Totem Star supports a diverse community of young recording artists learning music and life skills through mentorship and meaningful relationships. Our work in the studio and on the stage fosters growth in collaboration, leadership, and self-identity.
Totem Star provides free access to music production, live performance opportunities, and mentorship for young recording artists ages 14-25 in the greater Seattle area. In 2025, 175 unique artists booked 990 recording sessions with our team of artist mentors for a total of 2,500 hours of studio time. Our artist-led programs include the following:
The Studio
The Studio is the creative heart of our programming, where artists book free studio sessions four days a week to work with Totem Star artist mentors and peers to collaboratively produce original music that is released on our annual mixtape. Artists learn songwriting and music production, as well as music publishing and marketing.
The Stage
The Stage is Totem Star's live performance series, including two major youth artist showcases (Winter Magic, Summer Kickback) and The Spotlight, our annual fundraiser dinner and show. Totem Star books our artists throughout the year for paid performances with a variety of partners, including ArtsFund, Friends of Waterfront Park, NW Folklife Festival, Seattle Torrent, THING Festival, and Walk Don't Run.
The Jam
The Jam is a monthly jam session every first Thursday. Artists drop-in from all over the city for completely improvised sessions, building confidence, musicianship, and community.
Organization name
Totem Star
Tax id (EIN)
82-3271788
Category
Youth Development
Demographics
Youth & Children, Low-Income, Black & African American, Asian & Pacific Islander, Hispanic & Latinx, LGBTQ+, Immigrants & Refugees, Indigenous & Native American
Address
303 S Jackson Street 2nd Floor