Applications for composers to join Music Patron are open!
Calling all composers!
Applications are now open to join Music Patron, the new online platform connecting composers with music lovers.
Music Patron is changing the status quo for composers by offering a fresh approach to funding new music in the UK.
What is Music Patron?
Music Patron’s vision is to give composers the freedom to create new music with a new, more sustainable source of income, offering them the artistic freedom to explore new ideas.
Music Patron brings together the traditional concept of patronage with the impact of grassroots collective giving. Composers build a community of patrons, each giving a regular monthly amount. Together this generates a meaningful, game-changing income stream for composers.
We are excited to work with composers who want to build a community of supportive patrons, and share their creative process with them.
Who is a composer?
The word ‘composer’ can conjure up a certain image or type of music, but we want to challenge this.
A composer is anyone who creates new work using sound or music; whether they perform it themselves or write for others, and whether they work with software, with notes on paper, through improvisation, or in other ways.
We want to connect patrons to some of today’s most exciting composers and showcase the richness and diversity of new music created in the UK.
Who is Music Patron for?
Music Patron is a curated platform and composers at any point in their career may apply, as long as they are over the age of 18 and not in full-time education, and are able to evidence a demonstrable degree of success in their field.
We are looking for composers who are:
- enthusiastic about sharing aspects of themselves and/or their creative practice, and can identify how this would be of value to them, and an audience
- curious to experiment with new and different ways to engage digitally with an audience
- motivated and confident to explore new ways to fund their creativity through building a community of patrons
- able to commit to a regular timetable/pattern of communication with patrons (minimum once per quarter)
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply to join Music Patron you must:
- be over 18 years old
- not be in full-time education (in any subject)
- have been based in the UK for the last two years
- plan for the UK to be your main location of activity for the next two years
- have a proven professional practice in creating new music (can be non-continuous i.e. including career breaks or time away from creating new music)
What is the selection criteria?
- Fluent and enthusiastic communication
- Proven digital engagement
- Track record / Evidence of success as a composer
- Motivation to help shape the future for new music for all composers
- Pledged support from at least 1 Patron Champion
How do you select composers?
Selection for the platform is led by a Shortlisting Advisory Panel combining external and internal voices, and reflecting the essence of Music Patron’s vision – to connect composers with music lovers.
Is there a deadline to apply?
No, there is no deadline to apply to join Music Patron. Applications are rolling which means composers can submit an application whenever they choose. However, we will review applications at specific points throughout the year.
Once the cut-off date for the next application review has been confirmed we will list it on this page, and share it via our newsletter and social media channels.
I applied to join the spring cohort, when will I hear back about my application?
If you submitted your application by the spring cohort cut-off date (Wednesday 17 January) we will be in touch after applications have been reviewed by the Music Patron Shortlisting Advisory Panel, in February or early March 2024.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch via [email protected]
What's your connection to Sound and Music?
Music Patron is a start-up incubated within Sound and Music, the national organisation for new music and a charity (no. 1124609). We are guided by its Fair Access Principles a code of best practice which ensures our work is open and inclusive for all.
How do I apply?
Step 1 – Registration
Once you have completed the registration form confirming your eligibility, you will be emailed a link to the application form, along with accompanying application guidance.
Step 2 – Application
Accessibility
We aim to accommodate all access needs, so please get in touch to let us know how we can help by contacting [email protected]
Accessible versions of text on this page are currently being updated. Please check back or email us [email protected]
What if I have more questions?
Want to find out more about joining Music Patron or ask any questions?
You can email us to get in touch us: [email protected]
