The Music Business School has received substantial funding from Help Musicians UK (HMUK).
The money will go towards growth including the school's move to become a Community Interest Company (CIC) and run regular Managing a Music Business Enterprise (MMBE) diploma courses.
As well as marking new territory for HMUK, the funding will coexist with the schemes the company already has in place to help musicians. Alongside providing guest speakers and other contacts, HMUK will receive 10 places spread over the five upcoming MMBE courses over the next two years.
Three are scheduled for 2017, with a further two courses to follow in 2018. The 13-week course aims to provide essential industry knowledge and a recognised qualification in a way designed to fit around people’s careers. An additional three-day Electronic Dance Music specialist course will take place in summer 2017.
Operating from Tileyard Studios in King’s Cross, the courses will drive professional growth, using high calibre speakers and a cohesive overview of the industry, covering labels, sync, streaming, tour management, and more.
Its status as a CIC form of social enterprise means any profits will be reinvested in the business.
MBS launched in 2010 and among its alumni are Claire Mas, head of digital at Communion Music Group; Lizanne Thomson, MD of the UK Theatre School and Cleo Panther, vocalist for electro artist Parov Stelar.
Returning speakers at the school include MMF president Jon Webster, David Goggin, head of repertoire & member data at PPL, Henry Semmence, MD of Absolute Label Services, and Simon Parkes, former owner of Brixton Academy.
Parkes commented: “I’ve spoken at quite a few MBS sessions, and have loved every minute, particularly the Q&A part. The courses cover every area of the music industry, while the students are so enthusiastic and drawn from a wide range of backgrounds. Looking forward to another round!”
Steve Melhuish, MBS Director and head tutor, commented: “With the help of HMUK, 2017 is going to be an important year which will establish Music Business School as a CIC and see us developing our core programme. We are indebted to our team of experts that advised us along the way. Particular thanks goes to Remi Harris, who teamed us up with HMUK.”
HMUK’s Creative Director Claire Gevaux added: “We’re keen to support long term sustainable careers in the music industry. Offering career development funding has been core to our work for many years and we’re delighted to be able to bring MBS into our portfolio of supported organisations. By helping MBS to become a CIC and investing in an affordable professional development qualification, we can have a much greater impact on the resilience of the sector.”
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