The UK’s Music Managers Forum (MMF), which represents more than 500 managers, has partnered with YouTube Music to launch the Accelerator Programme for Music Managers (APMM ).
The programme is being tipped by the MMF as ‘the first ever independent funding and professional development initiative designed solely for artist, songwriter and producer managers’ and is aimed at professionals in full or part-time employment, looking to transition into full-time music management with their own company.
Applications are open now for managers based in England and Scotland with the MMF having partnered with the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) on the initiative.
The programme’s consulting partners include Urban Development, Small Green Shoots, I Luv Live and Generator, while partners providing business support include Harbottle & Lewis, Sheridans, Simkins, Simons Muirhead & Burton, Music Insurance Brokers and SRLV.
As well as providing twelve-month grants of up to £15,000, APMM will see successful applicants benefit from an intensive year-long training and mentorship programme, delivered in partnership with CMU Insights and Music Ally.
First round applications must be submitted by midday Wednesday October 31.
Fiona McGugan, General Manager, Music Managers Forum, said: “The role of music management has undoubtedly been elevated across the past decade. It’s a challenging profession, and a good manager needs to be across all aspects of their client’s business – be they an artist, a songwriter or a producer.
“However, many managers also face financial uncertainty, particularly in the early stages of their career, and we fear that without proper support the music industry will lose vital talent from across the country.
“By partnering with YouTube Music, the Accelerator Programme offers a way of addressing this dilemma. The programme is for managers who are already building a track record, and our aim is to encourage applications from across England and Scotland, from all genres and backgrounds, and to leave a lasting legacy that serves a whole generation of artists.”
“The role of music management has undoubtedly been elevated across the past decade.”
Fiona McGugan, Music Managers Forum
Azi Eftekhari, YouTube Music, said: “We believe passionately in the importance of managers in developing the next wave of UK talent.
“YouTube Music is proud to partner with the Music Managers Forum on the Accelerator Programme which we hope is a game-changer in providing emerging managers the opportunity to hone their skills and focus on their business.”
Dougal Perman, Executive Chair, Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) added: “As an organisation that exists to represent and develop the music industry in Scotland, the SMIA is delighted to contribute to this exciting programme from the Music Managers Forum and YouTube Music and open up the opportunity to emerging Scottish managers.”
The Accelerator Programme is also being backed by some of the UK’s most respected music managers, such as Paul Craig, (MMF Chair and manager of Biffy Clyro), Martha Kinn (Machine Management), Clarisse Quinn and Matt Greer (ATC Management) and Jazz Sherman (Rocket Music).
“This is a transformative initiative and one that the MMF and YouTube Music should be very proud of,” said Craig.
“When I started in management, the opportunity to apply to a fund to help me focus on being a full time manager was only something that I could dream about. The inclusion of the business support, training and mentorship makes it even more remarkable.”
Martha Kinn, who manages Years & Years added: “Being a full time manager is a luxury, we’re looking at an average of at least two to three years before an act is generating any income. An initiative that supports managers financially and through mentorship is so important, not only for the managers themselves but for the health of the music industry.
“This fund will give managers the opportunity to make decisions based on their artist’s long term needs – rather than their short term financial needs- hopefully leading to more longevity in both artist and manager’s careers.”Music Business Worldwide
