Three-day program in Nashville fosters skills and conversations to take bluegrass into a bright future
NASHVILLE (SEPT. 6, 2023) – The International Bluegrass Music Association will accept applications for Leadership Bluegrass 2024 starting Wednesday, Sept. 6.
Each year, Leadership Bluegrass brings together 25 selected participants for three days of intensive panels, workshops and activities in Nashville. Through interactive activities and conversations, participants get to know one another and work toward solutions for challenges both specific to bluegrass and in the wider music industry. After two decades of Leadership Bluegrass, more than 500 alumni have been inspired and equipped to work toward positive change in their areas of expertise.
Leadership Bluegrass 2024 will take place March 4-6 and is open to professionals working in or with the bluegrass music industry. The cost to participants is $400 for current IBMA members and $475 for non-members (class fee plus one-year IBMA membership), payable after they have been invited to attend. Limited financial aid is available.
Applicants should be advised that Leadership Bluegrass sessions begin early each morning and run well into the evening on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday’s sessions wrap up around 5 p.m. Class members will engage in group activities, presentations, leadership training and personal development exercises.
“Attending Leadership Bluegrass was like receiving a semester’s worth of knowledge about the music industry in just three days,” says Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2023 graduate Austin Scelzo. “I left feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped to service my community in new and fresh ways.”
Adds his 2023 classmate Kevin Slick: “Leadership Bluegrass reminds you that you have something unique and important to offer the genre.”
Music industry professionals interested in participating can fill out the application and submit letters of recommendation via a form at https://ibma.org/leadership-bluegrass/apply/. The application window will close on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
The selection process is highly competitive, with a goal of including a broad representation of geography, areas of expertise and professionals who have demonstrated leadership and/or who may exhibit a strong future impact in bluegrass music. Applicants in previous years who have not yet been selected are encouraged to apply again.
For more information, please visit ibma.org/leadership-bluegrass/ or email [email protected]. A list of Leadership Bluegrass alumni is available HERE, and prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to friends and colleagues to learn more about their experiences and the value of the program.
