Invitation to Apply

You were sent here because someone thought you’d be a good fit for Musician Growth Lab.

We believe musicians should be able to make a living making music.

Musician Growth Lab is a year-long nonprofit program for musicians who are serious about building a sustainable career.

Our program focuses on the business side of music: all the things you have to learn to be successful, but but usually have to figure out on your own, like contracts, licensing and royalties, publicity, touring, etc.

After completing the program, MGL participants receive a $5,000 grant to help grow their career.

Applications officially open to the public on August 10, but we’re inviting a small number of referred musicians to apply early.

If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear your story.

Applications for Cohort One will remain open through October 11, 2026.

The application takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Before you begin, you’ll want to have:

  • A short artist or band biography

  • Links to your music

  • Links to your website and/or social media

  • Link/upload of a live performance within the past 12 months

  • A brief statement about your career goals

  • Link/upload to a short video of you describing your musical journey

Bands should submit one application on behalf of the group.

Selected musicians will work with industry professionals from across the country throughout the year-long program.

Begin Your Application

Eligibility

  • Be at least 18 years old.

  • Be based in the United States.

  • Be actively creating and releasing original music.

  • Be performing live, either locally or on tour.

  • Be committed to building a long-term music career.

  • Be available to participate in the year-long program if selected (monthly 1-2 hour Growth Sessions plus a year-end showcase).

To be eligible, you must:

Applications are reviewed holistically. There is no single factor that determines selection. We’re looking for musicians with talent, commitment, curiosity, and a genuine desire to build a sustainable career.

Musician Growth Lab exists because it’s so difficult to make a sustainable living as a musician, and because too many talented artists never receive practical guidance on the business side of their music careers.

I believe those two problems are connected, and I hope MGL can help change that.

If that resonates with you, I hope you’ll consider applying.

- Kevin York, Founder & Executive Director