SUCCESSFUL applicants from the 2019 Live Music Professionals program held in July were at the Rye Hotel last week for a two-day engagement organised by Music Victoria.
The program aims to help venue owners and managers, band bookers and independent promoters, match their services with skilled and experienced music industry professionals for one-on-one coaching, workshops, masterclasses, conferences and networking opportunities.
“Over the past few years the program has yielded fabulous results, with participants reporting growth in ticket sales as well as growth in their businesses,” program co-ordinator Sarah DeBorre said.
Those taking part in the event learned from A Day On The Green’s Mick Newton, Queenscliff Music Festival’s Andrew Orvis, Peking Duk booking agent Guven Yilmaz and Tasmania’s Dark Mofo music curator Tom Supple.
This was followed by performances by peninsula-based acts Bleach, Velvet Bloom, Taylah Carroll and Darby Schembri in the Main Sail Bar, Rye.
One person benefitting from lessons learned at a previous program is Robin Griffiths, of Red Hill, who took part in the first music Victoria Live Music Professionals program several years ago.
“It was a great opportunity and worthwhile experience,” he said. “I wholeheartedly recommend the program and encourage any peninsula-based music professionals starting-up to get on board.”
Griffiths said his interaction with music industry mentors and experienced professionals was invaluable. “I gained great knowledge and tips, such as working with artists’ booking agents, digital marketing skills and growing an audience.
“The best aspect is the ongoing networking opportunities and I still keep in touch with several of my peers.”
Using the knowledge gained Griffiths became “founder, curator, promoter and director” of music events at Music on the Hill, which brings singer-songwriters and bands to “listening, respectful audiences” on the peninsula.
“I also handle a team of 12 wonderful volunteers and run the shows on the night and I am MC, too,” he said.
“Other avenues have opened up since the program, including alternative venues and gigs, and I also use my skills helping the Mornington Peninsula Music Network in advocating for artists, venues and the peninsula music community in general.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 20 August 2019
