Clark Jr

Music Unites and Rolling Stone are coming together once again on December 14th, 2011, for a private performance to benefit the Music Unites Youth Choir! The event will be held at 20 Mulberry Street at 7:00PM featuring a performance by Gary Clark Jr. plus special guest DJ Luber. Tickets can be purchased for $50.

Music Unites Youth Choir Will Perform At Rolling Stone Fest 2011

On Tuesday, December 6, 2011, Rolling Stone invites you to a series of special live performances at this year's Rolling Stone Fest. The event will take place on 201 Mulberry Street, between Spring and Kenmare Streets, in New York. The Dawes will be performing at 1PM (rsvp to dawes@rollingstone.com); Hacienda at 3PM (rsvp to hacienda@rollingstone.com); a special holiday performance by The Music Unites Youth Choir at 6PM (rsvp to rsvp@musicunites.org). Entry is on a first come, first served basis. RSVP does not guarantee entry.

Help Music Unites Ambassador Jonathan Batiste Raise Money for MUYC in Harlem

On December 8, 2011 at 10PM at SoHo House in New York, you're invited to an intimate concert with jazz musician Jonathan Batiste to help raise money for his selected after-school Music Unites Youth Choir in Harlem. Music Unites will celebrate Batiste's Music Unites ambassadorship and his dream to expose all kids to the wonderful world of music. Tickets are $50 in order to attend and all proceeds will go towards funding Batiste's Music Unites Youth Choir.

MUyaNY Music Unites Choir Career Day

Industry music leaders from BMI, Live Nation, Shorefire PR, and the National Jazz Museum visited the MUyaNY Music Unites Choir to speak to the students about their careers in music. It was an inspiring and educational day as the panel gave career advice and spoke about their journey to where they are today. Thank you to Jonathan Batiste (National Jazz Museum music curator and co director/ Jazz musician), Rebecca Shapiro (Founder/ VP, Shorefire PR), Lisa Luego (Live Nation Senior Director, Marketing Solutions), and Samantha Cox (Senior Director, Writer/Publisher Relations BMI).

BERKLEE CITY MUSIC NETWORK CONFERENCE 2011

The Berklee City Music Network is proud to announce their first annual network conference. It will be coupled with the National Guild for Community Arts Education Conference, which will be held from November 9-12, 2011 in Boston, MA. The Berklee City Music Network Conference will give participants the opportunity to explore themes directly related to providing access to a quality and diverse music education for students as well as to deepen one's understanding on how to make the most out of the Berklee City Music Network. Additionally, the conference will cover topics directly related to creating access to the state of the art music education for students in under-served communities across the country. The conference will highlight expert speakers in the field of music education. Michelle Edgar, Founder and Executive Director of Music Unites, will be one of the speakers at the Berklee City Music Network Conference.

Roger Vivier and Music Unites celebrate Roger Vivier’s glam rock ‘n’ roll inspired Fall/Winter Collection

On October 25, Roger Vivier and Music Unites joined forces to celebrate Roger Vivier’s glam rock ‘n roll inspired Fall / Winter collection to benefit the January launch of Music Unites Youth Choir at the Women's Academy of Excellence in the Bronx. This was an intimate high profile gathering of celebrities, fashion designers, musicians, and New York socialites. Notable attendees included: Leighton Meester, Bruno Frisoni (Creative Director of Roger Vivier), Alexandra Richards, and Annabelle Dexter Jones. Partygoers sipped on champagne cocktails, grooved to beats provided by Alexandra Richards behind the turntables, and toasted to yet another milestone collision of the music and fashion worlds in a powerful effort to raise awareness for the importance of music education in under-funded city school systems.

Music Unites Speaks at The Influencer Conference

On October 7, 2011, Michelle Edgar, along with Music Unites Artist Caitlin Moe and Music Unites Youth Choir participant Candace Lee Camacho, shared their stories at The Influencer Conference about how music empowers, inspires, and unites. The InfluencerCon, gathers taste makers and influences who seek to identify, understand and support influencer culture globally. The goal is to continue to be at the forefront of the conversation about the influencer ecosystem and its importance to mainstream media and business. "Today was very much beyond amazing. This music is so good to me, and it is because of this gorgeous foundation I'm getting from Music Unites, the brilliant Michelle Edgar and her dedicated team. This family is the best to have with a movement that is forever growing and changing; our music is forever growing and changing, but it is also forever uniting," said Candace.

Music Unites Receives Grant From D'Addario Music Foundation

The D’Addario Music Foundation is proud to provide a cash and product award in support of the Music Unites After-School Guitar Program at the Women’s Academy of Excellence. In keeping with the D’Addario Music Foundation mission, with the launching of this program Music Unites is committed to providing students an opportunity to be exposed to the guitar and all of the benefits and joy of learning to play an instrument.

Pledge Music and Fishbone Campaign!

FISHBONE, with their frenzied, upbeat music and frantic, euphorically entertaining stage show, will be releasing their highly anticipated new EP, "Crazy Glue" (DC-Jam Records) on October 11, 2011, along with their monumental documentary, “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone” on October 7, 2011. "Crazy Glue" will be available for purchase online everywhere and select stores nationwide. Pre-sale bundles, with never-before-released merchandise, will be available exclusively at PledgeMusic.com starting September 9, 2011 for limited time only and a portion of proceeds will go directly to Music Unites.

Do You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star?

On August 3, Rolling Stone's ‘Do You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star?’ finalist, The Sheepdogs together with music industry luminaries, VIPs and media, gathered at the Empire Hotel Rooftop in New York to celebrate the unveiling of the cover and raise funds for Music Unites.

Rolling Stone’s ‘Do You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star?’ contest began with 16 unsigned acts competing for the most coveted prize in music: the cover of Rolling Stone. After four rounds of public voting, the two finalists battled it out on stage last month at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, TN. The ultimate winner, in addition to being the first unsigned act to ever appear on the cover, will also receive a recording contract with Atlantic Records.

The Sheepdogs were joined by the Editors of Rolling Stone and Music Unites founder and Executive Director Michelle Edgar at the cover reveal party. Additional music was provided by DJ Paul Sevigny.

Governors Ball Music Festival To Take Place Saturday, June 18, 2011

Music Unites is the official charity to receive portions of proceeds from tickets purchased for The Governors Ball Music Festival. The Governors Ball Music Festival will take place on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Governors Island, NYC. Girl Talk, Pretty Lights, Empire of the Sun, Big Boi of Outkast, Neon Indian, People Under the Stairs, Passion Pit, Mac Miller, Miami Horror, Outasight, and Reptar will all be performing. With two stages and no overlapping sets, the Governors Ball will feature 12 hours of non-stop music, allowing all attendees to see each and every artist performance on the festival bill. Complimenting the music will be comedians who will MC both stages, games & activities, good food and drinks, and interactive art installations.

Music Unites Youth Choir Performs at Quincy Jones Tribute at Tribeca Films Institute

On April 28, Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger, and composer, Quincy Jones, was honored at the Tribeca Film Institute. Mr. Jones has been an inspiration to the children who benefit from programs like Berklee City Music and Music Unites. The students from the Music Unites Youth Choir, Berklee City Music ensemble, and the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Boys and Girls Harbor, Inc. performed a musical tribute for Mr. Jones.

Music Unites and Berklee City Music Students Honor Legendary Musician Quincy Jones

On Thursday, April 28, 2011, at the Tribeca Film Institute (88th 9th Ave, NY, New York), Music Unites and Berklee City Music Students will honor legendary musician Quincy Jones with a musical tribute including a performance that will commence at 9:45 pm with Curtis introducing Quincy Jones as the Ambassador for Berklee City Music. The students from the Music Unites Youth Choir, Berklee City Music ensemble and the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Boys and Girls Harbor, Inc. will perform the Lioness Hunt from The Lion King" on Broadway.

Quincy Jones, a Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger, composer, and Berklee alumnus, has served as a Berklee City Music Ambassador and championed the organization's cause to bring music education to children in under-served communities. Mr. Jones cited Berklee City Music as a model for youth music programs. He has been an inspiration to the children who benefit from programs like Berklee City Music and Music Unites and now they would like to show their appreciation with a musical tribute.

The Pretty Reckless Rocked Out at Music Unites and Rolling Stone's Second InTune Show

The Pretty Reckless, featuring previous Gossip Girl Taylor Momsen, dropped their album "Light Me Up" in the U.S. on April 13, and in conjunction with this, performed at the second private performance of the Music Unites and Rolling Stone InTune series to support Music Unites' music education programming in inner-city schools. Special Guest DJ Gabe Saporta from Cobra Starship kept the beats going all night until The Pretty Reckless performed later. The event was a sold-out show and was sponsored by Rolling Stone magazine, Garnier Fructis, and Dominion NYC. A special thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate our second year anniversary!

Music Unites and Rolling Stone Present: InTune with The Pretty Reckless and Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship

Music Unites is excited to mark its second year inspiring the next generation of musicians and music professionals. On April 13, 2011 from 7-10PM with a benefit event at Dominion NY at 428 Lafayette Street in New York City, Music Unites will celebrate its second birthday and kick-off of the second year of its InTune music series in partnership with Rolling Stone. The event is sponsored by Garnier Fructis and The Pretty Reckless and Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship will set the soundtrack for the evening!

The Pretty Reckless is the breaking band slated to rock it out for education on April 13! The Interscope group headed by Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen, will have just ended a tour promoting their first album Light Me Up, which debuted on the UK's rock chart at number one, spending six consecutive weeks at the top of the chart, and drops in the U.S. April 12, 2011.

Music Unites Emerson Brings MU Women's Empowerment Ambassador Rachel Platten and Singer Bess Rogers to Emerson College

Music Unites will be bringing Empowering Women through Music Ambassador Rachel Platten and singer-songwriter Bess Rogers from Ingrid Michaelson's band to Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts as a part of the Music Unites on Campus Program on March 26, 2011. The event, taking place at Limelight Studios (204 Tremont Street Boston, MA) will be a part of the HERstory Month programming at Emerson College and will showcase female musical talent! The studio is directly across from the Emerson campus and is only $7 at the door. Come hear Rachel Platten and Bess Rogers perform for Boston students!

Music Unites Columbia and Frat DJ's Presents Launch Concert at Mel's

Music Unites Columbia University's Campus Representative, Sophia Melon, will be hosting a benefit concert for Music Unites at Mel's on 2850 Broadway, New York on March 24, 2011. Doors will open at 11:30 PM and cover charge is $5 at the door. Come hear different genres of music and inspire the next generation of musicians with other Columbia University students!

ASCAP together with Music Unites Presents ASCAP’s Night School: Show Me the Money

On Monday, March 21, 2011, Music Unites and ASCAP presented the last of the four ASCAP Night School workshops called “Show Me the Money” which presented the different types of royalties, who pays them to you, and how they differ from one another. Panelists included John Raso from Harry Fox Agency, Neeta Ragoowansi from SoundExchange and Marc Emert-Hutner from ASCAP. At the end of the night, Rachel Brown, a participant and winner in the 2010 ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Workshop, and winner of The ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award, performed for all guests. Thank you to everyone who came out and a big thank you to our partnership with ASCAP!

Music Unites Power of One at the Intrepid

The Power of One event took place Thursday, March 10, 2011 at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s Allison and Howard Lutnick Theatre. The Power of One program allowed students from The Bronx’s Women’s Academy of Excellence, Girls Inc.’s flagship school Urban Assembly Institute of Math & Science for Young Women in addition to the Young Women’s Leadership School to learn from the music industry’s top women power players who shared their experiences and insight about pursuing a dream.

The panel was moderated by Danyel Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard magazine, and featured Singer/ songwriter/producer duo Jane’t Sewell-Ulepic and Angela Hunte, who co-wrote Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ hit Empire State of Mind, Grammy nominated songwriter Denise Rich, as well as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships and Commercial Licensing at the Atlantic Records Group, Camille Hackney. The Power of One event raised the students’ awareness of career opportunities in the music industry. 

By hearing directly from people who have experienced, confronted and overcome challenges, Music Unites hopes that young girls will feel empowered and be encouraged to challenge themselves to pursue their own goals and dreams.

Music Unites Rocks Out with The Parlotones at W.C. Bryant High School

The Parlotones took time out of their tour while in the U.S. to come visit students at W.C. Bryant High School in Queens, New York, for a Q&A and jam session. Music Unites is excited that this South African band could be a part of the organization's student outreach!

Music Unites and ASCAP Presents ASCAP's Night School: DIY 101

On November 30, 2010, ASCAP together with Music Unites hosted their second workshop for ASCAP's Night School called, "DIY 101: Critical insights on independent artists' options for creating successful careers." Panelists included: Howard Han from GigMaven; Founder Benji Rogers from Pledgemusic; President of Downtown Music Publishing Justin Kalifowitz from Songtrust; and Co-Founder Peter Wells from TuneCore. The night concluded with a special live performance by Daniel Wayne.

Music Careers Day 2010

Realizing the value of mentorship and shared experience, Music Unites was excited to connect the students of the Music Unites Youth Choir with a diverse group of music industry professionals through Music Careers Day! The Music Unites Career Day 2010 participants included DJ, Producer, & Co-founder of BROBOT, Junior Sanchez; Director of Music & Talent Programming at MTV, Yomi Desalu; The Bowery Presents' Alissa Crevier; and Vice President of Publicity for Epic Records, Lauren Ceradini.

ASCAP Together with Music Unites Launches ASCAP's Night School

ASCAP together with Music Unites launched ASCAP's Night School on November 16, 2010 at Norwood with their first workshop Publishing 101: Everything you need to know about publishing. A question and answer after panel featured panelists from EMI Music, Downtown Music Publishing in addition to Shapiro Bernstein. The evening concluded with a live performance by Savoir Adore (Cantora Records). 

Music Unites & NYU's Clive Davis Dept of Recorded Music Present 'Curating Live Music' Panel

Music Unites, in conjunction with the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, presented an evening with leading female music industry executives at New York University on Wednesday October 28, 2010.

Topics discussed included: How business decisions and professions are being changed by the constant evolution of the music industry; rewards and challenges face day to day in different fields; the importance of partnerships and strategic alliances; personal attributes needed for success and much more.

Musician Dan Torres performed as well as students Genesis Be, Brandon Sheer, and Katie Buchanan.

AXE Donates Funds To Music Unites From Their “One Night Only” Chicago Concert With O.A.R.

This year, the AXE Music “One Night Only” concert series is visiting U.S. cities across the country, giving audiences access to incredible shows filled with unexpected surprises. The series, which included an unforgettable show with Weezer in L.A., brought O.A.R. for the tour’s Midwest debut on Oct. 19, 2010 in Chicago.

To help celebrate the Chicago stop featuring O.A.R., AXE Music is making a generous donation to Music Unites. These funds will be used to benefit local Chicago music programs.

Reni Lane Visits & Performs For NYC School Kids

Musician Reni Lane, who has played a benefit concert for Music Unites and been a dedicated supporter, took time out of her busy schedule on Monday, Oct. 18, to spend time with some NYC inner city school kids. She put on a great performance and answered questions about the music industry.

Music Unites Launches Womens Empowerment with Mia Moretti, Caitlin Moe, and Diane Birch

To celebrate women in music and support the next generation of female talent, Music Unites is launching its second major initiative, Empowering Women Through Music, after successfully funding its first philanthropic focus, the Music Unites Youth Choir. The goal of the initiative is to empower, inspire, and help young women learn through educational and musical showcases, workshops, and panels.

Music Unites joined Rolling Stone and Garnier Fructis on Oct. 4, 2010 at The Standard NYC's Le Bain to kick off the program with a special benefit concert. Diane Birch played favorites like "Valentino," and DJ Mia Morretti and Caitlin Moe rocked out to a electric violin fueled version of "Alejandro," as guests watched captivated while sipping Absolute cocktails.

Philippe Quint Dazzles During Music Unites Classical Salon Series

On Tuesday, September 28th, Music Unites hosted a classical music showcase featuring two time Grammy nominated violinist Philippe Quint. The intimate benefit concert was held at the home of David Grossman and Suzanne Fleur as part of the charity's Classical Music Salon Series. The event served as a release party for Philippe's new album, “Paganini,” with all funds from ticket sales being used to fund music education in inner city schools.

Music Unites & Culture Project Present Sting & Trudie Styler "Twin Spirits"

Music Unites and Culture Project presented an evening at Lincoln Center with Sting, Trudi Styler, Joshua Bell and a host of other high-powered names to perform "Twin Spirits."

Sting and wife Trudie Styler read the letters between composer Robert Schumann and his decade-younger pianist wife Clara Wieck. David Straithairn acted as narrator as Joshua Bell played violin and Nathan Gunn and Camille Zamora sang.

Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Denise Rich, actor Richard Kind, screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher, movie producer Bonnie Timmerman, and classical pianist Steven Masi, and many more were in attendance of this event which helped raise funds for Music Unites.

Music unites & Rolling Stone Present Fiery Furnaces & Alexandra Richards

Music Unites kicked off its partnership with Rolling Stone to present the first concert of the In Tune concert series on Tuesday, June 29, 2010. The Fiery Furnaces brother and sister duo Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger started things off with an intimate performance at The Penthouse at Cooper Square Hotel.  Alexandra Richards kept the night going with her amazing DJ skills as guests including Tinsley Mortimer, Dabney Mercer, Jared Evans, Kat DeLuna, Danielle Staub, Richie Rich, Samantha Swetra, Eric West, Jessica Hart, Paul Johnson-Calderon, and Nicolas Potts from Tamara mingled and enjoyed cocktails from Absolut and fragrance from Perry Ellis.

Proceeds from the event benefit Music Unites Youth Choir, made up of children from the city and its five boroughs in partnership with Young Audiences New York.

"We haven't done a lot of charitable work or fundraisers. When something really special comes along its nice to be able to say yes," said Eleanor Friedberger. "We couldn't say no to this since it's such a great cause."

Music unites Presents Mikhail Simonyan With Members Of The New York Philharmonic

Last night Music Unites presented Mikhail Simonyan with musicians from the New York Philharmonic for an intimate evening of music at City Winery.  The event was hosted by WYNCY/QXR's Elliott Forrest. Proceeds benefited Music Unites and The Afghanistan National Institute of Music through Mikhail's Beethoven Not Bullets initiative.

Charlie Siem Plays Spin NYC

Music Unites hosted an intimate performance featuring classical violinist Charlie Siem in the Fred Perry Room at Spin NYC as part of our classical music initiative.  He played solo and was also joined by an acoustic guitarist. DJ Jamie Biden spun before and after. Guests enjoyed the music and drinks from St. Germaine and Barterhouse. A lucky attendee who entered our raffle won a tee shirt and tickets to our next events.  All proceeds benefit that Music Unites Youth Choir and help bring education into underfunded inner city schools.

Rachel Platten Joins Music Unites Women's Empowerment Initiative

Music Unites welcomed Rachel Platten to be the newest member of their women's empowerment initiative with the presentation of an award at her Highline Ballroom opening for Carbon Leaf on April 15.

The Music Unites Woman's Empowerment movement was created to promote awareness about the importance of leadership and self-esteem in young woman around the world through emerging and established artists.

View from Penthouse at Cooper Square Hotel