Founder / Director

UpBeat Music and Arts is led by musician and philanthropist, Scott Barbeau, who founded the non-profit in 2013 to help Chicago youth reach their full potential through music and art. Scott has been playing piano for over 45 years, and is currently a member of the successful 80’s cover band, Sixteen Candles. In addition to teaching private and group lessons for over 30 years and being employed as a full-time musician, he has composed and performed on dozens of albums and projects with various artists.

Scott, a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison and moved to Chicago in 1990. After a successful career in business, he has spent the last 15 years more heavily involved  in music and helping youth.

Scott is also the co-founder of another non-profit, Spark Ventures, which helps make lasting economic, education, and health-related changes in global communities that need it most. He has also volunteered with Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, NPRF After-School Programs, and Songs of Love.