It’s a jungle out there for young musicians, but the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) are cutting a path through it with Make Music Work (MMW).
The event on 31 March, which includes panel discussions from industry leaders and young musicians, will help emerging artists understand an increasingly complex industry, debunking myths and solving mysteries along the way.
Panellists include celebrated composer Gabriel Prokofiev, The Times’ music critic Richard Morrison, award-winning soprano Ruby Hughes as well as industry insiders like Justin Pearson from the Royal Society of Musicians and Richard Paine of Faber Music.
‘There is no doubt that today’s musical environment is full of both opportunities and threats. Emerging artists need to be not just fine musicians but also creative entrepreneurs,’ explained ISM chief executive Deborah Annetts.
The main topics covered over four sessions are avoiding exploitation in business dealings like contracts, finding an audience on a shoestring budget, developing entrepreneurial skills and understanding the ins and outs of international competitions.
ISM president and Guildhall School of Music & Drama principal Barry Ife said: ‘This event will inform our young musicians and composers and provide them with the tools to build sustainable and successful careers.’
Established in 1882, ISM represents over 7,000 professionals and corporations in the UK music industry, including the Royal Philharmonic Society, the Composer’s Edition, NMC Recordings, Jazz Services Ltd, Association of Independent Music and Classic FM. As well as organising educational events like MMW it also fights for the rights of musicians and runs campaigns like Protect Music Education.
MMW runs from 9am to 6:30pm on 31 March at Milton Court in London. Tickets are £25, £15 for students.
