Support Spotlight

The Music Center's Spotlight

For 36 years, The Music Center’s Spotlight has uplifted young artists to develop their talents alongside industry professionals in dance, acting, instrumental and voice. As part of the Spotlight program, which runs annually from October – June, Southern California high school students are given unprecedented access to professional auditions, feedback and mastery classes taught by renowned artists and arts administrators, and are given invaluable guidance to develop their skills and confidence.

Spotlight is completely free of charge, and participants are recognized and rewarded during the annual Grand Finale held each year at The Music Center, where the program’s 14 Grand Prize finalists perform on stage before an audience of patrons, family and friends and are awarded more than $100,000 in arts scholarships.

More Information

For customized sponsorship opportunities, please contact The Music Center Advancement Office at spotlightsupport@musiccenter.org or (213) 972-4344.

Gifts by check should be made payable to THE MUSIC CENTER and mailed to:

The Music Center
Attn: Advancement
135 N. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

For instructions on how to contribute by stock or wire transfer, please contact Mayra Medina in The Music Center's Advancement Office at mmedina@musiccenter.org.

"There is a deep and palpable love that goes into every aspect of The Music Center's Spotlight program, and I am just one of many students who have been forever changed by it."

—Kris Bowers, 2004 Spotlight Classical Instrumental Grand Prize Finalist and 2024 Academy Award® Winner for Best Documentary Short Film

Spotlight by the Numbers

See the impact of your support!

  • 54,000 alumni

  • $2.8 million awarded in arts scholarships

  • 1,500 students served annually

  • Students come from 254 high schools, 170 cities, and 8 counties from Santa Barbara to San Diego

“Spotlight is funding arts education for those who may have dreams to become artists, but who otherwise wouldn’t be able to without the help of Spotlight.” —Maya D., 2022 Acting Semifinalist 

Fundraising Permits

The Music Center (also known as the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax I.D. number: 95-2217011. All donations to The Music Center are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law.

To learn more, call (213) 972-3333 or email tmcadvancement@musiccenter.org.

Beverly Hills Fundraising Permit