Grants Aimed to Cultivate an International Cohort of Future Music Industry Professionals

New York, NY – November 3, 2022 – Sony Music Group (SMG) today announced the 50 global scholarship recipients of the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program, a new initiative designed to help educate the next generation of music leaders. Grant beneficiaries showcase immense passion for music and represent a diverse group of students with a commitment to pursuing a career in music and transforming the industry to inspire new opportunities for artists, songwriters, and composers. 

The Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program received applications across more than 70 countries. The 50 scholarships awarded represent a global cohort of students across all regions where Sony Music Group operates including Africa, Asia, Australia, Continental Europe, Latin/Iberia, New Zealand, North America and the United Kingdom. As a commitment through SMG’s Global Social Justice Fund, the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program will provide a wide range of enrichment programs to support core academic development. With additional opportunities to for skill building activities and leadership developing opportunities, students can explore skill-building mentorships and internships across disciplines of their respective interests and strengths. Scholarships may be renewed for up to three additional years or until degree completion, whichever occurs first.  

“We were moved by the stories and submissions we received from the grant recipients and are honored to be a part of the students’ journey to express their creativity freely and fearlessly,” said Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, SMG. “Some of the beneficiaries are first-generation college students, so it’s a privilege to give them a more accessible path to develop their own careers and create opportunities for young music visionaries with limited resources.”

“An education in music is so important because it can give those who have one, an edge over those who don’t, and it can shorten the amount of time needed to succeed professionally,” said Sean McMahon, Chair, Screen Scoring Department, Berklee College of Music. “It’s critical that those with lesser means can access the same opportunities as those with more to expand the music industry’s talent pool of artists and thought leaders. The Global Scholars Program will be transformative and life-changing, not just for Berklee students who receive this honor, but for all scholars of the program. The music industry needs more diversity and this program could not have come at a better time. It’s truly monumental and I cannot wait to see the impact this program will have on the industry!”

“As Director of Music Industry Studies, I am given the opportunity – the privilege – of working with gifted, talented students who have passion for music and industry,” said Darryl Tookes, Department of Music, Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University. “This is an exciting time to be a student as the gates to worldwide collaboration and distribution are open wider now than ever before. Sony Music Group, thank you for the extraordinary opportunity you are providing to students through the Global Scholars Program. We look forward to having a dynamic relationship with you for many years to come.”

Sony Music Group’s Global Scholar Program expands the company’s dedication to recruit and advance underrepresented talent through educational partnerships, internships, and career advancement opportunities. The Company continues to work alongside equity-driven organizations and our own communities to engage with some of the brightest students from around the world to build stronger opportunities for the next generation of music industry leaders.