Commissioning is a vital part of a professional music career, whether for concert works, screen projects, or other commissioned pieces. This session will explore how composers can navigate the commissioning process, secure new opportunities, and protect their creative and financial interests.
Our Panellists
Charlie Phillips is a qualified solicitor and a globally recognised expert in music rights management, with over two decades of experience spanning international licensing, rights and data optimisation, and music industry advocacy. He founded PTR Strategic Ltd in 2021, advising major and independent labels, artists and organisations on rights strategy, data infrastructure, and financial efficiency.
Daniel Kidane is a composer with music performed and broadcast extensively across the UK. Daniels extensive array of commissions includes Awake, which was premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and chief conductor Sakari Oramo at the Last Night of the Proms in September 2019. He was awarded a Royal Philharmonic Society Prize in 2013 and in 2016 received the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Award for Artists.
Hannah Bujic is a freelance producer and consultant supporting organisations and individual artists to bring imaginative music projects to life. With extensive experience across the UK’s leading classical and contemporary music institutions, including the Philharmonia, Sound and Music, Southbank Centre and the London Sinfonietta, she works at the intersection of programme management, creative production and talent development.
Matthew Whiteside is a composer, collaborator, sound designer, concert producer and mentor based in Glasgow, boasting a broad array of awards, accolades, and commissions - he frequently commissions composers of all levels giving him a breadth of experience on both sides of the commissioning process. As the artistic director of The Night With… he frequently commissions composers of all levels giving him a breadth of experience on both sides of the commissioning process. As the author of The Guidebook to Self-Releasing your Music - Matthew's knowledge is invaluable for composers exploring the complex industry landscape.
Sarah Gee has been CEO and Artistic Director of Spitalfields Music, since 2019. She’s passionate about championing new or lesser known music, and has commissioned or platformed over 60 new works in the last five years. She’s a guest lecturer at QMUL and Kings College London, and a regular keynote speaker for cultural industry conferences globally. Sarah’s also a highly experienced trustee and Non-Executive Director, and currently Hon. Secretary of the Royal Philharmonic Society and trustee of Motionhouse. Between 2020 and 2024 she was Vice-Chair of the British-American Project.
Topics we’ll cover
- How to negotiate a commissioning agreement
- Legal and financial aspects of commissioning work
- Strategies for finding and securing commissioned opportunities
Tickets
- Free for Core and Professional members
- Discovery members can book for just £8.39
Become a free Discovery member or explore all membership options.
Questions?
Contact events@ivorsacademy.com
