Live music is at the crux of a successful music industry, and thanks to the legends over at Music Victoria, a vibrant program has been created to help foster and maintain a sustainable live music sector.
The program, Live Music Professionals, is ultimately geared towards strengthening Victoria’s diverse and vibrant music communities and support the people responsible for bringing live music into Victoria’s live music venues and festivals, including independent promoters, venue owners, venue managers, and band bookers.
Now returning for its fourth year this year, Music Victoria are calling for applications for the free professional business development program.
The program will see successful applicants matched with some of Victoria’s most skilled and experienced music industry professionals and treated to one-on-one coaching sessions, masterclasses and networking opportunities. The 16 successful applicants will be matched with coaches in key areas tailored to their business needs.
Last year, the Live Music Professionals coaches included the likes of Jackie Antas, Vice-President, Communications – Live Nation and Ticketmaster, Asia Pacific. Thomas Supple, Senior Music Curator for Dark Mofo along with Venue Program Manager at Hotel Esplanade, Shaun Adams.
“Music Victoria’s Live Music Professionals program is instrumental in helping to develop the skills of professionals across the live sector while also bridging the gap between music communities. To see such a broad range of professionals come together who are united in their passion for music and desire to grow is really special and everyone, even the coaches, come away having learned something new.” – Jackie Antas Vice-President, Communications – Live Nation and Ticketmaster, Asia Pacific.
To date, 100 percent of program participants said that they increased their music business networks as a direct result of the program, with 89 percent stating that the result was new business opportunities.
“Live Music Professionals has really helped me expand my networks and my business opportunities for Leicashow Presents.” says Lorena Miguelez (2019 Participant). “Through the program, I was able to build a relationship with fellow participant, Stefani Duzel, owner of the Macedon Railway Hotel. Since completing the program we’ve worked together to put on six 250 capacity shows, with sell-out performances from the likes of Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins. I’m also now working on shows at the beautiful Birregurra Hall, with promoter Fiona Brandscheid, who completed the program in 2018. Thanks to these collaborations and Live Music Professionals, we’ve created new opportunities for local and established musicians to play in regional areas and the support and appreciation from the locals couldn’t have been any better.”
Victorian independent promoters, festival directors and owners along with venue owners, band bookers or venue managers who want to build their live music business are encouraged to apply.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday, March 20. You can apply via www.musicvictoria.com.au/livemusicprofessionals
The Live Music Professionals program is an initiative of the Victorian Government delivered by Music Victoria.
