The UK’s professional body for musicians and subject association for music
This resource is a non-exhaustive list of opportunities, networks, venues, ensembles, record labels and events which may wish to engage performers in commissions or partnership work. It is designed to serve as a starting point. Building relationships with those within the industry is equally important.We have also included some ISM resources to help you further.
Various festivals from across the globe provide performance opportunities for unsigned bands and artists to perform on stage or provide their contact details for performance enquires, here we list some of these festivals.
For guidance on the festival life cycle, from programming to payment, including how to engage promoters, arranging merchandise stands and the filming of your performance see our guide How to...Play at a festival.
The 17 Bucharest International Jazz Competition is open to bands and vocalists of all nationalities. Applicants must be born after 1 of July 1978 and bands may have up to six performing musicians including instrumentalists and vocalists.
Applicants should be aged 18 and over and live in Glasgow. The initiative is aimed at people who face barriers to accessing electronic music. Applicants will be selected for taster sessions to a six week DJ and music industry course.
ACM offers annual scholarships for prospective students and more information is available on their website.
The training programme, which spans 12 months, provides support and insights for emerging artists including around recording and releasing your music, tour management, funding management, marketing, PR, personal development, and brand awareness and growth.
Listen Imagine Compose are offering a Masters in Teaching and Learning, as part of their CPD programme for secondary music teachers. The course is designed to develop skills in teaching composing with KS3, KS4 and KS5 students.
Play is an essential hands-on guide to help you manage performance anxiety and reach your full potential.
Member only
Specialist advice from George Vass (Presteigne Festival) and David Jones (Serious) on how to play at festivals. Includes a guide to preparing a technical rider.
Member only
Written by Empowered Musician partner and global artist management firm IMG Artists.
Member only
In this downloadable advice pack exclusive to ISM members, Victoria Barrett of VLT LEGAL offers advice on how to read, understand and negotiate a music contract.
Member only
In How to... Make a recording industry experts take you through the complete cycle of creating an audio recording
Member only
The Digital Performers Pack brings together some of the ISM's most popular advice on performing online published during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also includes all new material.
Member only
An in-depth guide to using ORM (online real-time music) for those confident using technology.
Member only
Written by Empowered Musician panellist and music industry expert Chris Cooke from CMU.
Member only
Written by Jessie Scoullar from marketing specialists Wicksteed Works.
Find out about funding opportunities for performers and composers.
Make musical connections with Member Connect, an online, private directory of current ISM members.
Funding opportunities from the Performing Right Society's foundation.
Sound are offering free, fortnightly online Covfefe chats. This is an informal opportunity for composers and musicians to come together and chat about the challenges, issues and opportunities they're facing. Please register before attending.
Is there something missing? This is not a comprehensive list. If you think something should be added in, why not email us at [email protected]. If you have your own ensemble or group or venue, why not get in touch and ask us to add it in?
