Meet Our Music Grant Review Panel - Industry Experts Evaluating Independent Artists

Our panel combines consistent leadership with fresh perspectives from rotating guest judges to ensure your music gets the diverse attention it deserves.

Who Reviews Your Application

Your application is reviewed by me (Anthony) and a rotating guest judge each cycle. We're music fans first — looking for artists who make us want to hit repeat.

Anthony Pappano

Anthony Pappano

Founder & Lead Curator

Looking for:
Raw Talent Clear Vision Growth Potential
Anthony Pappano

Founder & Lead Curator

I'm an engineer who can't write a song — but I know good music when I hear it. Built MusicBoost to help independent artists take the next step.

Access changes everything.

Guest Judge Spot

Each cycle features a rotating guest evaluator — an artist or industry professional bringing fresh perspective to reviews.

Interested? Get in touch

Guest Judge Archetypes

Each grant cycle features carefully selected guest judges matching these expertise profiles, ensuring diverse perspectives and comprehensive evaluation.

Archetype #1

The Artist's Voice

Experienced Independent Artist

An accomplished independent artist who has navigated the journey you're on. Listens for raw talent, authentic expression, and clear artistic vision.

Creative Vision Authentic Expression Artist Journey
Archetype #2

The Industry Navigator

Music Industry Professional

Experience in A&R, music marketing, or production. Assesses how the grant can strategically elevate your career.

A&R Insight Market Awareness Strategic Planning

Passionate About Music's Next Wave? Let's Talk.

If you're an industry professional or a seasoned artist with a genuine desire to uplift emerging talent, I'm eager to connect. Think you'd be a great fit for our guest judge program? I'm waiting to hear your story.

How We Evaluate Your Application

We review each submission based on three key areas to identify artists with both talent and potential.

Artistic Merit 40%

Your creative vision, musical skill, and what makes your sound unique

Originality & Creativity
High Priority
Technical Skill & Musicianship
High Priority
Clarity of Artistic Vision
Medium Priority
Growth & Innovation Potential
Medium Priority

Impact & Feasibility 35%

How clearly you've planned your project and how the grant will move your career forward

Project Plan & Budget Clarity
High Priority
Strategic Use of Funds
High Priority
Career Advancement Potential
Medium Priority
Achievable Outcomes
Lower Priority

Artist Connection 25%

Your unique voice and how you connect with listeners and your musical community

Authenticity & Unique Voice
High Priority
Audience Engagement
Medium Priority
Community Relevance
Medium Priority
Professionalism & Drive
Lower Priority

How Your Application Gets Reviewed

We believe in transparency. Here's a step-by-step look at how our panel carefully considers every application each month.

1. Application Submission

This is where you share your music, your story, and your vision for how this grant will make a difference. Tell us what you plan to achieve – we're listening.

Pro Tip: Paint a clear picture! Specifics about your project and what sets your music apart really help your application shine.

2. Initial Review

First, we quickly check that your application includes everything needed and meets the basic eligibility criteria, so the panel has all the info to give it fair consideration.

Pro Tip: A quick double-check on music links and required fields ensures your application sails smoothly through this first step!

3. Panel Evaluation

Now, our panel dives deep. They listen carefully and evaluate your submission based on these key areas:

Musical Vision

Originality, technical skill, production quality, and artistic expression

Potential Impact

How effectively the grant will help achieve your specific music goals

Artist Connection

Your authentic voice, how you connect with listeners, and your overall artistic direction.

4. Final Decision

After careful review, the panel discusses the most promising applications. They collectively choose recipients whose talent, vision, and potential impact truly stand out.

One recipient selected monthly

Every application is carefully evaluated on its own merits. All applicants receive detailed feedback regardless of grant decisions.

5. Notification

You'll hear from us! We finalize decisions around the 15th of the month after applications close. Whether you receive a grant or not, we'll let you know. We guide recipients through the funding process and aim to offer feedback to others when possible.

Apply: 1st to Last Day of Any Month
Review: First 15 Days of Following Month
Notifications: Around the 15th of Following Month

Ready to put your music forward?

Apply Now