JBL Music Academy 2026 Opens Applications; Martin Garrix, Benson Boone And A.R. Rahman To Mentor Artists

JBL has unveiled the 2026 edition of its global talent development initiative, JBL Music Academy, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the next generation of music creators. Now entering its fourth consecutive year in India, the programme aims to discover, mentor, and elevate emerging artists through access to industry expertise, performance opportunities, and international exposure.

Built around JBL's brand philosophy of "Making Voices Heard," the academy is designed to empower aspiring musicians, producers, and creators by connecting them with some of the most influential names in the global music industry.

For the 2026 edition, internationally acclaimed artists Martin Garrix and Benson Boone will join the programme as global ambassadors and mentors for selected participants from India. They will work alongside Academy mentor and JBL brand ambassador A.R. Rahman, who has been associated with the initiative since its inception.

Commenting on the launch, Shekhar Datta, Sales Management Leader, Consumer Audio India, HARMAN India, said, “For 80 years, JBL has stood for one thing, making sure no voice goes unheard. JBL Music Academy 2026 carries that same belief forward. It is created for emerging artists, producers, and creators from all parts of the world who view music as the language of self-expression. Unapologetic, hungry to grow, and driven to be seen and heard, this is the kind of talent we want to celebrate.”

Applications for JBL Music Academy 2026 opened on June 1 and will remain open until August 14, 2026. Aspiring artists aged 18 years and above can apply by submitting a motivational video along with up to three original music tracks.

The programme will culminate with a flagship JBL Music Academy gathering at STMPD in Amsterdam later this year, where selected participants will gain the opportunity to perform on an international stage, attend workshops, engage with industry leaders, and participate in immersive creative learning experiences.

Over the years, the academy has provided a platform for emerging talent from across the globe. Indian artists such as Pratika and Raksheet Ramesh have previously represented the country, showcasing the diversity and growing influence of India’s independent music ecosystem.

With the launch of JBL Music Academy 2026, the brand continues to invest in artist development and global talent discovery, offering young creators a pathway to expand their reach and amplify their voices on the world stage.