The Greater Detroit Music Census Has Been Extended Until March 22, 2026!
Most people complete it in 10 to 15 minutes, depending on their role and how much they choose to write in the open comment sections.
Yes. You can complete it on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. If you start it and then plan to come back later and finish it, use the same device.
- All musicians, music professionals, semi-professionals, venues / festivals and students who work full-time or part-time in the music industry in any capacity, with or without compensation.
- Respondents must be 18 years of age or older and living and/or working in the Greater Detroit area.
In Detroit, we take our music and our cultural legacy seriously. Detroit’s music ecosystem is wide, deep, and full of people doing real work every day, on stage, behind the scenes, in classrooms, in studios, and in the many small businesses that keep the whole thing moving. It is important to support the people, businesses, and creative work at the core of our music community and ensure it continues to thrive. The Greater Detroit Music Census is a community-led initiative designed to gain a clearer understanding of the current strengths, opportunities, and needs of the region’s music ecosystem.
A Music Census captures essential information about our music community. This will help local leaders, partners, and the broader community make better informed, data-driven decisions to support and grow the ecosystem. The census asks questions specific to the realities of music and live entertainment workers, creators, educators, venues, festivals, and industry professionals. It includes general demographic and occupation questions, as well as perspectives on economic opportunity, professional development, affordability, music-friendly regulations, funding support, culture, and belonging.The goal is to replace assumptions with real information, directly from the people who make Detroit’s music ecosystem what it is.
The Greater Detroit Music Census will launch on February 3, 2026 and it will be open to anyone who works in the Detroit music ecosystem in any capacity – paid or unpaid. Greater Detroit extends far beyond city limits and includes the 10 county Combined Statistical Area (CSA): Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, Livingston County, St. Clair County, Lapeer County, Washtenaw County, Monroe County, Genesee County, and Lenawee County. People move across these county lines all the time to perform, rehearse, teach, record, run businesses, and collaborate, so the census reflects the real footprint of Detroit’s music community.
With a deeper understanding of the Greater Detroit music ecosystem, this initiative aims to strengthen and showcase the region’s talent while guiding efforts that support this vital part of our community. When the results are ready, they will be shared publicly through reports, dashboards, and community conversations. The goal is simple: give Detroit the information it needs to strengthen the music ecosystem, improve opportunities, and help the community make better, more informed decisions.
This initiative is being led by The Detroit Music Collective and Portfolio Medics, with support from partners across the region. The census is administered by Sound Music Cities, a leading provider of music ecosystem studies and music census work.
Our Lead Partners
Join Us, Become A Community Partner!
Your Voice Matters.
We are inviting you to join us as a Community Engagement Partner in the Greater Detroit Music Census, a regional initiative to better understand the people, places, and needs that make up Detroit’s music scene.
We’re looking for trusted organizations and voices—like yours—to help us spread the word when the survey launches. No heavy lift—just a commitment to share the census with your network and encourage participation. That could mean:
• Sharing via email or social media.
• Posting flyers in your space or at events.
• Reaching out to your community personally.
By signing on as a Community Partner, you’ll receive:
Top 3 Benefits:
- Help shape Detroit’s music future – Your involvement ensures that diverse voices are heard. The results will directly inform funding, policy and community support.
- Be recognized as a leader – You’ll be featured on the census website, public reports, and at related events as a key contributor to this historic project.
- Access early insights – Community Partners will be among the first to receive findings and briefings – valuable data you can use in your own work.
This is a chance to show up for Detroit’s music scene in a meaningful way—with lasting impact.
Our Community Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a music fan. Should I participate?
This census is focused on people who work in music in any capacity. Fans are encouraged to help spread the word to musicians, managers, booking agents, house concert promoters, venues, studios, educators, and anyone doing music-related work.
Why is this data being collected?
Greater Detroit’s music community and its partners want reliable information about the people who power the music ecosystem. The data helps identify what is working, where support is most needed, and what opportunities exist. When the results are released, they will be available for musicians, venues, nonprofits, funders, businesses, and civic leaders to use.
What kinds of questions does the census ask?
The census includes questions about demographics, occupation type, creative and industry roles, income and economic activity, workforce and professional development, affordability, culture and belonging, and overall experiences working in the Greater Detroit music ecosystem.
Will my answers remain anonymous?
Yes. The census does not collect personal identifiers or IP addresses. Any comments that appear in the published results will be attributed only as “Census Respondent.”
How long does the census take?
Most people complete it in 10 to 15 minutes, depending on their role and how much they choose to write in the open comment sections.
Who should take the census?
Anyone 18 or older who lives or works in the Greater Detroit music ecosystem. The census uses the Detroit Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which includes Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, St. Clair, Lapeer, Monroe, Washtenaw, Genesee, and Lenawee counties. If you contribute to Detroit’s music community in any capacity, paid or unpaid, you should participate.
I am not a full-time music professional. Should I still take it?
Yes. Many people in Detroit’s music community work part-time, seasonally, occasionally, or volunteer their time. If you contribute to the ecosystem in any way, your voice is important.
What if I have more than one role in music?
Select the primary identity that best fits your work. You will have space inside the census to list additional roles you perform in the music ecosystem.
Can I take the census on my phone?
Yes. You can complete it on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. If you plan to come back later, use the same device.
When will the results be released?
The results are expected to be shared publicly in 2026 through reports, dashboards, and community presentations.