Applications are now open for CONTROL – a dynamic five stage program designed to help music managers in the middle of their careers from both sides of the Tasman thrive, in a new music management paradigm.

The world of music management is very different from what it used to be, with big data, changing algorithms, streaming playlists, and new business models shifting the landscape drastically. CONTROL will provide participants with practical business guidance in this new era, incorporating two residential labs to be held near Melbourne, the first from 27-30 November 2016. This will be the second time that managers from New Zealand have been invited to take part in the program.

Six music and business advisers including Julia Kosky (USA), Terry McBride (Canada), and Teresa Patterson (NZ) will work with participants on their leadership skills and business models. It will include a comprehensive review of the different business models found in the contemporary music sector, as well as deep analysis of each business model brought to the lab. 

Aimed at helping managers to better understand the world of music management, and get better results for their artists, the CONTROL program is an excellent opportunity for competent managers to up skill. “CONTROL is a progressive and effective professional development program,” said Joel Edmondson, Deputy Chair of the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN).  “The process challenges participants, but in a constructive way. Alumni report that it not only changes their businesses for the better, but their lives as well.”

Cushla Aston, an alumna from Wellington NZ, credits the program with reinvigorating her management business. “I have a renewed energy for my business and very clear visions about where I am taking my company. I feel particularly grateful to have bridged what felt like a gap between Australia and New Zealand for me – I no longer feel like that.”  (Manager of Louis Baker, Thomas Oliver and Estere).

Monique Rothstein, alumna of the 2014 program from NSW, also found the CONTROL experience to be incredibly rewarding. “[CONTROL is] an amazing and inspiring workshop with some excellent people. It has revolutionised my business model and taught me so much about sustainability, financially and emotionally, in a volatile but opportunity-heavy industry.” (Manager of Little May, owner Positive Feedback).

The program is presented by the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN) and the Music Managers Forum of New Zealand (MMF NZ), and supported by Music ACT, Music NSW, Music NT, Music SA, Music Tasmania, Music Victoria, Q Music and the West Australian Music Industry Association (WAM), as well as the Australian Association of Music Managers. Funding has been provided by the Australian Government and the New Zealand Music Commission.

CONTROL application forms and guidelines are available from the AMIN and MMF NZ websites (www.amin.org.au; www.mmf.co.nz). For applications from New Zealand managers to be considered, you must be a member of MMF NZ – please join here. Applications close 30 September 2016.