Shape Coventry - Music Managers Programme 2026
Coventry City Council is launching a new Music Managers Programme as part of Shape Coventry, supported by Arts Council England through the Place Partnership Fund.
Starting on Monday 28 September 2026, the programme has been designed to support individuals who are developing careers within artist management and the wider music industry. Whether you are already managing artists or working as a promoter, producer, event organiser, marketer, label owner or creative entrepreneur, this opportunity will provide the skills, knowledge, networks and industry insight to help develop your career as a music professional.
While artists are often at the forefront of the music industry, successful careers are built by teams of professionals working behind the scenes. Managers, promoters, agents, producers and music businesses all play a crucial role in helping artists develop sustainable careers and reach new audiences. This programme aims to help strengthen Coventry's music ecosystem by supporting the people who help make those careers possible.
What's included?
Ten participants will receive a comprehensive programme of professional development opportunities delivered in partnership with the Music Managers Forum (MMF) and leading music industry professionals.
The programme will be a mixture of online and in-person sessions, spread over 12 months with 1-2 days of activity per month.
Music Managers Forum Development Programme
Participants will receive a fully funded annual membership to the Music Managers Forum (MMF), the UK's leading professional network for artist managers. Membership provides access to industry events, resources, peer support and a national network of professionals working across all areas of artist management.
Through the programme, participants will undertake the MMF Essentials Programme, providing a practical introduction to artist management and the wider music business. This training explores the foundations of management, including how to build effective teams around artists, develop business structures and create sustainable income streams.
Participants will also take part in the Real Deal Recording and Publishing training, which offers insight into the commercial and legal aspects of the music industry.
MMF Essentials
- foundations of artist management
- team building and artist development
- business structures and management practice
- revenue generation and sustainable careers
Real Deal: Recording Programme
- understanding recording agreements and current deal trends
- negotiating and managing recording contracts
- producer deals and key commercial considerations
- managing and delivering successful release campaigns
Real Deal: Publishing Programme
- understanding publishing and music rights
- managing rights and data
- publishing opportunities and revenue streams
- sync opportunities across film, television, advertising and games
Participants will have the opportunity to attend the Music Managers Forum Summit, a gathering of artist managers and music industry professionals. The summit provides a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders, explore current challenges and trends, and build lasting professional connections.
Participants will also attend the organisation's annual Meet the Funders event. This event offers direct access to funders, investors and support organisations working across music and the creative industries, helping participants better understand how artists and music businesses can secure financial support for future projects.
Industry access and networking
The programme has been designed to provide access to the organisations, events and professionals that shape the music industry.
Participants will visit organisations including PRS for Music, PPL and HQ Familia, gaining first-hand insight into royalty collection, rights management, artist development and music business operations. These visits offer an opportunity to see how key parts of the industry operate and how they support artists throughout their careers.
Participants will also attend major industry events including The Great Escape Next Gen Conference. These events bring together artists, managers, labels, promoters, publishers, broadcasters and creative businesses from across the UK and beyond, creating opportunities to network, discover emerging talent and gain valuable industry insight.
Music Export Readiness Programme
As artists increasingly build audiences outside the UK, understanding international music markets has become an essential part of modern music management.
The Music Export Readiness Programme starting in November 2026 will help participants understand what it means for an artist to be "export ready" and how managers can support international growth and opportunities.
Industry Masterclasses and Professional Workshops
Alongside the core training programme, participants will take part in a series of masterclasses exploring key opportunities and challenges facing today's music industry. Topics will include digital marketing, audience development, live music, touring, emerging technologies and the growing role of artificial intelligence within the music sector.
Participants will also learn directly from respected industry professionals through a programme of practical workshops.
Personal mentoring
Each participant will receive 4 one-to-one mentoring sessions tailored to their own aspirations, challenges and professional goals.
Mentoring provides dedicated time to discuss career development, seek advice, explore opportunities and receive personalised support from experienced industry professionals. The sessions are designed to help participants apply what they learn throughout the programme to their own career journey.
Linked opportunities
These opportunities could provide additional routes for participants to apply their skills and build professional connections. While we anticipate strong links between these activities and the programme, participation in individual opportunities is not guaranteed and will be subject to availability and eligibility criteria set by the delivery partners.
Studio Readiness Programme
Helping artists and musicians prepare for professional recording sessions and get the most from their studio time. Participants will learn how to plan for sessions, work effectively with producers and engineers, and navigate a professional recording environment.
Open Studio Programme
The Open Studio Programme will connect Coventry-based artists and musicians with professional recording studios through a package of funded studio time and creative development support. The initiative aims to remove barriers to accessing high-quality recording facilities while creating opportunities for artists to develop new music, collaborate and expand their professional networks.
Electronic Music Festival and Conference
A new Coventry Electronic Music and Technology Festival and Conference, bringing together artists, industry professionals, music technology companies and audiences to explore the future of music and creativity. The event will feature live performances, panel discussions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities and industry insight from professionals working across electronic music, music technology and the wider creative industries
Coventry Music Mixer events
A regular networking event bringing together artists, managers, promoters, producers and music industry professionals from across the city, including opportunities to connect with national stakeholders.
Application information
Who can apply?
The programme is open to Coventry residents aged 18 or over who have experience within the music industry or are interested in developing a career in artist management.
Applications are encouraged from:
- existing artist managers
- aspiring managers
- producers
- label owners
- promoters
- event organisers
- marketers
- creative entrepreneurs
- other music professionals working with or supporting artists
How many spaces are on offer?
Alongside the 10 places available on the full programme, we will also offer 10 fully funded annual memberships to the Music Managers Forum (MMF). These memberships will be available to applicants who are unsuccessful in securing a place on the programme, individuals who wish to access MMF membership without participating in the full programme, and those who have previously been members of the MMF and would benefit from renewed access to its resources, networks and professional development opportunities.
Key dates
Application
- applications open: Wednesday 9 September 2026
- applications close: midday on Tuesday 22 September 2026
- applicant notification: Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 September 2026
Activity
- Intro to MMF and membership: 11am to 1.30pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026 (mandatory in person event Coventry)
- Real Deal – Recording Training: October 2026 (4x weekly sessions online 6:30pm to 8pm)
- Real Deal – Publishing: November 2026 (4x weekly sessions online 6:30pm to 8pm)
- Meet the Funders Event (MMF): January 2027 (in person event London)
- The Great Escape: 12 to 15 May 2027
How to apply
To apply, fill out the Music Managers Programme online application form by midday on Tuesday 22 September.