Music Patron: Call for Composers
Calling all composers!
Applications are now open to join Music Patron, the new online platform connecting composers with music lovers.
Music Patron is changing the status quo for composers by offering a fresh approach to funding new music in the UK.
What is Music Patron?
Music Patron’s vision is to give composers the freedom to create new music with a new, more sustainable source of income, offering them the artistic freedom to explore new ideas.
Music Patron brings together the traditional concept of patronage with the impact of grassroots collective giving. Composers build a community of patrons, each giving a regular monthly amount. Together this generates a meaningful, game-changing income stream for composers.
We are excited to work with composers who want to build a community of supportive patrons, and share their creative process with them.
“Music Patron means sustainable support, financially and emotionally. A stable monthly income and a group of supportive patrons who are interested in my work and the process in creating it.”
Ayanna Witter-Johnson
Music Patron Composer
Who is a composer?
The word ‘composer’ can conjure up a certain image or type of music, but we want to challenge this.
A composer is anyone who creates new work using sound or music; whether they perform it themselves or write for others, and whether they work with software, with notes on paper, through improvisation, or in other ways.
We want to connect patrons to some of today’s most exciting composers and showcase the richness and diversity of new music created in the UK.
“Composing can sometimes be a lonely pursuit, but Music Patron helps to break through this and make it feel like the process is something you can share as much as the product.”
Elliot Galvin
Music Patron Composer
Who is Music Patron for?
Music Patron is a curated platform and composers at any point in their career may apply, as long as they are over the age of 18 and not in full-time education, and are able to evidence a demonstrable degree of success in their field.
We are looking for composers who are:
enthusiastic about sharing aspects of themselves and/or their creative practice, and can identify how this would be of value to them, and an audience
curious to experiment with new and different ways to engage digitally with an audience
motivated and confident to explore new ways to fund their creativity through building a community of patrons
able to commit to a regular timetable/pattern of communication with patrons (minimum once per quarter)
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply to join Music Patron you must:
be over 18 years old
not be in full-time education (in any subject)
have been based in the UK for the last two years
plan for the UK to be your main location of activity for the next two years
have a proven professional practice in creating new music (can be non-continuous i.e. including career breaks or time away from creating new music)
What is the selection criteria?
Outlined below are the criteria describing the requirements and mindset which we feel best equip a composer to be successful on the Music Patron platform:
Fluent and enthusiastic communication
Proven digital engagement
Track record / Evidence of success as a composer
Motivation to help shape the future for new music for all composers
Pledged support from at least 1 Patron Champion
Read the full eligibility and selection criteria
How do you select composers?
Selection for the platform will be led by an advisory panel reflecting the essence of Music Patron’s vision – to connect composers with music lovers.
Combining internal and external voices, panellists will include our current Music Patron cohort and key new music industry partners alongside representatives from the worlds of fundraising, digital communication, and storytelling.
Is there a deadline to apply?
No. There is no deadline to apply to join Music Patron, composers can submit an application whenever they choose. However, we will review applications at specific points throughout the year.
To be considered for the upcoming intake (spring 2024), composers will need to apply by 23:59, Wednesday 17 January 2024.
What's your connection to Sound and Music?
Music Patron is a start-up incubated within Sound and Music, the national organisation for new music and a charity (no. 1124609). We are guided by its Fair Access Principles a code of best practice which ensures our work is open and inclusive for all.
How do I apply?
Step 1 – Registration
Once you have completed the registration form you will be emailed a link to the application form, along with accompanying application guidance.
Step 2 – Application
Complete and submit your application form to apply to join Music Patron.
Accessibility
We aim to accommodate all access needs, so please get in touch to let us know how we can help by contacting hello@musicpatron.com
Accessible versions of text on this page are found here:
What if I have more questions?
Want to find out more about joining Music Patron or ask any questions?
You can email us to get in touch us: hello@musicpatron.com
We’re also running two ‘infrequently asked questions’ drop-in zoom sessions on Thursday 21 December 2023 (12-1pm) and Tuesday 9 January 2024 (1-2pm).
You can register for the sessions below: