The Industry Class is a national recognition program created by Music Business Kids of America (MBKA) to highlight young creators who are learning how the music industry works beyond the stage.

Each year, students ages 10–18 are selected for demonstrating leadership, creativity, and a growing understanding of the business side of music. While many young people dream of becoming artists, The Industry Class encourages students to also explore the many careers that make the music industry run — including producing, songwriting, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and more.

Through this initiative, MBKA celebrates students who are thinking ahead, developing strong character, and showing curiosity about how creative industries operate.

Selected students receive:

• Recognition as part of The Industry Class

• A professional spotlight feature through MBKA

• Opportunities to share their ideas, goals, and creative work

• Encouragement to continue learning about music business, leadership, and ownership

The goal of The Industry Class is not simply to celebrate talent, but to recognize young people who are building knowledge, confidence, and vision for their future.

By introducing students to the fundamentals of the music business early, MBKA helps young creators develop the mindset and skills needed to navigate the creative economy with purpose.

For parents, this program represents an opportunity for their child to be recognized for both their creativity and their commitment to learning how the industry works.

The Industry Class reflects MBKA’s mission to prepare the next generation to become informed, confident, and industry-ready leaders.

Being selected for The Industry Class is both a recognition and an opportunity for students to grow in confidence, leadership, and industry awareness.

Students selected for The Industry Class receive:

National Recognition
Students are officially recognized by Music Business Kids of America as emerging young leaders interested in the music industry.

Professional Spotlight Feature
Each student receives a featured profile highlighting their interests, goals, and creative work to celebrate their dedication and vision.

Industry Exposure
Students gain visibility within a growing network of educators, creative professionals, and organizations connected to the music industry.

Confidence and Leadership Development
Recognition helps students build confidence in their abilities while encouraging them to continue learning, creating, and thinking critically about their future.

Inspiration to Keep Learning
The Industry Class celebrates students who are curious about how the industry works and motivates them to continue exploring careers in music, entertainment, and creative entrepreneurship.

The goal is to encourage students to think bigger about their talents and understand that creativity can lead to meaningful career paths.

Students selected for The Industry Class are chosen through a thoughtful review process designed to recognize young individuals who show promise, curiosity, and leadership in creative industries. Applications will open March 9 until April 30th.

Selection is based on several factors, including:

Creativity
Students who demonstrate passion for music, creativity, or storytelling through their interests or projects.

Leadership Potential
Students who show initiative, responsibility, and a willingness to inspire others.

Interest in the Music Industry
Students who express curiosity about the many careers within the music business, including producing, songwriting, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.

Character and Commitment
Students who demonstrate dedication, positive attitude, and a desire to learn and grow.

Applications and nominations may come from parents, educators, mentors, or community leaders who believe in the student’s potential.

Each selected student becomes part of The Industry Class, representing the next generation of creative thinkers and future leaders in the music industry.

The campaign will rollout at Patchwerk Recording Studios and will be for 6 - 8 hours.

1. Selection Model

Choose 8 students nationwide. (Currently Atlanta based)

Categories include:

• Artist of the Year (Youth)

• Young Producer

• Young Executive

• Young Creative Director

• Industry Scholar

2. The Visual Moment

The Industry Class 2026 Official Portrait

• Students holding Industry Series books

• Varsity jersey/tees aesthetic

• Branded backdrop scene

3. Individual Spotlight Videos

Each student gets:

• 60-second “Industry Mindset” reel

• 1 professional headshot

• Bio featured on MBKA website

• Highlight on Instagram

4. The “Industry Cypher”

• 60-second business pitch

• Explain a business term in 60 seconds (ex. publishing)

• Leadership roundtable discussion

• Creative collab performance

5. Digital Lookbook

Modeled as a youth industry yearbook, to include:

• Bios

• Career goals

• Favorite Industry Law

• Sponsor ads

Many young people love music, but very few are introduced to how the music industry actually works. Schools often focus on performance and arts programs, while the business side of music — careers in marketing, management, publishing, production, and entrepreneurship — is rarely taught at an early age.

Music Business Kids of America (MBKA) created The Industry Class to help close that gap.

The program was designed to recognize and encourage young people who are curious about the creative economy and eager to learn how music, culture, and business intersect. By highlighting these students, MBKA hopes to inspire them to continue developing their creativity while also gaining the knowledge needed to navigate the industry with confidence.

The Industry Class also helps parents and educators see that the music industry offers many career paths beyond being an artist, and that young creators can begin learning valuable skills like leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurship early in life.

Through recognition, visibility, and encouragement, MBKA is helping cultivate a new generation of young people who are not only creative, but informed, empowered, and prepared for the future of the music industry.