The MF Executive Director, Beth Marlis heads to “MEOW Con” in Austin

Beth Marlis, Executive Director of The Musicians Foundation, VP at Musicians Institute

Coming up on October 24-26^th, I’ll be heading out to Austin for a brand new conference called “MEOW Con” which brings together musicians, journalists, academics, students, bloggers, filmmakers and industry professionals across all musical genres.  There will be panels, performances, interviews, film screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities that address the needs and challenges of women working in the music industry today and to ensure women have a voice at every level of their music career.

 

I’m honored to be doing a one-on-one interview with the great Jennifer Batten (Musicians Institute alumni and former faculty member) who played guitar for Michael Jackson for 10 years, and 3 years with guitar icon Jeff Beck.  We’ll discuss surviving and thriving in the world of guitar and beyond!

Michael and Jennifer

I’ll also be moderating a panel “Guitar Heroes” that asks:  Why are there still so few female guitar heroes, and who are some of the ones to watch?  With panelists: Leni Stern, Janet Robin and Monique Caravello.

 

There will also be the WORLD PREMIER screening of She Rocks– presented by Guitar Girl Magazine – a feature-length documentary film that showcases high-caliber female guitar players both past and present. Try not to blink, you’ll miss my tiny cameo role.

The weekend should be a lot of fun and inspiring in support of female musicians, and all those who are continuing to open the door of opportunity!

2014 Jennifer Batten Independent Artist Program Scholarship Announced!

 

The Musicians Foundation and Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music are proud to announce the first-ever Jennifer Batten Independent Artist Program Scholarship!

The Jennifer Batten Independent Artist Program Scholarship at Musicians Institute was created in honor of MI alumnus, world-class guitarist and successful independent artist Jennifer Batten thru the generous support of both the award-winning guitarist and the Women’s International Music Network to provide opportunities for talented, emerging musicians to further their education, realize their own creative vision and career objectives as independent artists.

The $1,000 scholarship (tuition credit) will be awarded in Spring 2014 to a newly enrolling student (US or non-US citizens) in the Musicians Institute Independent Artist Program who clearly articulates their career goals in the music industry, as well as why they should be considered for the scholarship in a 500 word essay.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is February 28^th, 2014.

Please click here for detailed scholarship information and application.

To learn more about the extraordinary artistry and career of guitar virtuoso and Musicians Institute alumni Jennifer Batten, click here.

Street Smarts Safety Summit + Music Education= Learning how to thrive and be safe in Hollywood

Hollywood School Safety Summit

You are cordially invited to a free and very special community and education-oriented event that brings together your Hollywood community leaders, LAPD, education and safety experts to address important issues and share strategies for Hollywood’s schools and their surrounding areas.  

NO RSVP or tickets are needed!

October 10, 2013 7-8:30pm  

Musicians Institute Concert Hall  

1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood (corner of Hawthorn and McCadden)

What’s being done to make Hollywood safer for our students, staff and faculty?

What’s the “real story” about safety and security on our streets and campuses, and what can I do?

Get your questions answered, get Street Smart and be proactive now!

Event is sponsored by Hollywood ED, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Musicians Institute, The Hollywood Entertainment and Sunset & Vine Business Improvement Districts.

Hollywood ED is a community-based consortium of arts and entertainment industry-focused schools that are actively supporting, connecting, creating value and social/professional opportunities for Hollywood’s post-secondary students and educational institutions