29/09/2008
A new umbrella organisation for the music industry is to be launched next month. UKMusic will represent the collective interests of the UK's commercial music industry, from artists, musicians, songwriters and composers to record labels, managers and publishers. The organisation will act as the industry unit for: public policy and lobbying; external awareness and public opinion; research and analysis; and industry-relevant education and skills. UKMusic replaces British Music Rights (BMR) and will be headed by former BMR boss Feargal Sharkey and chairman Andy Heath. A full launch programme will be announced in late October. Further details can be found at
www.ukmusic.org
Congratulations to singer/songwriter Kimya Razavi (pictured), winner of the Shure Creative Award, sponsored by Music Manifesto signatory the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. The Birmingham singer's entry, Stupid Cupid, was picked out by judge KT Tunstall following a round of public voting. Kimya wins a free place on the Institute's one-year Higher Diploma course to help hone her songwriting skills and propel her into a musical career. The competition is set to become an annual event so keep an eye on
www.shurecreativeaward.com for details of next year's contest. You can also watch Kimya's winning entry and songs from all the other finalists online.
The Arts Council has announced its cultural ambitions for the next three years in it Arts Council Plan 2008-2011. Priorities have been shaped by the Arts Council's largest ever programme of research and consultation including the McMaster Review of excellence in the arts. "Our mission for the next three years, ten years and beyond is clear and unequivocal. It is great art for everyone," said chief executive Alan Davey. The five overriding objectives are excellence, reach, engagement, diversity and innovation, and the plan also identifies areas for development including making the most of digital technology and making sure young people grow up with a strong sense of the possibilities the arts give them. To read the full Arts Council Plan go to:
www.artscouncil.org.uk/plan
Jazz club Ronnie Scott's has launched a new scheme to give expert tuition and performance opportunities to young musicians aged 11-16. Jazz Youth will begin in January with 30 musicians on an eight-week course which includes one-to-one tuition, jam sessions, big band playing, lessons in jazz history and a chance to perform on the legendary Ronnie Scott's stage. Tutors include trombonist Mike Mwenso, trumpeter Jay Phelps and pianist and MD James Pearson. To nominate a student to take part email
jazz.youth@yahoo.co.uk