ISM Members’ Day

The ISM’s annual conference, including our AGM and members’ open forum Saturday 24 April 2021, 10am-5pm

See page 31 for the official notice of the AGM and proxy voting form On Saturday 24 April 2021 the ISM community will come together online for Building for the future, the ISM annual conference – a day of music, learning and discussion. As well as providing the latest news on the issues currently affecting musicians’ ability to work – such as the fallout from Brexit or the ongoing impact of COVID-19 restrictions on music-making across the country – the day will provide you with the knowledge and professional skills to help you face your future with confidence. With sessions featuring a range of industry experts, including members of the ISM staff team and fellow ISM members, we will spend the day discussing and learning from one another in order to understand better how the music sector can build for the future during a time of significant challenges. From ensuring music education is not further eroded in schools, to combatting the additional bureaucracy for musicians working in the EU, the external world is impacting every aspect of being a music professional. As always, the ISM is by your side to keep you informed and to help you navigate this ever-changing situation. Professional development will be at the conference’s core, and we will have sessions looking at how you can succeed while working online; whether that’s finding new work, understanding tech, or preparing pupils for online exams. We will also be sharing the results and findings from our annual teaching, examining, and accompanying fees survey. As well as showing average rates for employed and self-employed teachers, this year’s survey also includes details of rates charged for teaching online. With future job security being a priority, we will also hold a session to look at contracts, and the differences between being employed and self-employed. This will also feature guidance on how to go about recouping unpaid fees to ensure you can keep yourself safe from exploitation. The day will also involve plenty of music, plus an exclusive ‘In conversation’ session with an inspirational musician. As well as the formal business of the AGM, there will be opportunities to hear from ISM Chief Executive Deborah Annetts, and to put questions to our senior leadership team through the members’ open forum. For non-members, there will be a concurrent session about the benefits of joining the UK’s professional body for musicians. The event is free to attend and booking is now open. To register your place and find out more, please visit ism.org/future We want as many music professionals to experience the event as possible. With that in mind, if you need any additional support in order to attend, whether in relation to access requirements or because you are less confident using technology, please contact the membership team on membership@ism.org or telephone 020 7221 3499, and we will be glad to assist you. Whether you’re joining us for the whole day or dropping in for a single session, we look forward to seeing you there.

Fees Survey

The ISM’s annual survey of rates for teaching, examining and accompanying will be launched at our annual conference. This time the survey will also include online rates.

Programme*

Building for the future will be a day of music and professional development that reaffirms the value of ISM membership. We want to provide up-to-date, useful information on topics such as Brexit alongside practical advice to support musicians as they continue to navigate what their future working life will look like post-COVID. Similar to The Empowered Musician, we will have music running in between sessions and the day will be open to non-members, although only ISM members will be able to attend the lunchtime AGM and open forum. Free to all to attend.

10 – 10.15am Introduction and opening words Deborah Annetts, CEO, ISM and Professor Chris Collins, ISM President 2020-21 10.15 – 11.15am Session 1: In conversation with Chi-chi Nwanoku, founder Chineke! In this interview with double bass player, Artistic and Executive Director of the Chineke! Foundation, academic and broadcaster Chi-chi Nwanoku we will explore her career development from performer to entrepreneur, plus her thoughts on the future of the music sector in terms of diversity, programming, international touring and live performance. 11.30 – 12.30 Session 2: Working internationally post-Brexit Following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU), artists are facing new complexities when travelling to and from the UK. In this session, we will provide an update on the latest Brexit developments and what they mean for music professionals, as well as exploring new opportunities for those working internationally.

12.45 – 2pm

12.45 – 1.30pm AGM and Open Forum Formal AGM business and open forum for ISM members only.

Find out more about the ISM Not yet a member of the ISM? Join the ISM’s Membership & Marketing Officer Sam Flower to find out how it can support you in your music career. You will learn about our campaigning and lobbying work and how we support our members with insurances, legal and business advice, promotion, professional development and much more, as well as having the chance to ask questions and meet fellow music professionals. 2.30 – 3.30pm Session 3: Teaching music in a post-COVID world How has COVID-19 impacted music teachers, and what do they need to consider in order to protect themselves and their pupils? This session will explore approaches to online teaching and preparing pupils for online exams. We will also discuss important issues for music teachers, including contracts, employment status, safeguarding, risk assessments, and unpaid fees. The results of the ISM’s 2021 fees survey will also be examined to see how teachers’ pay was affected by the pandemic. 3.45 – 4.45pm Session 4: Getting the best out of working online Coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions have forced us all to spend more time online. Our expert panel will offer practical advice and tips for performers, composers and songwriters on successful remote working. Find out how to maximise the tech you have available, how to make money in the digital space, and how to discover new and improved ways of working. 4.45 – 5pm Closing words and handing over of the Presidential Medal Speakers: Jeremy Huw Williams, Professor Chris Collins and Deborah Keyser 5pm Close (* Programme subject to change)

Top: John Robinson Photo: Emile Holba Above: Chris Collins and Deborah Keyser