Upbeat Academy Foundation

Upbeat Academy Foundation inspires and empowers New Orleans area young people through a modern approach to music education. Utilizing an original curriculum that provides access to the technology and tools used in the production and performance of hip-hop, rap, R&B, dance music, and other popular genres, Upbeat Academy strives to nurture the next generation of musical talent and entrepreneurs, fostering creativity and collaboration both in the classroom and in the community.

We believe that all young people should be able to participate in high-quality musical education that speaks to their musical interests and career goals. Upbeat Academy's vision is to uplift the community using modern music education as a vehicle for
?self-expression and a catalyst for social change. The vision of our student-artists is to watch their musical aspirations come to life, to graduate Upbeat Academy one step closer to their dreams and, very simply, for their voice to be heard.

Whether in the main Upbeat studio or at one of our satellite classrooms in the community, we provide hands-on access to industry-grade equipment and software and foster a loose and creative environment that encourages self-expression and instills confidence in our student-artists. Using a technology-based curriculum rooted in hip-hop, rap, R&B, and dance music, we connect with young people in a natural way and provide them with a tangible framework of modern-day skills including technology and media literacy, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

In addition to music production, UPBEAT student-artists learn hard skills in an integrated manner that translate to an increased understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. By incorporating these disciplines into Arts education, students pick up STEAM, a skill set designed to enhance their performance in their traditional school environment and prepare them for various employment positions.

Through forming partnerships with other organizations and schools like Covenant House, Center for Resilience, Living School NOLA, McDonough 35, Son of a Saint, and Travis Hill School, UPBEAT now teaches 8-10 classes and reaches over 100 aspiring young artists weekly.

UPBEAT STUDIO: Our flagship program, is a free after-school music production and performance class for students ages 12 to 22. Taught by professional Artist Educators, who are performers and producers in the Greater New Orleans area, our young people are immersed in hip hop, rap, R&B, dance music and other popular genres, working with industry-standard technology.

UPBEAT COMMUNITY: In addition to classes in our brick-and-mortar studio, Upbeat Academy provides workshops, master classes, and satellite programs to under resourced students in the Greater New Orleans area in partnership with community organizations like the Center for Resilience, Covenant House, Louisiana Center for Children's Rights, Son of a Saint, and Trinity Community Center.

UPBEAT SCHOOLS: Provides Upbeat Artist Educators to support music education programs in the Greater New Orleans area. Upbeat at School is focused on supporting schools by delivering music education through innovative technology and a music production-based curriculum and has worked with Living School NOLA, Lake Area High School, McDonough 35 Senior High School, New Harmony High School, The NET Gentilly and the NET Central City, ReNEW Accelerated High School, ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron, and Travis Hill School.

Through our Upbeat Studios, Schools, and Community Programs, UPBEAT teaches 13 classes per week, providing modern music education to over 150 aspiring young artists in the greater New Orleans area.

BEYOND BEATS: We want all of our Student Artists to be equipped with the tools, skill sets, and confidence they need to become successful artists and professionals. In our Beyond Beats series, we invite music industry professionals, including artists, executives, and trailblazers, to provide all of our Student Artists with insight into their journey in the music industry, with music industry professionals and artists providing our Student Artists with helpful tips and feedback about the industry and a wide range of topics.

Testimonials

"It's very awesome being apart of a very creative and positive program. Upbeat Academy changed my life for the better and made me realize that my vision matters." - Wilfred Cousin, Upbeat Class of 2016

"I'm living proof of what Upbeat [Academy] can do for an adolescent. Before Upbeat, I didn't know music was my calling or had to confidence to figure it out. Investing in something that's going to help polish the next generation's future. This program is something I want all children to have access to and be able to have that creative outlet." - Kanika Harvey, Upbeat Class of 2016

"It's very invigorating because it [Upbeat] gives me a foundation to build my dream house, which is my success and the courage to reach out and help others like they helped me...