As we head into the busy summer period, the music industry is abuzz with activity — making this the perfect time for songwriters to take advantage of the ample opportunities on offer.
There’s a plethora of openings in May for music creators of all levels, from getting involved in such tastemaking new music festivals as The Great Escape to attending prestigious industry summits and networking events. Here’s five opportunities for songwriters to get stuck in to in May.
Join The Ivors Academy Summit
On 20 May — two days before The Ivors 2025 takes place — The Ivors Academy will host their first-event summit. Supported by ICE and PRS for Music, the one-day event is aimed at arming songwriter and composers with the knowledge, tools and connections needed to excel their careers.
With figures from across the music industry also set to attend, the day will feature a series of enlightening conversations, keynotes and interactive sessions. Speakers will include leading industry figures — including PRS for Music CEO Andrea Czapary Martin and Chair of the PRS for Music Board Stevie Spring CBE — and artists such as Self Esteem and Elbow's Guy Garvey. Topics up for discussion include the forces shaping music today, royalties and rights management, mental health and the rapid evolution of AI.
You can explore the full programme here, and find out more about tickets — which are available at a discounted price for Ivors Academy members — by heading here.
Head to Brighton for The Great Escape
Featuring thrilling live music showcases from new and emerging artists from around the world, as well as a cutting-edge conference schedule, The Great Escape offers a multitude of opportunities for songwriters of all levels.
In addition to the abundance of live music on offer, there are so many chances to network with an array of industry professionals, from booking agents and managers to record labels and publishers.
In terms of access, weekend and day tickets, conference passes and general festival wristbands are all available to buy, while there is also a payment plan option. If you’re on a tight budget and just want to soak up the atmosphere in Brighton, though, there are also free-entry areas such as the Jubilee Square Stage. You can find out more here.
Apply for PPL Momentum Accelerator funding
PRS Foundation has announced the return of the PPL Momentum Accelerator, with the programme focusing this time on supporting songwriters within the Tees Valley. Grants of up to £5,000 are on offer to talented artists from the area to help support their career development. This fund is specifically aimed at music creators who have a growing fanbase and are working to establish a music industry team around them to grow their careers.
This latest edition of the Momentum Accelerator builds on its incredibly successful history which has supported songwriters from Liverpool, Yorkshire and Wales. Previous grantees include Mercury Prize-winning English Teacher, Chiedu Oraka and Lemfreck, winner of the 2024 Welsh Music Prize.
The next deadline for PPL Momentum Music support is May 12. You can find out more information and apply here.
Level up with Girl Grind UK’s latest initiatives
Aimed at empowering female creators within the music industry, Girl Grind have just announced their latest series of opportunities to help women develop their chosen skill sets, from sound engineering through to songwriting, music production and event management.
Running across the summer, these programmes are specifically designed to empower, inspire and leave a lasting impact on their participants. Applications are open now for the latest series of initiatives, including Black Rock, which was created to elevate Black women and gender-diverse creatives who are working in some of the most underrepresented areas of music such as rock, metal and jazz.
They’ve also announced the return of the Grownish and Womanish programmes. Aimed at young women aged between 15 to 25, these events will take place in a camp setting and offer participants opportunities to compose, collaborate and record music. Support will be on offer from industry professionals who will host sessions that will focus on songwriting, DJing and the therapeutic power of music. You can read about all of the offerings from Girl Grind here.
Explore scholarship opportunities with WaterBear
Music college WaterBear have partnered with names from across the industry — including The Sarah Nulty Foundation, Love Music Hate Racism, Skindred and Sentric Music — to offer a series of scholarship opportunities for their students. Opportunities are location-dependent, but they will cover and support the recipient throughout their degree at WaterBear.
Speaking about this game-changing opportunity, Julie Voisey from the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation said: ‘Sarah was incredibly passionate about music and supporting emerging talent, and this scholarship is a wonderful way to carry on that legacy. It gives someone the chance to pursue their passion with hands-on, industry-focused education, and kickstart their music career.’
Full eligibility details and closing dates can be found here.
