Applications for composers to join Music Patron will be opening again soon!
Calling all composers!
Applications to join Music Patron, the online platform connecting composers with music lovers, will be opening again soon. See below to sign up to receive an email when we start accepting applications again.
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 improves the availability of new music of artistic merit by supporting composers to take creative risks and experiment with innovative approaches.
Music Patron brings together the traditional concept of patronage with the impact of grassroots collective giving. Composers build a community of patrons, each contributing to a dedicated fund that enables them to create and share new music with the wider public.
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 and public (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 are the selection criteria?
Outlined below are the criteria describing the requirements and mindset which we feel best equip a composer to be successful on the Music Patron platform:
- Compelling 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 with expertise in assessing artistic merit. We seek composers from diverse backgrounds and musical genres creating works that raise public appreciation of new music.
We are guided by Sound and Music's Fair Access Principles - a code of best practice which ensures our work is open and inclusive for all.
When is the next application review?
The next application review date is still to be confirmed. More information about this timeframe will be added to this page in due course.
Music Patron is committed to increasing the number of composers on the platform, however as a start-up we are mindful that our ambition to grow must be consistent with reaching the right strategic milestones.
Do I need to have found a Patron Champion before I submit an application?
We don’t expect composers to find Patron Champions at the application stage. Shortlisted composers will be given support and advice in how to approach prospective patrons at that stage of the process.
How do I apply?
We will be accepting applications from composers again soon. If you would like to receive an e-mail when we are accepting applications for the next round, please sign up below.
What if I have accessibility requirements?
We aim to accommodate all access needs, so please get in touch to let us know how we can help by contacting [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]