2024 Award Recipient
JonahCohen
Project The NowBeat Project
Project The NowBeat Project
Jonah is a composer, conductor, pianist, and cellist who cultivated a love of music from a young age. He recognized how lucky he was to be able to pursue this passion–especially during the pandemic, when he was able to join a prestigious arts school to continue his studies. Jonah recognized that many young people did not have the same opportunity or outlet.
Jonah set out on a mission to remove obstacles that prevent some young people from participating in music composition programs. In March of 2021, he launched The NowBeat Project: a free virtual program for emerging composers.
With a unique student/mentor model, The NowBeat Project provides young composers with opportunities for mentorship, networking, and performances through Virtual Showcase Concerts on YouTube. Since launching, the project has recorded 180 minutes of new music by 32 excellent young performers. Student composers from 17 U.S. States and five countries have participated in The NowBeat Project’s four successful cycles, all at no cost to students.
The NowBeat Project is a music composition program by and for young composers, whose mission is to level the playing field by removing barriers—like cost and accessibility—that often prevent emerging composers from participating in programs. To date, the project has offered free classes, mentorship, networking, and performance opportunities to young composers in 17 U.S. states and five countries. Through its annual Virtual Showcase Concerts on YouTube, The NowBeat Project has also recorded 180 minutes of never-before-heard music by 32 talented young performers.
