ICMP launch scholarship with AIM

08 July 2019 - Press release

ICMP, together with music industry partner AIM (The Association of Independent Music), is delighted to offer an outstanding opportunity for a deserving person to develop their skills and potential through our exciting new Music Business and Entrepreneurship scholarship.

The scholarship has been created for those who are passionate and driven, with a keen interest in music business, but who might not normally be in a position to consider Higher Education as part of their career development.

The winner will be given the opportunity to study free-of-charge on our one-year Cert HE Music Business and Entrepreneurship course*. This course provides an unrivalled opportunity to explore the history and workings of modern music in the context of the recorded music, live music and music publishing industries. They’ll develop a solid understanding of core music business areas such as marketing and PR, tour and artist management, A&R, music copyright, sales and distribution, revenue streams, music rights and royalties, and more.

The course is designed to be flexible – allowing adjustments based on the ever-changing demands of the industry. It also enables progression to the highly practical BA (Hons) Music Business and Entrepreneurship course – the first music business degree in the UK to give weighting to the concepts of ‘entrepreneurship’, ‘enterprise’ and ‘innovation’ as well as music business management.

Creating opportunities through partnership

ICMP and AIM share common values. We both believe in supporting dedicated individuals from any background to launch a career in music – in this case in business and entrepreneurship. AIM’s status as a not-for-profit trade body exclusively representing the UK’s independent music sector sees it promote and support exciting and diverse talent globally, enabling individuals to innovate, grow and break into new markets.

AIM’s CEO Paul Pacifico believes it’s crucial for the industry to invest in the next generation of talent:

AIM exists to level the playing field and provide opportunities to all – irrespective of background, identity or music genre. We’re proud to partner with ICMP on this exciting new scholarship opportunity that we hope will offer an individual the chance to begin their career in music on an equal footing. The opportunity to partner with ICMP on this scholarship is a concrete commitment from AIM to do just that.”

ICMP’s Music Business Programme Leader, Ken Forman, says the Cert HE is a great introduction to the realities of the industry: “The scholarship winner will learn all the music business essentials, from how to manage and develop an artist, put on a live music event and create an international tour book, to developing marketing strategies, promotional materials and developing and pitching a business idea. All we need them to bring is their creativity.”      

ICMP’s Chief Executive, Paul Kirkham, is just as enthusiastic about the unique scholarship:

We are delighted to partner with AIM to provide this golden opportunity for a motivated and talented individual who has a passion for music business but perhaps hasn’t quite known where to start. Their career in the music industry awaits… and we look forward to working with them.”  

How to apply

If you’d like to be in with a chance of receiving this fantastic scholarship, simply complete the application form and upload a one to two minute video of yourself describing why you think you have the skills, interest, ideas and dedication to be a music business entrepreneur and why you believe you are a worthy scholarship recipient.

To be eligible, applicants will need to meet the academic requirements for entry and have a background of low participation in Higher Education, with a household income of below £25,000. Applicants from all ethnicities, genders and backgrounds should apply. Those from underrepresented groups including, for example, disabled students, care leavers and mature age students, are especially encouraged to apply.

The closing date for applications is Friday 9th August 2019. AIM and ICMP will then develop a shortlist and select one final lucky winner.

Apply now for the ICMP/AIM Cert HE Music Business and Entrepreneurship scholarship - good luck!