OneBeat Training for Ghana, Nigeria & United States 2023

OneBeat brings together emerging musical leaders from around the world to collaboratively create original work and to develop a global network of civically engaged music initiatives.

An initiative of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the groundbreaking New York-based music organization Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation, OneBeat employs collaborative original music as a potent new form of cultural diplomacy.

Now in its eighth year, OneBeat brings musicians (ages 19-35) from around the world to the U.S. for one month each fall to collaboratively write, produce, and perform original music, and develop strategies for arts-based social engagement. OneBeat begins with an opening residency, when Fellows collaborate to create original material, record new musical ideas, and incubate their projects. OneBeat fellows then go on tour, performing for a wide array of American audiences, collaborating with local musicians, and leading workshops with youth. During the month, each OneBeat musician also sets out their plans for the future, developing projects in their home countries linked to a mutually-reinforcing network of music-driven social enterprises.

About OneBeat

OneBeat is the gathering place for the musical leaders of the 21st century. Launched in 2012, OneBeat began as an annual U.S-based residency and tour program that brings early-career musicians together from around the globe to collaboratively write, produce and perform original music, and develop strategies for arts-based civic and social engagement. Since then, OneBeat has grown into a constellation of programs in production around the globe. OneBeat provides a chance for musicians and artists from an incredible diversity of backgrounds to seek common ground, create new musi... read more

OneBeat Training

Aim and Benefits of OneBeat Training

All costs will be covered for OneBeat Fellows, including travel and accommodations. Fellows will also receive a per diem and a modest honorarium.

Requirements for OneBeat Training Qualification

• Age Applicants must be 19 or older by the time of the program (November 6, 2023) and 35 or younger at the end of the program (November 20, 2023).
• Musicians from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with or without formal musical training. We welcome music of all genres, including but not limited to: traditional/folk, hip hop, experimental, electronic, jazz, classical, sound design, beat-making, multimedia art, or any combination of these styles. In additional to full-time professional musicians, we also invite adventurous musicians who double as community organizers, instrument builders, writers, videographers, musicologists, educators, storytellers, dancers, shadow-puppeteers, and more.
• Important Information for Applicants: OneBeat Ghana will bring together a cohort of leading young musician entrepreneurs from Ghana (and the West Africa region, depending on additional funding) for an intensive residency to exchange and build strategies for stronger artist communities and creative economies in the region.

  Musicians from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with or without formal musical training. We welcome music of all genres, including but not limited to: traditional/folk, hip hop, experimental, electronic, jazz, classical, sound design, beat-making, multimedia art, or any combination of these styles. In addition to full-time professional musicians, we also invite adventurous musicians who double as community organizers, instrument builders, writers, videographers, musicologists, educators, storytellers, dancers, shadow-puppeteers, and more.

  What you should know about OneBeat: Collaboration is central. OneBeat offers musicians the opportunity to collaborate on new projects. OneBeat is socially engaged. We are looking for musicians who have a strong commitment to their communities and who are seeking new ways to engage in youth development, music education, music therapy, conflict resolution, a global dialogue through music, and other ways of working towards more egalitarian and democratic societies. OneBeat is a FREE program (but not a paid gig). The OneBeat program covers all Fellows’ travel, transportation, food, and lodging. We also offer a modest stipend. While we are not able to pay fees, OneBeat offers Fellows a chance to create new works , establish lifelong musical partnerships and friendships, learn new marketable skills,, and develop professional connections. Audio/Video Application Materials: Applicants should plan to write about their proposed creative projects and their musical background . Applicants will be asked to submit 3-5 samples of their work (both audio and video are accepted).

Interview date, Process and Venue for OneBeat Training

Selection Criteria: 

1. Musical Excellence – A high level of performance, composition, improvisational, production and/or technological skill. Ideally OneBeat musicians will be innovating stylistically, lyrically, or technologically within their musical worlds.
2. Collaboration – Applicants’ willingness to reach across cultural and musical divides in creating original music or re-interpreting traditional music, while respecting the essence of each tradition. Applicants should be prepared to try new things musically.
3. Social Engagement – Musicians who have used music to serve their communities or greater societies. This might consist of guiding young people in music education, addressing social or political issues through musical content, reviving dying musical traditions, and more.
4. Age – Applicants must be between 19-35 years old.
5. English Proficiency – Applicants should be able to converse in and understand basic English, as it will be the common language of the OneBeat program.
6. Country or Territory of Origin – OneBeat Fellows must currently live full-time in one of the 40 eligible countries and territories. We also seek applicants who have not traveled extensively to the U.S. or have rarely performed in the U.S.
7. Internet Proficiency – Whenever possible, OneBeat Fellows should actively use email and be able to connect to the internet to participate in OneBeat website-based activities.

Timeline:

• Applications are due by July 14, 2023 5:00 PM EDT.
• Applicants will be notified of the review panel decision by August 31, 2023.
• OneBeat Ghana will take place November 6, 2023 - November 20, 2023.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

If you have questions please contact [email protected]

For more details, visit OneBeat website