About

Jr Music Executive Program Overview

Jr. Music Executive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that shows high school and college students the business behind the entertainment industry. Our target is the underserved and at-risk minority youth population, but our programs and services are available for all youth. We help them understand the importance of education and experience to have a successful career. We provide workshops, internships, scholarships, and networking opportunities. We also publish a quarterly magazine called The Biz Exclusives, and hold a monthly speaker series. Download Full Organization Overview

The Jr. Music Executive Program and website targets middle/high school and college students to:

  • Inspire youth to pursue higher education, set goals, and reach their full potential
  • Expose youth to viable career opportunities in the entertainment industry
  • Ensure that youth desiring an entertainment career are informed and prepared
  • Provide access to resources
  • Reach and recover “at-risk” populations

 

Jr. Music Executive Internship (10 – week program / 15 students)

A weekly program that provides students with a holistic view of the music business and the skills necessary to secure employment. This extremely competitive internship is for highly motivated and focused high school students, college students and recent college graduates. Interns are assigned to a partnering location or project to gain hands on experience. Download Application

Music Is My Business Workshops (workshop series / 25 – 50 students)
Comprehensive information sessions and networking opportunities for high school students, led by industry professionals and executives, to provide insight on specific topics: Making Money, Retail, Production, Protecting Your Art, Art/Graphic Design, Fashion, etc.

Founders Bios

AISHA WINFIELD
A graduate of Cornell University, Aisha Winfield began her professional career in the music industry at Epic Records, where she worked in marketing and promotions, moving up the ranks to become the National Director of Street Promotions and Marketing. At Epic she was responsible for developing grassroots marketing plans and promotional opportunities for artists such as Ghostface, Jennifer Lopez, Bone thugs-n- harmony, 3LW, Cam’ron, and more. She left Epic to become general manager of the artist management firm C.I.D. Management (Jill Scott, Mike Phillips, Down To The Bone). Next, as the general manager for Rockstar Entertainment (managers Marc Byers and Sherman Byers, recording artist Glenn Lewis, producers Vidal Davis and Andre Harris), her role required a broad knowledge of the music industry. Ms. Winfield continues to build her own firm, AIB Marketing, while serving as a volunteer for several community-based organizations. She is also a board member for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy.

SHANI GONZALES
In her earlier days, Shani Gonzales, was a dedicated student at Temple University with a master plan to become an intricate part of the music industry. After college and an invaluable internship experience, Ms. Gonzales began working for BMI, a music performing rights society in NYC. From there, she moved on to start PR&Stuff and landed a client list that included Coca-Cola, Dyana Williams, The International Association of African-American Music, Kemet Collective, and more. Currently, as an A&R at Def Jam Recordings, her responsibilities include finding talent, developing artists, and working with them through the album process. Ms. Gonzales is dedicated to providing opportunities for the many aspiring youth that have chosen music as their business.