As we start our new 2019/20 term with another fantastic cohort of up and coming musicians, songwriters and producers, our Careers and Industry team are already on-hand to provide the all-important support that helps ICMP students stand out from the crowd.
The team have been hard at work over the summer months, forging some exciting new industry partnerships which will open doors for our students. Alongside those, they've scheduled an enviable calendar of events and guests, lined-up throughout the year to offer ongoing opportunities for our students' professional development outside of the classroom.
How we support our students from classroom to industry
Alongside our leading teaching programmes, an essential part of the ICMP experience is the great support, advice and industry opportunities we offer our students to give them the best chance of success after they’ve left their studies behind. We know this works too, the most recent DLHE (Destination of leavers of higher education) data showed that within 6 months of graduating over 94% of ICMP students are in employment or further education and earn an average salary of £24,000, £5,000 higher than other UK music students.**
Key to our students' progression is the support, insight and connections offered by our careers team. From panel events with leading industry experts exploring the latest hot topics to 1:2:1 A&R meetings offering tailored advice from top professionals, our Careers and Industry Hub team help facilitate the all-important engagement between students and the wider music industry.
And the support doesn’t end after graduation. All alumni are invited to our busy programme of masterclasses and networking events during the year, to help them connect with industry and those currently enrolled on our programmes. It enables both students and alumni to expand their professional networks, something we know is crucial to building a successful music career, whatever stage you maybe at.
Here’s how we’ve supported our students and alumni in 2018-19
One-to-one career development meetings
These meetings focus on artist and talent development queries including release and marketing strategies, how to raise your profile as a session musician, sourcing gigs and developing your sonic identity.
These meetings answer professional development queries such as job applications, options with your qualification, further study and general employability skills.
A&R sessions
We’ve welcomed top industry professionals from BBC Radio 1, Warner Chappell, Warner Bros Records, Method Music and Spotify for A&R sessions in 2018-19.
Previous years have seen visits from the likes of Atlantic Records, Kobalt, Sony, Universal, Lab Records, 52 Management and Polydor.
Accelerator Fund
Over £2,600 funding was given to 14 students and alumni in 2018-19 to aid their careers and artist development as part of our Accelerator Fund.
Odina
Our Cert HE Songwriting Alumna used support from the fund to help record her debut album.
Tragic Sasha
Backing from the fund helped finance our BA Songwriting alumna’s latest music video for her track ‘Cake’. It’s been a regular feature on Huw Stephens’ BBC Radio 1 show.
The Velvet Hands
Featuring our BA Creative Musicianship alumnus Toby Mitchell and Sam Hilder, The Velvet Hands used Accelerator support to record their debut album, ‘Party’s Over’. They are supporting music legends Liam Gallagher and Paul Weller this summer.
Curriculum
Companies represented include Warner Chappell, ITV, Communion Records, ATC Management, Handle Recruitment, Longevity PR, MusicGurus, Songular, SGD Law, Ferocious Talent with other guests including Fiona Bevan (artist) and Orla Gartland (artist).
Events
Companies represented across all activity to date: Atlantic Records; Various Artists Management, September Management, AWAL/Kobalt; Reservoir Publishing; Insanity Records; Vic Jamieson (Alumnus/Guitarist); Steve Durham (Drummer/MD); Universal Music, Parlophone Records, United Talent Agency, Handle Recruitment, Bucks Music, High Five PR, BEK Music, Bruce Music, Saulty Dog Management, Coda Agency, LiveNation, Gravity Management, Warner Bros Records, BMG Publishing, All On Red Management, Help Musicians UK, CC Young, Bruce Music, London in Stereo.
Auditions
Companies represented/Opportunities with A&R Scout Kobalt; A&R Scout Atlantic. BMG Dance Act Vocalist; Decca Auditions; Native Management Auditions; Drummer for Haelos; The Voice 2019 Auditions; Writers/Producers for Triptik.
What students can look forward to this year
This year the team have lined-up an impressive roster of guests and events, amongst others these include:
- Speed Networking for Artists, Writers & Producers
- Get a Manager, Label and Publisher
- Building your live performance profile
- How to promote your release
- Working as a freelance - Essential tips and advice
Our popular 1:2:1 artist development sessions are available to book and applications are now open for this year's Accelerator Funding pot.
If you've joined us this year, make yourself known to the team, stay connected and you never know what opportunities may come your way.
Find the Careers & Industry Team on the 2nd Floor of our Dyne Road campus. Full details of the latest events and industry opportunities can be found on My.ICMP
*DLHE • Employment of Leavers Survey - UK domiciled undergraduate leavers 2016/17 | ** DLHE 2017
Study Music in London with ICMP
If you're keen to tap into the wealth of opportunities at ICMP, learning from our regular industry guests and collaborating within the vibrant ICMP creative community, then speak to our Admissions Team. They're on hand to help you find the right course that matches your ability and aspirations.
Contact the team on 020 7328 0222 or via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk and start your music career today.