Tune-Up Grant Program

 

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 University New Orleans Department of Music Industry Studies, 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 Matching 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

 

Who Can Apply

To qualify for the Tune-Up Grant Program, applicants must be:

  • A live music venue located in Orleans Parish

  • A business that regularly hosts live performances and is open to the public

  • Fully compliant with all local licenses and permits

Priority will be given to independent, locally owned establishments.

 

Program Timeline

Applications open: July 1, 2025

Applications close: August 31, 2025

Grants awarded: September 5, 2025

Virtual BRASS registration webinar: Week of September 8, 2025

BRASS registration deadline: September 19, 2025 (Failure to register may result in forfeiture of grant award)

Venue consultations begin: September 22, 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

 

Apply Now

The application will open on July 1st, 2025.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm CST on August 31, 2025.

 
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.