Tune-Up Grant Program

Tune-Up Grant Program

Future Tune-Up opportunities will be posted here as they are announced.

2025 Pilot Cohort Complete

The 2025 Tune-Up Grant pilot paired participating New Orleans live music venues with Loyola University New Orleans faculty and students for professional sound assessments, tailored recommendations, and targeted capital support.

Click here to view the initial report from the 2025 pilot.

 

International Recognition

We are proud to announce that the Tune-Up Grant Program was a final 3 nominee in the international 2026 Music Cities Awards!

Overview

The Tune-Up Grant Program is a new initiative from the Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy designed to help live music venues in New Orleans improve sound quality and reduce neighborhood noise—while building real-world career opportunities for local audio students.

Created in partnership with Loyola Music Industry Studies Program, the program combines financial support with expert-led technical assessments. Participating venues will work directly with upper-level audio students and faculty to receive hands-on guidance and sound abatement strategies tailored to their space.

By helping venues manage sound responsibly, the program aims to sustain the city’s live music culture, improve the performer and audience experience, and support healthier relationships with surrounding communities.

What the Grant Includes

1. Venue Consultations

All selected venues will receive a site visit and sound assessment conducted by Loyola’s Department of Music Industry Studies. Assessments will be performed by students enrolled in a new Audio Technology and Production course, under the supervision of university faculty. Each venue will receive a custom sound abatement plan outlining strategies to:

  • Improve internal acoustics

  • Limit external noise bleed

2. Capital Improvement Grants

Following consultation, venues will be eligible to apply for up to $5,000 to implement recommended improvements.

Eligible expenses include:

  • Acoustic panels and sound-absorbing treatments

  • Decibel monitoring systems

  • Outdoor sound barriers

  • Speaker upgrades and volume limiters

  • Insulation, window retrofits, and coverings

Program Goals

  • Improve sound quality for artists and patrons
  • Reduce noise-related complaints in surrounding neighborhoods
  • Support venue sustainability through education and investment
  • Strengthen connections between students and the local music industry
  • Build a pipeline for emerging audio professionals
  • Reinforce New Orleans’ leadership in cultural innovation