Music Inclusion Coalition

Mission

We strive to make the study of music more accessible and inclusive through advocacy, technology, and support as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) students move from high school to the collegiate level so that they have opportunities to pursue music as a career. Music should be accessible and inclusive to all students,

“So [they] will be closer to an infinite beyond this world, so [they] will have something to cling to, so [they] will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness, more good... in short, more life. Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?” - Anonymous

MIC is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization

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Change starts in the audition room

#MakeMusicInclusive

What We Do

We’re working to get high-quality recording equipment to low-income high schools that have students auditioning for music programs. If these students have the necessary resources to audition virtually, we can help remove the cost barriers that limit their ability to audition, which leads to a lack of diversity and multiculturalism within music education.

We are also working to provide BIPOC and LGBTQ students with resources and mentorship that can help them grow and develop as musicians and humans. We recognize that the conversations around BIPOC and LGBTQ students are different. We are able to find clear data as to how the BIPOC community is affected by issues within music, which has allowed us to take immediate and actionable steps to help. There is less data on how the LGBT community is affected. We want this community, especially trans and non-binary students, know that we are here to listen, learn, and amplify voices.

Advocacy

We facilitate national conversations around equity and inclusion in collegiate music programs and professional performance ensembles to ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue professional opportunities in music.

Support

We help high school students navigate the world of professional music. The jump from high school to college is hard if you don’t have the right resources. So we’re here to help.

We’re creating recording guides, networking opportunities, and finding active artists that want to help students succeed.

Technology

Making sure that high schools students have access to the tools and training necessary to create high quality audition materials.

We’re breaking down the cost barriers by providing alternatives to in-person auditions.

We’re also utilizing technology to provide opportunities for students

Why Now - A Note On What Drove Us To Action In 2020

Due to the current pandemic, everything is taking place online. Right now is the ideal time to help music schools as they transition from live auditions to online options. In conjunction with recent political events, schools are in a position where they are facing significant pressure to reevaluate the practices that are leading to a lack of inclusion and diversity in music programs. We intend to use this timing as a catalyst for long lasting change within the industry by working with these programs to ensure alternative methods to live auditions remain standard, even in a post-pandemic world. By providing resources, visibility, and mentorship to BIPOC and LGBTQ students we can help create a more equitable society. An equitable society means equal access and opportunity in every sector. The arts are a vital part of that.