Musikfest Music Industry Conference
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EVENT INFORMATION
ArtsQuest Center | 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015
- August 2–4, 2026
- Event Starts: 5:00 pm*
- All Ages (17 and younger w/parent or guardian only)
- Venue/Event Rules
*times subject to change
3 Day Pass Ticket Prices:
Earlybird: $150 (until March 1); Regular: $175 (After March 1)
Monday and Tuesday Single Day Pass Price:
$120 per day
🎶 Experience the Future of Music
Second Annual Musikfest Music Industry Conference
Get ready to amplify your passion for music at the Second Annual Musikfest Music Industry Conference, returning to Bethlehem during Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, ungated music festival!
This dynamic three-day experience brings together music educators, artists, students, and industry leaders for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Dive into interactive sessions, cutting-edge technology demos, inspiring keynotes, and real-world insights designed to bridge the worlds of music education and today’s evolving industry.
Building on the success of its 2024 debut, the 2026 Music Industry Conference expands with new interactive programs, a larger scope of presenters, and even more opportunities for attendees to learn, perform, and connect.
Featured Additions in 2026
- Band Showcase Program: Selected youth and emerging bands (ages 10–adult) will receive coaching, perform on an official Musikfest stage and receive live feedback from talent buyers, agents and producers. Submissions will open in October.
- The Green Room Mentorship Lounge: One-on-one and small group mentorship with industry veterans, modeled after NAMM’s “Networking with the Pros”.
- Museum Collaboration: A pop-up exhibit in partnership with the Museum of Music Technology highlighting the history of sonic innovation.
🌟 Featured Presenters
🎵 Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Cutler, acclaimed author of The Savvy Musician and The Savvy Music Teacher
🎛️ The Museum of Music Technology Powered by EMEAPP: Discover how electronic instruments, live production, and classroom integration are transforming the sound of tomorrow
🎤 Underground Music Collective: Learn how to Build Your Authentic Artist Brand and stand out in today’s music landscape
Join us at the iconic ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks for three inspiring days of music, learning, and connection, all set against the backdrop of Musikfest’s world-class performances.
🎫 Don’t miss out — be part of the movement shaping the future of music!
More speakers, sessions, and special events will be announced soon.
2026 Conference Strands include:
- Production & Live Event Operations e.g., sound engineering, lighting design, backstage roles, tour logistics, safety, union work, production tech
- Performance & Artist Development e.g., branding, booking, stamina, creative process, mental health, coaching, cross-genre collaboration
- Music Business & Entrepreneurship e.g., marketing, contracts, startups, financial literacy, talent buying, digital strategy, EPKs
- Innovation & Future Trends e.g., AI in music, Web3, inclusive design, hybrid engagement, music ed reform, social entrepreneurship
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Modern Music Education – How are you teaching any of the strands above to your students?
Call for Applications
Band Showcase Program
Performance Dates: August 2–4, 2026
Location: Musikfest, Bethlehem, PA
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
About the Band Showcase
The 2026 Band Showcase connects young musicians with real-world music industry experience. Selected bands will receive professional coaching, perform on an official Musikfest stage, and gain invaluable feedback from industry experts including talent buyers, agents, producers, and venue programmers.
This is more than a performance, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and build meaningful career connections.
What’s Included
Pre-Show Coaching Session
Small-group coaching with a professional modern music coach covering performance skills, stage presence, soundcheck strategies, and industry expectations.
Live Festival Performance
A 45-minute set on an official Musikfest stage equipped with professional sound, lighting, and backline.
Industry Feedback
Constructive, post-performance feedback from a panel of industry professionals spanning talent buying, artist development, booking, and venue programming.
Showcase Categories
Bands will be evaluated within one of the following experience levels:
- Beginning – Ages 10–15
Emerging performers with limited stage experience. - Intermediate – Ages 14–19
Bands developing their live set, artistic identity, and/or songwriting voice with some school or public performance experience. - Advanced – Ages 17+
More established young adult/adult bands with recording, touring, or booking experience.
Note: Age ranges may overlap. Applicants should choose the category that best reflects their band’s overall experience.
Apply now to be part of the 2026 Musikfest Band Showcase and take the next step in your musical journey.
Please note submitting to the MIC Showcase does not affect your ability to submit to perform at Musikfest as a whole. If you wish to submit to Musikfest, please click here.
Presenters/Speakers
2026 Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Cutler
Tuesday, Aug. 4
One of the world’s most influential voices on arts entrepreneurship, Dr. David Cutler balances a vibrant career as a multi-genre musician, speaker, author, consultant, and Yamaha Master Educator. His groundbreaking books The Savvy Musician, The Savvy Music Teacher, and The Savvy Musician 2.0 have inspired a generation, serving as go-to guides for building vibrant, sustainable careers through innovation and intention. Cutler serves as Distinguished Professor of Music Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of South Carolina.