Two-day conference aims to engage students and the public with the music industry
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is bringing together experts from the world academia and the music industry for the inaugural, two-day Future Sound Music Conference on 16 and 17 May 2016.
Activities at the Preston Campus will include the presentation of the latest research, keynote speeches and symposiums from industry experts and a chance for students and the general public to gain insight into how the music industry works.
"Whilst we will be exploring new knowledge, you don’t have to be an expert, a student, or working in the industry to attend. It's also ideal for anyone who might want to make a living from music related activities or considering studying at the University."
The assembly of experts will include distinguished academics and researchers from both the UK and overseas, such as:
• Professor Michael Huber from the Vienna-based Institute of Sociology of Music
• Dr Rupert Till, esteemed academic and author
• Owen Hatherley, journalist and author
• Professor Ewa Mazierska, Professor of Contemporary Cinema at UCLan
• Dr Niall Scott, Senior Lecturer in Ethics at UCLan
Conference co-organiser Tony Rigg said: “The panels have been designed to feature expertise that cover the main areas of the contemporary music industry, and include entrepreneurial thinkers, representatives from key institutions, artists, managers, and people working at the cutting edge of the digital music environment.”
Other industry contributors will include Nicola Spokes, Marketing Director for Ministry of Sound Recordings, music venue and festival entrepreneur Aaron Mellor who is well versed in the social consumption of music, royalty expert Daniel Jones from PRS for Music, and entertainment industry lawyer Rudi Kidd.
"Bringing industry and academia together is intrinsic to our work at the University of Central Lancashire. It is an excellent way to deepen our understanding of a constantly changing landscape."
Rigg, who is also active in the music industry and helped to set up UCLan’s ground breaking Master of Arts programme in Music Industry Management and Promotion, added: “Whilst we will be exploring new knowledge, you don’t have to be an expert, a student, or working in the industry to attend. This event is also ideal for anyone who might want to make a living from music related activities, or is considering studying at the University. Members of the public are very welcome. There is no charge for attending but it will be necessary to reserve a place in advance.”
Day one is largely dedicated to an academic agenda covering music as a broader subject area. Day two will open with keynote speaker Professor Michael Huber in the morning, followed by a session covering revenue streams and career opportunities in music and related areas. Tuesday afternoon will focus on current practice in the music industry but perhaps most significantly will see a panel of experts consider where things are heading.
Senior Lecturer in Music at UCLan, Dr Les Gillon, concluded: “Bringing industry and academia together is intrinsic to our work at the University of Central Lancashire. It is an excellent way to deepen our understanding of a constantly changing landscape and it helps to facilitate innovative practice. This is massively advantageous when working in competitive market environments such as the music industry.”
To reserve a place for part or all of the conference, or request more information, email trigg@uclan.ac.uk with your request.