Dumfries Music Conference (DMC), which has been organising educational music events in Dumfries and Galloway since 2012 and is committed to providing learning opportunities, has unveiled a mentoring programme aimed at young people interested in pursuing a career in the music industry. The ‘DMC Futures’ initiative will offer four professional development mentorships, led by music industry experts working in Scotland.
DMC Futures is an opportunity for young people (aged between 16 – 25) in Dumfries & Galloway to gain key industry insight and grow skills to nurture careers through an intensive programme of one-to-one sessions with a music industry professional delivered in-person and online. The one-to-one mentoring programmes will cover: Studio Recording (2 Mentorships available), Music Journalism and Songwriting & Establishing a Musical Career.
Dave Miller, DMC General Manager and 2020 Mentor commented: “This is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing careers within the music industry in Scotland, and is a vital stepping stone for those wishing to broaden their skills, make connections, and learn first-hand how the industry functions. We’re delighted to still be able to continue our mentorship programme this year, despite the restrictions COVID-19 has enforced in any areas, and will be working with young people online and occasionally in person following strict social distancing guidelines.”
The mentoring programmes, which can be arranged to suit the mentors and students, will run during September and October and will culminate in an involvement with Dumfries Music Conference 2020 online edition, taking place on Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th October. Each mentorship will amount to at least 12-hours of mentoring.
Dave Miller and Lauren Gilmour will lead the Studio Recording Mentorship. Situated in Circa 16 Sound Recording in Dumfries, this mentorship will equip the mentee with the basics of studio recording from mixing, producing and hardware to recording software and composition. This mentorship will suit a young person interested in exploring music production, audio engineering and recording in a studio context.
The Music Journalism Mentorship will be led by Tom Johnson, editor of Gold Flake Paint – one of Scotland’s most successful independent music journals and blogs. Showcasing writers from across the globe, Gold Flake Paint offers a heartfelt and in-depth look inside the freshest new music from throughout the world, via a combination of reviews, conversations, and unique mixes. This mentorship is suited to a young person who is interested in pursuing a career in journalism, marketing and content generation.
Three-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, Sarah Jane Scouten, will lead the Songwriting & Establishing a Musical Career Mentorship. Now based in Moniave, Sarah Jane’s music delivers a signature mix of vintage folk and country music, with modern sounds and subjects. This mentorship is aimed at a young person who is keen to take the next step as a professional songwriter. The mentorship specifically does not teach you ‘how to’ write a song, but actively encourages the individual to cast a critical and objective eye over their process, brand and identity as a songwriter.
To apply for any of the DMC Futures mentorships, send a CV and Cover Letter explaining your interest in your desired mentorship to [email protected] by 17:00 on Wednesday 16th September.
For more information, please visit www.dumfriesmusicconference.com
