501(c)(3) Nonprofit
The business behind the art.
BEAT Business Education of Aspiring Talent
The BEAT Foundation educates, empowers, and equips aspiring artists with the tools, knowledge, and access to build sustainable careers in music.
Why we exist
Creativity should thrive without exploitation.
The BEAT Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to democratizing music industry education and entrepreneurship for aspiring artists. Through free workshops, mentorship, and resources, we help artists understand the business behind their art.
We envision a world where every artist, regardless of background or access, has the knowledge and support to own their creativity, navigate the industry, and thrive as independent entrepreneurs.
Core objectives
01
Education
Practical, accessible programming on music business fundamentals — publishing, royalties, metadata, contracts, marketing, and digital distribution.
02
Empowerment
Mentorship and resources that help artists turn creativity into career sustainability.
03
Community
Bridges between artists, executives, and educators — fostering collaboration and transparency across the industry.
04
Equity
Closing the information gap that too often leaves emerging and underrepresented creators behind.
Programs & initiatives
Flagship program
The BEAT Series
Hosted annually at Columbia University, expanding to additional campuses in future years. Free and open to all, first come, first served. Sessions are led by artists, executives, attorneys, and educators.
- Royalties & Rights 101
- Collaborations, Covers & Samples
- Introduction to Management
BEAT Workshop Grants
Microgrants and travel stipends so cost is never the reason an artist misses a workshop, conference, or studio session.
BEAT Mentorship
Pairing young creators with experienced professionals from across the music industry.
Digital Resource Hub
An online video library and resource center carrying the BEAT sessions beyond the room they were taught in.
Leadership
Nicole Brooks, MFT, PsyD
Executive Director
Michael Heyward
Chairman of the Board
Jackie Vignone
Founding Board Member
Rob Markman
Artist Liaison
The Foundation's board brings together artists, industry executives, educators, and community leaders — balanced representation by design.
Accountability
How we measure it.
Published annually in the BEAT Impact Report. If we ask artists to trust us with their education, we owe them transparency about the results.
Reach
Artists educated through BEAT workshops.
Equity
Share of participants from underrepresented backgrounds.
Network
Mentors and industry partners engaged.
Outcomes
Knowledge gain and career growth, measured by participant surveys.
Footprint
Growth in geographic reach and partner base.
Transparency
Results published openly in the annual Impact Report.
Get involved
Support the work.
The Foundation is funded by corporate partnerships, grants, and individual donors who believe artists deserve to understand their own business.
Corporate partners
Brands, DSPs, and publishers aligned with artist empowerment.
Friends of BEAT
Individual donors funding free programming and artist grants.
Mentors & speakers
Executives, attorneys, and artists willing to teach a session.