Engaging professional artists | Making Music

Engaging professional artists

Chairs and leaders meet up (online event)

The responsibility that lies with Chairs and other leaders of music organisations can feel overwhelming, particularly in times of change. Making Music is hosting this meetup so you can connect with others in the same role, and talk about your challenges and successes. 

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Online member meetup (Promoters)

This is an online meet-up for Making Music members which are promoters, including festivals, music clubs and promoting groups. 

The meeting will include an update on our lobbying and advocacy work and take a closer look, with the opportunity to ask questions, at our 2022 Big Survey reports, four of which have now been published.  

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Applying for funding (online event)

Many leisure-time music groups regularly consider making project fund applications to arts councils, trusts or foundations whilst others are considering it for the first time. This event will walk you through some of the usual things you can expect, and equip you with some best practice and tips to set you up for a much better chance of success, whether you're applying for £250 or for £250,000!

 

We'll talk about:

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Recommended rates for engaging professional musicians

This agreement, reached between the Musicians' Union and Making Music in 2017 (updated in 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024) provides guideline minimum rates for groups when engaging freelance professional musicians. 

We are very pleased to have renewed our agreement with the Musicians’ Union which is now in its seventh year.  

The Recommended Artist Guide

We are delighted to be preparing to launch a new and exclusive Recommended Artist Guide, an online database of affordable professional artists to book specially by leisure-time music groups and promoters, with the launch of our new website in 2025. 

Replacing our previously printed Selected Artist Guide, Making Music members will be able to book the listed artists at specially quoted fees, while the artists will gain exposure and more opportunities for bookings. 

Chameleon Arts Orchestra

Long-running group of top freelance players to suit your venue, repertoire and budget.

Recruiting a Music Director

Recruiting for a new musical leader is an important moment for a music group. This resource will take you through the process from defining the role to making an offer. Groups use different terms for their group's musical leader role, but in this resource we will use Music Director (MD).  

Contents:

Engaging and working with the musical leader for your group (online event)

98% of Making Music members have a music professional leading their group – but how to find and engage the right individual, and what are the different models of how music directors and committees work together? 

Making Music will talk about some of the practical help we have to help you find the right musical leader for your group: our Musical Vacancies tool, template contract, the fee results from the Big Survey 2022, and our ‘Searching for a Music Director’ resource. 

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Bands for Hire

Music agency providing live bands for every occasion. 

Map a Muso

Map a Muso is a directory that matches professional performers based in your local area with your event.

Whether you're looking for soloists, conductors or extra musicians and singers for your concert, Map a Muso can help you find the performers you need.

Since launching in Spring 2023, our directory has grown fast to nearly 400 performers, from freelancers working for West End shows, to top orchestras and BBC choirs. Our mission is to make the music industry greener by connecting performers with gigs and concerts nearby.