Manchester’s Community Music Conference began in 1998, to provide an opportunity for musicians to come together and share ideas and experiences. However, Conference Coordinator, Martin Milner, says the event has recognised the industry’s changing landscape over the last five years, and is designed to respond to emerging issues. This year, following the outcomes of an earlier conference in June, the event will focus on training and continuing professional development (CPD).
The idea for the conference, Milner says, emerged through his work as Education Director for Inner City Music @ Band On The Wall, an outreach and education programme based at the historic Manchester music venue.
‘My remit was to develop an integrated programme of activity related to the main programme of live roots, world and jazz music. At the same time, I became aware of many musicians working with groups of people around issues such as regeneration, drugs, disability and confidence building,’ Milner explains.
‘There seemed to be lots of people doing ‘community music’, but in isolation, so the idea was to provide an opportunity to come together.’
Milner explains ‘community music’ covers a variety of styles and genres. ‘It really does include every genre from classical to street, folk to jazz. All music is participatory by it’s nature, so it doesn’t matter what your style is, you can still learn to use it in a way that includes and energises people.’
The first Community Music conference was held at Band On The Wall in 1998, timed to coincide with another new initiative that year, the Greater Manchester Community Arts Festival.
‘There were about 60 delegates, and as we met and got to know each other the ball started rolling!’ Milner enthuses.
Each year the conference has been designed to coincide with community arts week in June. However, this year, the event was directly funded and promoted by Black Labrador Community Arts, the organisers of the Greater Manchester Community Arts Festival.
The November conference is the ‘sister’ to the June event, where, according to Milner, training and CPD emerged as the most interesting issues and therefore this month’s forum aims to discuss these further.
‘This conference continues the spirit of the initial gathering, providing a forum to meet and exchange experiences. However, the ‘scene’ has changed greatly since 1998, and in response the conference will focus on an issue that has become of importance to everyone – training and CPD.’
Conference organisers hope to produce a comprehensive list of suggestions and recommendations regarding training and continuing professional development, by stimulating debate through presentations before established groups to discuss the issues raised.
Speakers will address questions such as what music their organisation delivers, what training needs the organisation’s have identified, how these needs have attempted to be met and what training and CPD development would be on their ‘wish lists’.
‘We have gathered a group of diverse and highly experienced and knowledgeable people in order to define what training and CPD is already available, what the issues are, and how those who have the power and influence can move forward in providing for the needs of the “sector”,’ Milner explains.
‘These events are crucial for bringing people together,’ Milner realises. ‘Where else can a young musician, or one new to community music, rub shoulders with the more experienced ones, the project managers, the employers and trainers?’
Representatives from a number of North West organisations will speak at the conference, including the recently formed Youth Music Action Zones, More Music Morecambe and Mid-Pennine Arts.
While this aims to highlight the variety of training opportunities available, the event will also look at how musicians can continue to develop professionally once they are in the industry.
‘For many musicians, full-time courses are not an option, so regular short courses and ongoing mentoring schemes are ideal, as are ‘masterclasses’ delivered by experienced individuals and companies.’
Milner’s passion for music as an educational tool is clear. But, he adds, participation in music can have a range of far-reaching benefits for individuals, including issues surrounding self-esteem.
‘As a teacher I argued (and lost!) that music could be involved in teaching every single national curriculum subject. Beyond even that ambitious idea, many other things emerge from participation in music if done right. For example, team work, confidence building, communication and expression, self-knowledge… the list goes on! Therefore, all musicians can consider this kind of work.’
The Community Music Conference will be held on November 27, 10am-5pm at Zion Arts Centre, Streford Road, Hulme, Manchester. Tickets: £20 (organisations), £10 (individuals) For further information or to book tickets contact Martin Milner, Conference Coordinator, 07812 345406 or email mjmilner@yahoo.com or send money payable to Black Labrador Community Arts, BLCA, Basement Offices, 6 Mount St Manchester M2 5NS
