PRS for Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance Present:

The Composers’ Seminar

Classical Music: an art or a business?

What is this event about?

Whether you are a student, an established composer or you work in other areas of the classical sector, how do you balance music as art and as a career? We will hear from industry experts about the current economic climate and explore the various revenue streams that are available to composers. The 21st-century music industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so how can classical music stay relevant and keep up with changing technology? We offer some insights and predictions to the future.

Evening summary

17:30 - Registration

18:00 - Event begins - Brief introduction

18:15 - Panel 1: Defining Composition

19:00 - Short break

19:15 - Panel 2: Music as Business

20:00 - Drinks/networking

21:00 - End

Panel 1: Defining Composition

Chaired by Dominic Murcott, Head of Composition at Trinity Laban, this panel will discuss what it means to be a composer in 2016 and how (or should) we define classical music, from concert works to film and electronic music. How do composers make a living from composition or do they have to rely on additional work such as teaching and conducting?

Panellists:

Gary Carpenter, Composer

Harry Escott, Composer

Catherine Manners, Director, Manners McDade Artist Management & Music Publishing

Ayanna Witter Johnson, Composer

Roger Wright, Chief Executive, Aldeburgh Music

Panel 2: Music as Business

Chaired by Harriet Wybor, PRS for Music’s Classical Account Manager, this panel will explore how the classical music industry has changed in recent times and what the current economic climate is for composers. How can composers maximise the available revenue streams and take advantage of new opportunities?

Panellists:

Katie Ferguson, General Manager, unCLASSIFIED

Sally Cavender, Director, Performance Music and Vice-Chairman, Faber Music

Mark Pemberton, Director, Association of British Orchestras

Anne Rushton, Executive Director, NMC Recordings

Kemal Yusuf, Composer, Artistic Director, London Graduate Orchestra

Networking & Drinks

Please join us for complimentary drinks and nibbles following our discussions – a great opportunity to meet the panellists informally and share experiences with fellow composers and colleagues. You will also have the chance to meet representatives from organisations including BASCA, Help Musicians UK, ISM, the Musicians’ Union, PRS for Music Foundation and UK Music.

We hope to see you there.

The Membership Team.

The Composers' Seminar event - Classical Music: an art or a business?