Next Level Grants for Musicians

Description

Next Level is designed to celebrate the musical talent and exploration occurring across the County and to provide advice and expertise to help local musicians move their careers forward. The program, funded by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation as a pilot program for its first two years, recognizes five bands or musicians living and working in Sonoma County. Bands or musicians will receive a $2,500 grant in support of their proposed project, along with 10 hours of one-on-one consulting time with professional experts in areas that align with the applicant’s grant activity request.

 
Goals

  • To recognize artistic excellence
  • To build the capacity of Sonoma County musicians who have demonstrated readiness to take their career to a new level
  • To cultivate public awareness and appreciation of the role of creativity in our community

 

Eligibility

Applicants must have a demonstrated track record in music as evidenced in the application materials, and must:

  • Be residents of Sonoma County
  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Be able to complete the funded project within the established funding period

 

Guidelines & Application

The 2019 Guidelines and Application Help Tool documents will be available in early 2019.

SAMPLE:  2017 NEXT LEVEL MUSIC GRANT GUIDELINES

SAMPLE:  2017 NEXT LEVEL APPLICATION HELP TOOL

 

Important Dates

These grants will be open for applications on February 11, 2019. 
 

2017 Grant Awardees 

Oddjob Ensemble: Recording a full-length album and support a 6-week national tour.   

Alan Hall:  Expand career as composer via better published materials to promote compositions. 

DyaTribal Band: Supporting an album release through mastering, album art, and CD printing.

Marshall House Project: Recording their first professional full-length album.

Manzanita Falls: Purchasing a tour van and recording sessions. 

 

2016 Grant Awardees

Black Sheep Brass Band:  Upgrade low-budget EP of original songs to album with professional producer.

Bootleg Honey:  New press kit, update website and new professionally recorded material to reflect new band lineup.

The Easy Leaves:  Assistance with marketing at Americana Music Association’s Annual Conference in Nashville, TN.

Ismay:  Short documentary film, to coincide with songwriting project.

Shaun Hunter Wagner:  Replenish back catalog of Goth Horse releases, update marketing presence, and release new albums.