As we finally exit the winter period, there’s nothing quite like a burst of spring sunshine to lift those productivity levels.
If you’re looking for that extra career boost this month, then there are plenty of opportunities to grasp as we enter April. From game-changing funding initiatives — including an exciting touring-based programme for Scottish-based artists — through to educational events about maximising your income as a songwriter, there’s much to explore over the next 30 days.
Read on to see what five opportunities for songwriters we're highlighting in April 2026.
Apply to join The Ivors Academy Trust’s ‘Composing to Visuals’ programme
If you aspire to write music for TV, film and visual media but are still seeking that extra bit of guidance, then this new mentoring initiative from The Ivors Academy Trust could prove to be just the impetus you need.
‘Composing to Visuals’ is targeted at early-stage media composers who want to develop their confidence in their creative abilities, enhance their composition skills and expand their networks and contacts within the industry. Successful applicants will receive mentoring from established industry composers, who will guide and support them through a realistic brief from Sky.
Applications for the programme — which will take place in May and June before a showcase in July — remain open until 6 April, and you can find the full eligibility criteria here.
Learn about maximising your music income with Amplify Her and PRS
Knowledge is power when it comes to unlocking your full earning potential as a songwriter. With that in mind, Amplify Her — a community dedicated to empowering women across the music industry — has partnered with PRS for Music for the upcoming masterclass How To Maximise Your Music Income with PRS / PPL?
Taking place at PRS for Music’s London hub on 10 April, this three-hour masterclass will aim to help music creators better understand the numerous revenue streams available to them, from live performance royalties and streaming to neighbouring rights with PPL.
Open to members of Amplify Her, experts from PRS will be on hand to guide attendees through these topics and offer further tips and advice. RSVP to attend the free event here.
Explore funding from the Alan Surtees Trust
Founded in memory of the late co-founder and director of Shrewsbury Folk Festival, the Alan Surtees Trust is now accepting applications for its 2026 round of funding.
Aimed at young UK songwriters aged between 16 and 30 whose work is rooted in or influenced by traditional music and arts, successful applicants will be able to use the funding to support such areas as mentoring, tuition, rehearsal space and equipment hire, recording and production time, or even project research and development expenses. Find out how to apply by heading here before the deadline on 30 April.
2025 grantee Emily Ashberry, who used her funding to record and produce her debut album, said in support of the initiative: ‘This generous funding from the Trust will help me to elevate my practice as a musician and allow me to work with other talented folk artists to produce music that touches on a heritage and genre that I love.’
Liverpool or Tees Valley-based? Check out PPL Momentum Accelerator
The UK music industry has taken great strides in shifting its London-centric approach recently, including moving major prize-giving events like the Mercury Prize and the BRITs to Newcastle and Manchester respectively.
Furthering that spirit, applications for the PPL Momentum Accelerator scheme are now open to music creators based in either Liverpool or the Tees Valley. Designed to support artists and bands who are writing their own music outside London — and who therefore face additional barriers in reaching a crucial career tipping point due to their location — past recipients of this fund include the likes of English Teacher, Chalk and Pixey.
As well as providing timely financial support of up to £5000, this scheme aims to help creators become more investment-ready, grant access to industry-facing platforms and provide knowledge and advice around generating income to build audiences and sustain careers. Applications for both the Liverpool and Tess Valley schemes open on 13 April, and you can find out more here.
And finally — keep an eye out for a new touring fund for Scottish artists
If you’re a Scottish-based music creator with ambitions to tour internationally, then you'll be pleased to hear about the recent news that the Scottish government has announced a new £300,000 pilot fund to help its nation’s touring artists combat rising costs.
The rapid-response fund, which will initially operate as a one year-trial scheme, will help artists cover such costs as travel, freight and visa applications. Further information on eligibility and how to apply will be made available by Creative Scotland ‘in due course’, according to the organisation.
‘International touring is vital to Scotland’s music sector, enabling artists to generate income, reach new audiences, build networks across borders, and showcase Scotland’s creative talent on the world stage,’ Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said in a statement. ‘However, musicians have told us that international tours are increasingly challenging for many acts, due to ever-increasing travel costs. Brexit has also hit them hard, with musicians no longer free to move between the 27 EU member states and significant costs and paperwork now required for any equipment they want to travel with.
‘Following extensive engagement with the sector, including the Scottish Music Industry Association, the Scottish Government will provide £300,000 to help mitigate this issue in the short-term, while the possibility of a dedicated cultural export service can be explored to ensure Scotland’s musicians are heard by the widest possible audience.’
