Technology

Online member meetup (Vocal)

This is an online meet-up for Making Music members which are instrumental groups. 

The meeting will include an update on Making Music’s advocacy and lobbying work and a detailed look, with the opportunity to ask questions, at our 2022 Big Survey reports, four of which have now been published. We will also highlight any new services or resources since we last met in the autumn. 

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Applying for funding (online event)

Many leisure-time music groups regularly consider making project fund applications to arts councils, trusts or foundations whilst others are considering it for the first time. This event will walk you through some of the usual things you can expect, and equip you with some best practice and tips to set you up for a much better chance of success, whether you're applying for £250 or for £250,000!

 

We'll talk about:

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Highnotes

In the spring edition of Highnotes, we explore the effects of menopause on the singing voice and ways to address them, present the fourth report from the Big Survey 2022, and share insights from government participation data. Plus, Samir Savant, CEO of St George’s Bristol, discusses a groundbreaking project on music and mental health.

Breaking even – the finances of running a music group (online event)

Often we think of income ‘only’ in terms of funding, subscriptions or ticket sales. There definitely is a lot to delve into on those three topics, but is there more we could be exploring? Are we thinking about the whole financial picture?

70% of Making Music performing groups and 58% of volunteer promoters break even every year; but 15% and 23% respectively regularly make a loss. So finances are always a topic groups are thinking about, to maintain that balancing act of breaking even, yet remaining accessible to participants and audiences in their community.

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Marketing Skills: Social Media Strategy (online event)

The first of our marketing events in 2025 will discuss how social media has become a key component in many organisation’s marketing strategy. But how does it differ from ‘traditional’ marketing, what should you use it for, and how can you manage your time when there are so many different platforms available? 

In this session, we’ll look at how a social media strategy can help you define your goals in line with your overall marketing plans, manage your time more effectively, and create content to target the people you most want to engage. 

Location

Online
United Kingdom

EarMaster

Corporate member EarMaster talks to us about how they can help leisure-time music groups better themselves.

EarMaster is an innovative app designed to help learners enhance their musicianship skills through engaging and interactive exercises. It covers key areas such as aural training, sight-singing, and rhythm practice, all rooted in a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach. Compatible with phones, tablets, and computers, EarMaster allows learners to sing, clap, or play their answers to exercises, providing instant feedback on pitch and rhythm accuracy.

Biiah

Corporate member Biiah supports community and health through singing, committed to making singing with others inclusive, accessible and delightful.

Biiah is a technology platform that supports the development of community through group singing to help people flourish. Our mobile app currently supports both in-person and virtual coach-facilitated group singing, connecting users more intentionally with their singing journey and the positive impacts this important activity has on our holistic health.

Sourcing royalty-free imagery online

Using good-quality images in your marketing is an effective way to attract attention, drive engagement, and boost ticket sales and membership; however, it’s essential to ensure you have permission to use them to avoid copyright infringement. 

Case study: Overhauling systems with Howdenshire Music

Ian Stewart, Secretary of promoter group Howdenshire Music, talks about how his group overhauled the way they do concerts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHORALLY

Corporate member CHORALLY is a dedicated online community platform that connects the world of choral and vocal music.

Founded by Ian Clethero, who launched the project as he saw a need for a ‘go-to place’ online to make it easy for choir leaders, performing groups, singing enthusiasts and organisations around the world to find information and network with each other.