Universal Music Group, UCLA Launch Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship

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On Monday, it was announced that the University of California, Los Angeles’ Herb Alpert School of Music, in collaboration with Universal Music Group, has established the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship. This scholarship, bearing the name of the esteemed founder of Motown, is the latest to be named at the school.

A little over a year ago, Gordy donated $5 million towards UCLA’s Berry Gordy Music Industry Center. Now, they have introduced a new scholarship specifically for students enrolled in the music industry program to assist with costs like tuition and housing. One student will be chosen annually, and those who receive the scholarship can reapply for it each subsequent year if they continue to demonstrate financial need.

For over six and a half decades, Berry Gordy’s name has been closely linked with creativity and music’s transformative abilities, as noted by Lucian Grainge, UMG chairman and CEO. By establishing this scholarship, UMG is preserving his lasting impact by backing a fresh wave of young talents who will continue to embody that essence – innovators and trailblazers, who will be given the chance to mirror the innovation and entrepreneurial genius that Mr. Gordy contributed to the world through Motown, Tamla, and Detroit’s groundbreaking music scene.

Each year, the scholarships awarded by the Gordy Center will be chosen by their director, as reported by UCLA. The selected student must display both remarkable potential and a significant financial need.

Gordy expressed his excitement as Sir Lucian Grainge and Universal Music Group pledged their support for our program with a generous donation. This commitment will offer numerous students the chance to excel in the music industry, furthering the positive impact music can have on society. The center at UCLA offers crucial resources to nurture aspiring musicians, ensuring that future generations of talented individuals can continue to push boundaries, captivate audiences, and bridge cultural divides through their music.

Robert Fink, serving as interim dean at the Herb Alpert School of Music and head of the Gordy Center, expressed that this collaboration symbolizes our conviction that broadening educational opportunities and practical training significantly empowers us to revolutionize the music sector.

He stated that this grant empowers the future leaders in music management, performance, and business to be influenced not just by Berry Gordy’s innovative heritage, but also to develop their skills further based on it.

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2025-07-01 01:24