Technology | Making Music

Technology

Highnotes

In the summer edition of Highnotes, discover key learnings from the INCLUDE programme, with real-world examples from our member groups. Get inspired by Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire Concert Society's Make Music Day experience and explore easy fundraising tips, including the Gift Aid scheme. Plus, don’t miss our spotlight on LGBTQ+ member groups and a look at the innovative AI choral exhibition at Serpentine Gallery.

Creative Tax Reliefs (online event)

Is your music group missing out on Creative Tax Reliefs?

If you’re part of an instrumental, musical theatre or opera group, you could be eligible for Creative Tax Reliefs (CTR) – even if your group doesn’t pay tax.

CTR are offered by HMRC as a way to incentivize the creative industries. A common misconception is that you have to be paying tax to claim tax relief, but that isn’t the case. Charities that have not previously paid any tax can still claim tax reliefs and receive a payment from HMRC. All the groups we help claim CTR are registered charities.

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Treasurers meetup (online event)

Being treasurer of your group can be a rewarding experience, as well as a time-consuming and frustrating one. Making Music is hosting this meetup for Treasurers, where you’ll have the chance to connect with treasurers of other groups in breakout rooms, share your issues and experiences, and pick up some top tips for how to approach the role. 

 

We'll talk about:

Location

Online
United Kingdom

How to make your group easy to find online with SEO

It can be very difficult to get new people to discover your music group. But with our handy resource for beginners, you too can start using Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to improve your website’s search rankings.

Contents:

EarMaster

Corporate member EarMaster talks to us about how they can help leisure-time music groups better themselves.

EarMaster is an innovative app designed to help learners enhance their musicianship skills through engaging and interactive exercises. It covers key areas such as aural training, sight-singing, and rhythm practice, all rooted in a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach. Compatible with phones, tablets, and computers, EarMaster allows learners to sing, clap, or play their answers to exercises, providing instant feedback on pitch and rhythm accuracy.

Biiah

Corporate member Biiah supports community and health through singing, committed to making singing with others inclusive, accessible and delightful.

Biiah is a technology platform that supports the development of community through group singing to help people flourish. Our mobile app currently supports both in-person and virtual coach-facilitated group singing, connecting users more intentionally with their singing journey and the positive impacts this important activity has on our holistic health.

Sourcing royalty-free imagery online

Using good-quality images in your marketing is an effective way to attract attention, drive engagement, and boost ticket sales and membership; however, it’s essential to ensure you have permission to use them to avoid copyright infringement. 

Case study: Overhauling systems with Howdenshire Music

Ian Stewart, Secretary of promoter group Howdenshire Music, talks about how his group overhauled the way they do concerts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHORALLY

Corporate member CHORALLY is a dedicated online community platform that connects the world of choral and vocal music.

Founded by Ian Clethero, who launched the project as he saw a need for a ‘go-to place’ online to make it easy for choir leaders, performing groups, singing enthusiasts and organisations around the world to find information and network with each other.

Climate Change Network (online event)

Picking up on the discussion in the last Climate Change Network meeting in November, we are hoping that music groups will come and share where they have found or are looking for funding for climate-related projects, e.g. commissioning specific repertoire, changing their practice, etc.

Location

ONLINE
United Kingdom