Independent Music Distributor TuneCore launch free youth development initiative

22 April 2021 - Press release

Leading independent digital music distributor  TuneCore, has partnered with Point Blank Music School and youth charity, The Prince’s Trust to create a week-long programme for young people looking to join the music industry. Get Started in the Music Industry runs May 24th - May 28th 2021 features mentoring, artist conversations and more than twenty five hours of live virtual sessions.

UK Music’s 2018 report, ‘Securing Our Talent Pipeline’  found that just 15% students in state schools receive music education, compared to 50% of students studying at independent schools. Economic pressures, reduced access to equipment and a shrinking number of schools offering the subject has seen the number of young people studying music at both GCSE and A-Level continue to drop.

TuneCore, The Prince’s Trust and Point Blank have created this programme in response to these issues, bringing together representatives from all parts of the industry, including executives from Iceland Airwaves, Various Artists Management, Metropolis Studios, byta, Open DAW and TuneCore parent company Believe, to deliver a range of practical advice and industry expertise. The programme will introduce attendees to the basics of music production and songwriting, alongside a wide range of music business sessions. Each day will conclude with an artist interview, with GIRLI, R.A.E, Scouting for Girls, and Novo Amor slated to speak.

“The opportunities available in the music industry are vast, but those opportunities are not equally available to everyone. To develop a better, more diverse and more impactful music industry of the future, we need to act now and support the expansion of the UK talent pipeline. TuneCore is honoured to have been invited by The Prince’s Trust to support the fantastic work they do with young people and excited to have Point Blank join us for the journey.”

- Gareth Mellor- Head of UK- TuneCore

 “This programme will be a great introduction to the music industry, offering insight from industry experts who have experience of working behind the scenes in areas such as music production, PR, marketing and tour managing as well as hearing from musicians and artists themselves. We’re excited to offer this opportunity, which we hope will encourage the next generation of music professionals and look forward to working alongside TuneCore and Point Blank Music School.”

- Melanie Phillips- Executive- The Prince’s Trust

“At Point Blank Music School, we're committed to providing access to music education and the music industry for all, regardless of background. We believe the only thing that should limit you is your own talent, creativity and determination. We’re delighted to join forces with TuneCore and The Prince’s Trust to deliver this inspirational programme of events to build awareness of the career paths available within the music industry and to encourage young people to follow their musical passions.” 

- Seth Stromboli, Head of Marketing, Communications & Engagement, Point blank Music School.  

“I’m hyped to work with The Prince's Trust to help young people get into the music industry - talks and industry seminars really helped me when I was starting out so it's cool to be able to help the next gen of artists in the same way!”- GIRLI

“I'm really excited to be a part of this - The Prince's Trust is such a great initiative so really hope i can contribute to making this week valuable!”- R.A.E.

“I'm really happy to be working with the Prince's Trust & TuneCore and hope my interview will help to inspire young musicians entering the music industry” - Novo Amor

Entry Guidelines

Get Started in the Music Industry is open to young people not in education, employment or training aged 18-30 and is free.

To take part in the programme, which runs from 24th to 28th May, young people will need to attend an online Taster event on Tuesday 11 May at 2pm.

The deadline to apply is Friday 7th May. To find out more contact Mel Phillips melanie.phillips@princes-trust.org.uk 07870 880 647 or Harry Sampson harry.sampson@princes-trust.org.uk 07483 981 306.