The Music Center

What The Music Center does

The Music Center is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts center founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, operating the largest performing arts campus on the U.S. West Coast and the third largest in the country. On behalf of Los Angeles County, it manages four theaters — Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (3,156 seats), Walt Disney Concert Hall (2,254 seats), Ahmanson Theatre (2,103 seats), and Mark Taper Forum (738 seats) — plus Jerry Moss Plaza and the adjacent 11-acre Gloria Molina Grand Park. The campus comprises over $3 billion in county-owned assets and supports an $80 million operation overseen by President & CEO Rachel S. Moore. Its core function is venue management and arts programming, hosting four anchor resident companies (LA Phil, LA Opera, Center Theatre Group, LA Master Chorale) alongside touring productions, free community programming, and arts education.

The organization generates revenue through a diversified mix: ticket sales (one-time, with senior/student rush at $25, group discounts of 20% for 8+, and 15–20% subscription savings), an annual fund and major-gifts program (donation tiers from $25 to $2,500+), facility rentals for private events and filming, parking ($10 event / $3.50-per-15-min non-event), and gift certificates. TMC Arts is the programming division, producing Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance, Dance DTLA (free outdoor summer series, 22nd year), Live at The Music Center, the Digital Innovation Initiative (launching Life in Motion in April 2026), Spotlight (teen competition), Blue Ribbon Children's Festival (18,000+ 5th graders annually), Arts Integration Partnerships, Artsource Curriculum, DANCEx, and the Very Special Arts Festival. Customer segments span arts consumers, K–12 schools, corporate groups, donors, and event organizers.

Distribution is multi-channel: in-person and phone box office at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, online ticketing via musiccenter.org, group sales, season subscriptions, and the resident companies' independent channels. Marketing runs through the website, segmented email lists, Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/TikTok, press relations, and community partnerships with entities such as Glorya Kaufman Foundation, Moss Foundation, UCLA Health, and Superior Grocers. Technology integrations are limited to Google Analytics and Google Translate; there is no native mobile app and no disclosed AI/ML capability beyond motion-responsive digital installations.

Name

The Music Center

Legal name

The Music Center / Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County

Website

https://musiccenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Music Center is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) operating the largest West Coast performing arts campus on behalf of LA County, managing four theaters plus Grand Park for an $80 million operation. It hosts resident companies (LA Phil, LA Opera, Center Theatre Group, LA Master Chorale), presents touring productions, and runs free community and K-12 arts education programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Center / Live Entertainment Venue

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC), Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB), Concerts & Music Festivals (THAJAFAA)

Keywords

• Performing arts center
• Live performance venue
• Arts education programs
• Cultural event hosting
• Community arts programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from selling tickets to performances and events across all venues including Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, resident company productions, and lease events. Ticket prices vary by performance with discounts for seniors, students, and groups.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Annual fund donations, major gifts ($25,000+ for Principal Gifts/Ballet Circle), corporate sponsorships, and planned giving/legacy gifts. The Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 95-2217011).
3. Facility Rentals: Rental income from private events, corporate functions, weddings, filming, and commercial photography/filming in their venues and outdoor spaces.
4. Parking Services: Revenue from parking garages with event rates of $10 and non-event rates of $3.50 per 15 minutes (max $20). Valet parking available for $23.
5. Gift Certificates: Sale of gift certificates in $125 denominations or custom amounts, valid for any Music Center presentation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Music Center is a nonprofit performing arts complex that presents and hosts world-class dance, theater, opera, and orchestral performances across four venues (Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum) plus Jerry Moss Plaza. Through its programming division TMC Arts, it produces ticketed seasons (notably Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center), free community events (Dance DTLA, Live at The Music Center), arts education programs for K-12 students, and a Digital Innovation Initiative featuring interactive installations. Ticket sales, donations, parking, and venue rentals support the operation on behalf of Los Angeles County.

Product overview

The Music Center operates as a multi-venue performing arts complex offering a diverse portfolio of arts programs and services. Its core programming is delivered through TMC Arts, which encompasses dance presentations (Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center), free outdoor community events (Dance DTLA, Live at The Music Center), digital innovation initiatives (Digital Innovation Initiative featuring Life in Motion), and educational programs (The Spotlight competition, Very Special Arts Festival, Blue Ribbon Children's Festival, Arts Integration Partnerships, Artsource Curriculum, DANCEx). The organization also manages Gloria Molina Grand Park as a sister venue, hosting free public events including Summer Block Party, Sunday Sessions, and Downtown Día de los Muertos. The Music Center operates four theaters (Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Walt Disney Concert Hall) and Jerry Moss Plaza, hosting resident companies including Center Theatre Group, LA Opera, LA Phil, and LA Master Chorale.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TMC Arts: The Music Center's programming division that creates inclusive arts and cultural experiences championing diverse voices and communities of Los Angeles, including festivals, dance programming, concerts, installations, and educational programs.
• Gloria Molina Grand Park
• Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center
• Dance DTLA
• The Music Center's Spotlight
• Live at The Music Center

Products and services

• Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center A comprehensive dance programming season featuring world-class ballet and contemporary dance companies performing at The Music Center's venues, with audience engagement including talks, master classes, and mentorship programs. For arts enthusiasts in Los Angeles.
• Dance DTLA Free outdoor summer dance program held on Jerry Moss Plaza featuring weekly Friday night dance lessons, live DJ sets, and social dancing across multiple dance genres including salsa, reggaeton, disco, cumbia, afrobeats, and bollywood. Open to the general public.
• Live at The Music Center Annual free summer concert series held on Jerry Moss Plaza featuring diverse musical performances, generously supported by the Moss Foundation. Open to the general public.
• The Music Center's Spotlight Nationally acclaimed free performing arts competition offering Southern California teens opportunities for scholarships and artistic development.
• Very Special Arts Festival Annual festival celebrating the artistic achievements of K-12 students of all abilities, offering hands-on arts experiences and family day activities.
• Blue Ribbon Children's Festival Annual arts experience engaging more than 18,000 fifth graders each year, introducing young students to live performing arts performances.
• Arts Integration Partnerships Program sending teaching artists into classrooms to work with teachers and students, developing artistic, workforce, and life skills.
• Artsource Curriculum Free, accessible artistic curriculum modules in dance, music, and theatre provided to educators for bringing expressive arts into classrooms.
• DANCEx Free program connecting dance students from schools, studios, and college departments across L.A. County to the transformative power of live dance performance.
• Gloria Molina Grand Park Programs Free community programs including Summer Block Party, Sunday Sessions, Downtown Día de los Muertos, NYELA, and Wellness Break held in the adjacent public park.
• The Music Center Performing Artists in Schools High-energy performing arts assemblies visiting schools and community locations across L.A. County, inviting audiences of all ages into dance, music, theatre, and storytelling.
• Digital Innovation Initiative TMC Arts program supporting artists and communities creating cultural experiences at the intersection of performing arts and technology, including interactive digital installations like Life in Motion by Taiwanese artist Chi Po-Hao.
• Venue Rental Services Rental of Music Center venues and outdoor spaces for private events, corporate functions, weddings, filming, and commercial photography/filming.
• Parking Services Parking services at Music Center garages: $10 event rate, $3.50 per 15 minutes non-event (max $20), $23 valet parking.
• Gift Certificates Gift certificates in $125 standard denomination or custom amounts, valid for any Music Center presentation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 18,000 5th graders served annually through Blue Ribbon Children's Festival
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Center Theatre GroupcoreOthersResident theatre company performing at Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre. One of the nation's leading theatre companies producing award-winning productions.
• Los Angeles Master ChoralecoreOthersResident choral company performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall, serving the L.A. community with classical choral performances.
• LA OperacoreOthersResident opera company performing at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with diverse operatic repertoire.
• LA Phil (Los Angeles Philharmonic)coreOthersResident orchestra performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall under Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, one of the world's leading orchestras.
• UCLA HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing partner sponsoring Dance DTLA programming and summer dance events.
• Superior GrocersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing partner for Dance DTLA 2026 summer season.
• Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission IndiansminorOthersNative American tribal government with whom The Music Center is building partnerships in commitment to First Peoples.
• Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal CouncilminorOthersNative American tribal government in relationship building with The Music Center.
• Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission IndiansminorOthersNative American tribal government in relationship building with The Music Center.
• Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians-Kizh NationminorOthersNative American tribal government in relationship building with The Music Center.
• San Manuel Band of Mission IndiansminorOthersNative American tribal government in relationship building with The Music Center.
• San Fernando Band of Mission IndiansminorOthersNative American tribal government in relationship building with The Music Center.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts: Lincoln Center in New York City is the largest performing arts center in the U.S., operating a comparable multi-venue campus (Metropolitan Opera, David Geffen Hall, David H. Koch Theater, Alice Tully Hall, Rose Theater, Jaffe) with resident companies (NYC Ballet, NYC Opera alumni, Lincoln Center Theater, Juilliard, NY Philharmonic, Chamber Music Society). It is the most direct structural and operational analog to The Music Center.
• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: The Kennedy Center is a federally chartered, multi-venue performing arts complex in Washington, D.C., operating the Concert Hall, Opera House, Eisenhower Theater, Terrace Theater, Family Theater, and REACH expansion. Like The Music Center, it combines a large resident company ecosystem (NSO, Washington National Opera) with national arts education programs, federal/civic funding, and free community programming.
• Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa, CA is the most direct Southern California peer — a multi-venue presenting organization (Segerstrom Hall, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Samueli Theater, Judy & Paul Keyes Hall) that hosts resident companies (Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County) plus touring Broadway, dance, and family programming. Comparable scale, market, and presenting model to The Music Center.
• AT&T Performing Arts Center: AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas operates the Winspear Opera House, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Annette Strauss Square, and City Performance Hall as a multi-venue presenting nonprofit. It matches The Music Center's model of combining resident company relationships with a mix of presenting, rental, and education programming in a major U.S. metropolitan market.

Broad incumbents

• Carnegie Hall: Carnegie Hall is a globally iconic single-purpose concert venue in New York City hosting the world's leading orchestras, ensembles, and recitalists. While smaller in physical footprint than The Music Center's campus, it competes for the same prestige touring acts and donor pools, and serves a similar presenting role for classical and contemporary music.

Regional players

• San Francisco Symphony (Davies Symphony Hall): San Francisco Symphony operates Davies Symphony Hall as its home venue, presenting a major orchestra season with national and international touring artists. It is a regional peer rather than direct competitor — both present major orchestral programming on the West Coast but in different metropolitan markets and with different venue footprints.
• Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Symphony Center): The Chicago Symphony Orchestra operates Symphony Center (Orchestra Hall, Buntrock Hall, Rotunda) in Chicago, a multi-venue presenting complex with a comparable resident-company-anchored model. Geographic peer — same industry and role, different market.
• Houston First Corporation / Wortham Theater Center: The Wortham Theater Center in Houston is the home of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet, operating two main halls in a municipally owned facility comparable to The Music Center's relationship with L.A. County-owned buildings. The operating structure (city-owned assets, nonprofit performing arts programming) and resident-company model are highly analogous.

Emerging players

• Seattle Theatre Group: Seattle Theatre Group operates historic theaters (Paramount, Moore, Neptune) presenting touring Broadway, dance, music, and comedy. Smaller scale than The Music Center but uses a similar presenting-and-rental model with multiple historic venues and a nonprofit operating structure.

Others

• Civic Center of Greater Des Moines / Des Moines Performing Arts: Des Moines Performing Arts is a community-focused presenting organization that produces touring Broadway, family programming, and education outreach in a single-venue market. It is comparable to The Music Center's community programming arm (TMC Arts, Spotlight, Blue Ribbon) more than its venue operations, useful as a benchmark for educational and outreach programming ROI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/musiccenterla
• YouTubeyoutube.com/musiccenterla
• Facebookfacebook.com/musiccenterla
• Instagraminstagram.com/musiccenterla
• TikToktiktok.com/@musiccenterla

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Music Center