More Than a Choir. A Place to Be Known.

Founded by Minneapolis educator, musician, mentor, and community leader Courtland Pickens, Known MPLS has spent more than seven years creating space where young people can be seen, heard, supported and celebrated.

What began with a passion for bringing young voices together has grown into a thriving youth and young adult community that uses music, mentorship, leadership development, faith, and professional experiences to help young people discover their voice, build confidence, develop their gifts, and become the leaders they were created to be.

Under Courtland’s leadership, Known MPLS has created opportunities for young people to perform on some of the region’s biggest stages, work alongside world class artists, serve their community, and experience opportunities they may have never imagined possible.

But at the heart of Known MPLS is something even greater than music: making sure every young person knows they are seen, valued, supported, and capable of greatness.

Our Impact

From community spaces to some of the region’s most recognized stages, Known MPLS is creating opportunities for young people to grow, lead, perform, and experience what’s possible. Our members have taken the stage at Orchestra Hall, U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Center, The Armory, the Ordway, and beyond, with opportunities alongside nationally recognized artists including Josh Groban, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Snoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, Andrea Bocelli, and more.

More than Music

Known MPLS is a program of Voicez Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to developing the whole person. What began through music has grown into a larger vision for helping youth and young adults build the capacity, confidence, leadership, and skills they need to thrive in life.

Through Voicez Inc., that vision is carried out across four areas of development:

CAPACITY
Known MPLS
Building confidence, self awareness, emotional capacity, and community through music and mentorship.

ENGAGEMENT
Known Kitchen
Using food, nutrition, and shared experiences to help young people feel supported, connected, and ready to engage.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Known Rise
Equipping young people with the confidence, character, and skills to lead themselves and others.

ARTIST & CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Known Elite
Developing emerging artists through creative experiences, career exposure, mentorship, and real world opportunities.

DISCOVER VOICEZ INC. →