Johannesburg – The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), in partnership with the Academy of Sound Engineering (ASE), has announced the 20 recipients of the fully funded bursaries for the inaugural Music Business Masterclass (MBM).
This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip SAMRO members from Gauteng and the Western Cape Province with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and succeed in the dynamic music industry.
The MBM programme is a budding initiative of SAMRO’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) designed to foster a deeper understanding of the music business landscape.
The curriculum was meticulously crafted to cover critical aspects of the music industry, including copyright laws, royalty streams, contracts, and the latest industry trends, ensuring participants are well-prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
SAMRO said the selection process for the Music Business Masterclass was rigorous and highly competitive, with applications meticulously assessed on merit by a distinguished committee of music industry professionals.
The final cohort, a diverse mix of talents and backgrounds, comprises 20 members from Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively.
SAMRO said these individuals have demonstrated exceptional potential and a keen interest in advancing their careers through a comprehensive understanding of the music business.
“We are incredibly proud of the diverse individuals selected for this year’s Music Business Masterclass,” said Lesego Maforah, SAMRO CSI Manager.
“Each participant brings a unique perspective and an eagerness to learn and grow within the industry.
“We believe that this programme will empower them with invaluable insights and inspire innovation and collaboration that will benefit the South African music industry as a whole.”
The MBM is an intensive course requiring participants to commit to attending in-person classes at ASE campuses in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
This hands-on approach will enable participants to engage directly with industry experts, collaborate with peers, and apply their learning in real-world contexts.
“The Music Business Management course at the Academy of Sound Engineering equips students with a competitive edge in the music industry,” emphasised the Director and Founder of the Academy of Sound Engineering.
“Through this program, they gain proficiency in understanding and utilising precise terminology, navigating intricate contracts and agreements, and safeguarding themselves against exploitation.”
As the MBM programme prepares to welcome its first class, SAMRO and ASE look forward to witnessing the positive impact these aspiring music business professionals will have on the industry.
This initiative represents a significant step towards building a more knowledgeable, resilient, and innovative music community in South Africa.
The inaugural MBM is set to begin on 22 April 2024.
To see the complete list of the 20 MBM recipients for 2024, click here: https://www.samro.org.za/csi/music-business-course