Professional Development Program Overview

PART 1: THE SPARK

So far this year to light the spark, we’ve hosted a panel discussion on music distribution with GYROstream and The Orchard, plus partnered on electronic music conference event Future AV alongside Ableton, Roland and Better Music. Following this, MusicACT are proud to present:

What’s in an album? A conversation with….

  • What's in an album? A conversation with Gretta Ray

    Sunday 28th April at 3pm - Gang Gang Cafe, ACT

    A conversation with Gretta Ray about her latest album Positive Spin and coming-of-age in the music industry, designed to give participants inspiration and tips for their own careers.

    Free Registration

  • What's in an album? A conversation with Scarlett McKahey

    Sunday 12th May at 3pm - Old Canberra Inn, ACT

    We chat with songwriter and guitarist Scarlett McKahey of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers about their debut album I Love You and launching from Canberra to the world.

    Free Registration

  • What's in an album? A conversation with Citizen Kay

    Sunday 26th May at 3pm - Gang Gang Cafe, ACT

    Hear about how Canberra icon Citizen Kay brought some of the ACT’s best together to create and release one of the most marvellous and intriguing concept records to come out of the ACT in 2023.

    Free Registration

PART 2: FUELLING CREATIVITY

PART 2: FUELLING CREATIVITY

We’re getting hands-on by facilitating more hands-on workshops, mentorships and activities for you to gain practical skills and connect with your music peers and wider industry in real working environments. More information and how to get involved coming later in 2024.

  • June 2024

    The world of collaborative songwriting

    We’ll be bringing in a renowned professional songwriter to give 1-on-1 songwriting and toplining workshops for ACT-based emerging songwriters as well as a Music Chats on collaborative songwriting.

  • July - Sep 2024

    MusicACT Mentorship Program

    An opportunity for mid-level career artists and industry workers to further their networks and gain personalised professional skill development. 3 artist mentorships, and 1 events/industry mentorship with mentors Scarlett McKahey (Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers), Harry Young (GYROstream/Damn Best Management), renowned international electronic producer Blanke and events whiz Kels Bagust (UCLivex, Sydney Opera House).

  • Sep 2024

    Our Women in Music program is coming back new and improved. We can’t say too much right now.... but watch this space if you are looking to gain hands-on DJ and music production experience.

Alongside, our fueling creativity series - save the date for:

We will be offering an open digital music chat to assist with tax time as the financial year closes out.

Thursday 13 June

Sunday 30 June

Night-time economy 101. Hear from night-time expert Kels Bagust on what an entertainment precinct and thriving night-time economy could mean for your work and artist practice in music.

PART 3: LIVE AND ALIVE

PART 3: LIVE AND ALIVE

In the final months of 2024, we’re equipping participants with skills and information from a range of areas to develop their live performance and professional practise. Save the dates below and stay tuned for registration details later in the year.

  • What's in a festival? A conversation with Ryan Sabet (Kicks Entertainment/Spilt Milk)

    Sunday 13th October

    If you're an aspiring event promoter, artist who wants to play a festival or even just an interested music fan - come hear from the mind behind one of Australia's most successful touring festivals, and how it was born right here in our capital.

  • Demystifying insurance: the state of play for musicians and venues

    Sunday 27th October

    Bring your burning questions and a notebook to pick the brains of some music insurance experts, as well as get practical insurance tips and understanding

  • MusicACT x Hey Mate: Building Resilience and Working Through Performance Anxiety

    Sunday 17th November

    Tailored for professionals in the music industry, this workshop is designed to address the challenges musicians often face when preparing for and engaging in live performances. Led by performers and mental health professionals, it will provide practical strategies and psychological insights to help participants manage and overcome performance anxiety effectively.