People considering a career in the music industry can now access a comprehensive, online reference directory of academic and vocational opportunities for 2009/10 launched today - the Music Education Directory at www.bpi-med.co.uk.
This edition of the Music Education Directory has been sponsored by UK recorded music business body the BPI in partnership with Creative & Cultural Skills and launched to coincide with Rhythm of London, the Mayor of London’s campaign to promote music education opportunities in London. The Directory is also an integral part of www.creative-choices.co.uk, linking it with broader careers advice and guidance for the music industry.
Since its inception in 1996, the Music Education Directory has grown exponentially from an initial 40 entries to more than 1,250 today. The courses on offer range from Degree and college courses through to vocational training, spanning typical UK industry functions from record companies and music publishing to artist management, live performance and audio production.
The Directory also contains a range of valuable advice for candidates considering training for a career in the music industry, including useful industry maps to help provide an overview of the industry and its functions.
BPI CEO Geoff Taylor said: “The sheer breadth of courses contained in the new Music Education Directory illustrates that people who are looking to pursue a career in music have more choice than ever before in terms of training and education. As the industry adapts to a rapidly changing digital environment, there are new opportunities in labels and across the music sector for people with cutting-edge creative and digital skills. In a competitive market, the right education can help candidates with commitment and talent stand out from the crowd.”
Tom Bewick, Chief Executive, Creative & Cultural Skills, added: “Creative & Cultural Skills is delighted to be involved in the latest iteration of the Music Education Directory. The music industry has articulated an urgent need for better information about education and training available to the sector and those aspiring to work in it. Newly matched with the careers advice and guidance provided by our website www.creative-choices.co.uk, the resource will be an asset. It is, however, only a beginning in our long-term campaign to develop the skills of the current and future workforce so we can keep the music industry competitive in years to come. “
Munira Mirza, Advisor on Arts and Culture to the Mayor of London, said: “There are an enormous number of talented individuals coming out of our schools and colleges wanting to work in the music industry. The Music Education Directory is a useful tool in helping ensure there are the right skills to ensure this vitally important sector remains successful and competitive.”
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
For further information on BPI, please contact Adam Liversage, Director of Communications on 020 7803 1326 or e-mail adam.liversage@bpi.co.uk.
For further information on Creative & Cultural Skills, please contact Catherine Large, Director, External Relations on 020 7015 1828 or e-mail catherine.large@ccskills.org.uk.
For further information on Rhythm of London, please contact Benjamin McKnight, Chief Communications Officer at the Mayor’s Press Office on 020 7983 4071 or e-mail: Ben.McKnight@london.gov.uk.
About BPI
The BPI is the representative voice of the UK recorded music business. We are a trade organisation funded by our members - which include the UK's four major record labels and hundreds of independent music companies. BPI members account for approximately 90% of all recorded music sold in the UK, and globally the UK's recorded music market is the third biggest.
Established in 1973, the BPI was mandated to “discuss matters of common interest and represent the British record industry in negotiations with Government departments, relevant unions and other interested parties and to promote the welfare and interests of the British record industry.” Over thirty-five years later, we still put this mission statement at the heart of all our work.
The BPI also organises the annual BRIT Awards show as well as the Classical BRIT Awards show. The organising company BRIT Awards limited, is a fully owned subsidiary of the BPI. Substantial proceeds from both shows go to the BRIT Trust, the charitable arm of the BPI that has donated almost £15m to charitable causes nationwide, since its foundation in 1989.
About Creative & Cultural Skills
Creative & Cultural Skills is the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries. Our remit covers the areas of: advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, and performing, literary and visual arts. For more information visit www.ccskills.org.uk.
Licensed by government in June 2005, Creative & Cultural Skills is one of 25 Sector Skills Councils, known collectively as the Skills for Business Network, to oversee the strategic development of the workforce in our industries and deliver realistic solutions to skills needs.
Our Chairman is Tony Hall CBE and our Chief Executive is Tom Bewick. Both founded the organisation from scratch in 2004.
Our remit is UK-wide. Wales is represented by Judith Isherwood, Chief Executive of the Wales Millennium Centre. Scotland is represented by John Stalker, Chief Executive of Festival City Theatres. Northern Ireland is represented by Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of Arts Council Northern Ireland.
About Rhythm of London
Rhythm of London is organised by the Greater London Authority and is part of the Mayor's longer-term aim to increase access opportunities for young Londoners to participate and develop skills in music and art. It takes place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July with a range of event in schools and at venues across the capital, including young buskers on London Underground. For more information go to: www.london.gov.uk/rhythmoflondon.