Colorful blurred gradient background with shades of blue, purple, and pink.
A woman singing and playing guitar in a recording studio with a microphone in front of her, while a drummer plays drums in the background.
A young woman with braided hair smiling while playing a ukulele against a graffiti wall.
A group of diverse people sitting around a table, smiling and engaging in conversation, with one person showing something on a phone or tablet.

Changing Who Controls the Beat

Mission

The music industry has made real progress in representation on stage, but behind the scenes, the picture remains far less diverse.

While artists increasingly mirror the diversity of their audiences, the people making key decisions still do not. SoundBoard is changing that by expanding career opportunities for underrepresented youth through mentorship, hands-on education, and connections that will empower the next generation of creative leaders.

Our mission is to create opportunities for underrepresented youth to build sustainable careers in the music industry.

Vision

Our vision is a world where music sparks understanding and celebrates our shared humanity.

Values

Our Values are:

01

Outline icon of three people standing together, with a hand beneath them, within a circle.

●   Community

02

Outline of a lightbulb with a gear behind it, surrounded by lines indicating illumination.

●   Creativity

03

Line drawing of a person standing on top of a mountain holding a flag.

●   Empowerment

04

A white outline drawing of a diamond with sparkles on a black background.

●   Equity

05

Line drawing of a hand placing over the heart, symbolizing care or support.

●   Wellness

Building Careers That Last

Approach

The music industry faces a significant mental health crisis, with over 64% of professionals reporting high levels of anxiety and depression. Key contributing factors include financial instability, limited access to insurance, and persistent stigma.

SoundBoard addresses this proactively by embedding mental health resources, wellness practices, and coping strategies into our programs from the very beginning.

Our approach equips emerging music industry professionals with the tools and support they need to thrive in high-pressure environments, fostering sustainable careers while normalizing mental health as an essential component of career development.