Music Resources for Teens and Young Adults
Whether you’re just getting started or already writing and recording your own songs, there are incredible resources out there to help you grow as a young musician. Here are some great opportunities for teens and young adults looking to develop their craft, connect with mentors, or access funding:
🎤 Arts Across Arkansas – Arkansas Arts Council A statewide contest that includes music composition for high school students, offering mentorship and cash prizes.
➡️ Learn more
🎬 Reel Change Film Fund – New Music USA A film scoring program open to all ages (including young adults), supporting composers working in film, TV, and media.
➡️ Explore the program
🎼 BMI Foundation – Scholarships and Awards Offers multiple scholarships for young songwriters and composers. Some are age-specific, so check the details.
➡️ See opportunities
🎹 ASCAP Foundation – Scholarships & Awards Supports emerging talent in music creation with scholarships, competitions, and educational programs.
➡️ Browse scholarships
🌟 Grammy U – Recording Academy A unique community for college students pursuing careers in music. Grammy U offers summer programs, industry connections, and education.
➡️ Join here
🧠 Get SmART Series – Arkansas Arts Council Free professional development workshops on topics like marketing, booking, grant writing, and more—open to all creatives.
➡️ Register for events
💡 Pro Tip: Dig Deeper Check the websites of the tools and instruments you use—many brands (like Ableton, Fender, or Spitfire Audio) offer programs for young creatives. Also, don’t forget to check with colleges you’re considering—many schools offer pre-college or summer music programs.
🚩 Red Flag: Submission Fees One hard-earned tip: I’ve never received a grant I had to pay to apply for. If a program asks for a submission fee, consider it a red flag and skip it.
🎧 Keep exploring, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to apply! Every program you research will likely lead you to another. The support is out there—you just have to start clicking.
🎤 Arts Across Arkansas – Arkansas Arts Council A statewide contest that includes music composition for high school students, offering mentorship and cash prizes.
➡️ Learn more
🎬 Reel Change Film Fund – New Music USA A film scoring program open to all ages (including young adults), supporting composers working in film, TV, and media.
➡️ Explore the program
🎼 BMI Foundation – Scholarships and Awards Offers multiple scholarships for young songwriters and composers. Some are age-specific, so check the details.
➡️ See opportunities
🎹 ASCAP Foundation – Scholarships & Awards Supports emerging talent in music creation with scholarships, competitions, and educational programs.
➡️ Browse scholarships
🌟 Grammy U – Recording Academy A unique community for college students pursuing careers in music. Grammy U offers summer programs, industry connections, and education.
➡️ Join here
🧠 Get SmART Series – Arkansas Arts Council Free professional development workshops on topics like marketing, booking, grant writing, and more—open to all creatives.
➡️ Register for events
💡 Pro Tip: Dig Deeper Check the websites of the tools and instruments you use—many brands (like Ableton, Fender, or Spitfire Audio) offer programs for young creatives. Also, don’t forget to check with colleges you’re considering—many schools offer pre-college or summer music programs.
🚩 Red Flag: Submission Fees One hard-earned tip: I’ve never received a grant I had to pay to apply for. If a program asks for a submission fee, consider it a red flag and skip it.
🎧 Keep exploring, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to apply! Every program you research will likely lead you to another. The support is out there—you just have to start clicking.
