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:
2. Capital Improvement Matching Grants
Following consultation, venues will be eligible to apply for up to $5,000 to implement recommended improvements.
Eligible expenses include:
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Acoustic panels and sound-absorbing treatments
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Decibel monitoring systems
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Outdoor sound barriers
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Speaker upgrades and volume limiters
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Insulation, window retrofits, and coverings
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Tune-Up Grant Program, applicants must be:
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A live music venue located in Orleans Parish
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A business that regularly hosts live performances and is open to the public
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Fully compliant with all local licenses and permits
Priority will be given to independent, locally owned establishments.
Program Timeline
Applications open: August 15, 2025
Applications close: September 15, 2025
Grants awarded: September 18, 2025
Virtual BRASS registration webinar: Week of September 22, 2025
BRASS registration deadline: September 26, 2025 (Failure to register may result in forfeiture of grant award)
Venue consultations begin: September 29, 2025
Final recommendations submitted by Loyola: October 31, 2025
Reimbursement receipt submission deadline: November 28, 2025
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
Application
The application for this round of the Tune-Up Grant is currently closed.
For questions and/or assistance with the grant application, please contact Julia Heath at julia.heath@nola.gov.
The information on this page is subject to change before July 1st, 2025.