Directions in Music
A real-world Career development programme.
About Directions in Music:
Directions in Music is a practical, real world development programme for artists and industry. Grown out of our passion for helping creative people to navigate a career in the modern music industry, this is an opportunity for innovative people to be supported and guided in their understanding, strategy and vision.
This is a UK based scheme open to all from across the UK territories, with no further restriction. Participants will be part of a year long project running between July '24 to June '25 focused on all aspects of career growth, knowledge sharing and personal strategy.
A small grant is provided to support the participants to put into action the guidance from the project.
How IT WORKS:
Through a series of workshops, one-to-one sessions and development exercises from June to July each year, this scheme will support six musicians and two industry practitioners of exceptional talent with the potential to develop into world class artists and creators.
These sessions will help demystify the industry and provide leverage and footholds to enable your development over the next few years.
Who IS INVOLVED:
These sessions will be delivered by Dave Stapleton and Lucy Woolley. Dave, as founder and CEO of internationally renowned Edition Records, and performing artist with his project Slowly Rolling Camera, has established a remarkable track record in the music industry and brings a unique perspective as an artist and industry leader.
Lucy, having a 10+ year history delivering Artistic Development projects, working with Edition Records on Label Development and managing the first cycle of Directions in Music in 2022.
Application process:
Applications are open until 31st May 2024 and are submitted via a simple form which can be found here:
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experienced practitioners and music lovers. We are looking to bring together a diverse and representative group and we encourage applications from participants in regional locations (outside of London), female and gender minorities, and from the global majority.
Applications will be reviewed against the following criteria:
ARTIST:
Artistic quality - innovative, authentic, original music
Career to date - previous release history, with a minimum of one album released prior to application
Vision for future development
INDUSTRY:
Career to date - commitment to work in wider music industry, some experience in an industry related capacity (this can be voluntary)
Vision for future development
The ambition is to select a total of 8 participants - 2 industry and 6 musicians - who represent a diverse range of the industry - including their musical styles, locations and future ambitions.
Only one artist will be selected from the London region.