01.08.2024: UK Music held a 3-day music careers event with Speakers for Schools as a part of the Discover! Creative Careers programme.

The work experience three-dayer  in June saw UK Music and guests introduce young people from across the UK to different careers in the music industry through insightful talks, engaging films, and group tasks.

On Day 1 we were joined by Dave Lowe the composer responsible for iconic themes such as Grand Designs and BBC news, as well as many more. Later that day composer Adam Martin and Artist Lauren Rycroft joined to lead a songwriting session. The day was rounded off by Ninja from The Go! Team who introduced attendees to her career as an artist, and outlined the many hundreds of roles that exist in the music industry. We were also thrilled to be able to share the fantastic Digit App.

On Day 2 we started the session hearing from rapper Shao Dow who called in from tour in Japan to discuss being a DIY artist. Our second session had Verity Pabla from I’m Not a Machine discuss music in different media and how sync works. The day ended with two of our Outstanding MAP Graduate Awards nominees Rebecca Rees and Bre McDermott-King (Winner and Runner Up respectively) to discuss working behind the scenes at record labels with artists and fans.

Day 3 saw young professionals from two organisations join us to discuss putting on live events and the roles of promoters and event producers. Lewis Jones and Alexandra Jones of Beacons Cymru, Wales and Tee Peters, Cairomia Ellis, Jordan Draper, and Banji Ibidapo of Sound Connections, London were followed with a round up of useful resources for young people thinking about a career in music with UK Music.

The event was such a success we will be running another from November 12-14. Check out Speakers for Schools to register for the session.

Feedback from pupils attending the days speaks volumes:

“I’ve learnt so much in the music industry that I haven’t before. There are so many different roles, what a few of them does from the person who works within that role, I have learnt from the backgrounds of how the presenters made it through the music career.”

“Learning about the different roles in the music industry, Finding out about the world of work, group activity, Q&A session.”

“I enjoyed the group activities with the other participants, as I tend to be quite a shy individual and appreciated being able to use teamwork and communication to achieve a small goal.”

“My placement was very beneficial for me because I was able to get a wider view on career paths and how different ways can be taken to get to your preferred job or career. ”

“I was on the Discover Music course, it was brilliant! Thank you so much for putting it together. I’m doing work experience with a promoter in a couple of weeks, hoping to put some of the things I’ve learnt into practice.”

“Enjoyable, Informative, Interesting.”

Joline Cooper Business Development Manager Speakers for Schools said:

“WOW, what can I say about Discover! The Music Industry?!

“UK Music kindly hosted a 3-day virtual work experience event that was full of amazing insights, inspiring speakers, engaging tasks, and brilliant break-out sessions where pupils from all over the UK got to work together.   

“The effort of UK Music and the speakers who took part was evident. They gave so much information, advice and tips on how to pave a path into the industry.”

Dr Oliver Morris Director of Education & Skills UK Music said:

“We were delighted with how the three days went and working with the team at Speakers for Schools was fantastic. I would heartily recommend any industry to think about online engagements to demystify their industry.

“I was especially happy to feel that we managed to overcome barriers to access – holding it online meant we had attendees from 36 different local authority areas from across the UK. Seven in 10 young people attending had never had such an opportunity before, 13% reported having SEN (Special Educational Needs), and 32% of attendees qualified for free school meals.

“Having grown up myself in rural West Wales and also qualifying for free school meals throughout my time at school, I was very proud to feel we’d introduced a wide breadth of young people facing challenges to such opportunities.

“Important also to give a massive shout out to all the speakers who dedicated their time to meet with and engage pupils from across the UK. Events like this offer opportunities to hear from people who are living and working in the world of music which can seem a distant dream to many young people when faced with choices around education routes and career pathways.

“Finally a huge thank you to Digit who provided us with exclusive access to their app which was hot off the press in time for the event. Digit is an accessible instrument and having it now in app format means even more accessible. We encouraged the attendees to utilise it during the composition day sessions and heard great thing! Definitely worth checking it out!”

Please see the below links for more information:

 Find your perfect role in the creative industries – Creative Careers (discovercreative.careers)

Empower Your Students with Speakers for Schools

Music Academic Partnership: MAP – UK Music

Careers In The Music Industry – UK Music

Digit Music | Music Made Easier | Cmpsr