Music industry giant The Ivors Academy is launching a new two-year diploma in Creative Entrepreneurship for students aged 19 years and over. Backed by the biggest players in the music industry, TheWRD is a further education course offering young people the chance of building a career in this highly competitive industry. Following GCSEs, this new pre-degree diploma will be delivered through a combination of remote-learning and mentorship days in local music venues across the UK. Taught and mentored by top music artists, publishers, producers, composers, technicians, marketeers, business executives, lawyers, accountants, graphic designers, publicists and agents, students will have a unique opportunity to chart a more fulfilling career in the creative industries.
The course will be state-funded for those who qualify, or it can be funded privately. For those students who aren’t eligible for state funding but who are unable to fund themselves, TheWRD is forming a network of partners to offer bursaries to meet the cost of the course. Graham Davies, CEO of The Ivors Academy said, ‘Many young people can’t access state-funded arts education, careers in the creative industries or a creative life. We believe that everyone, everywhere with the desire and talent should have the chance to start and establish a career in music. It is essential that we create new opportunities to support the next generation of music industry professionals and music creators. TheWRD from The Ivors Academy is an important investment in our talent pipeline and part of our mission to open up access to the creative industries.’
The Ivors Academy, founded in 1944, is the leading independent professional association for songwriters and composers. Its members include Ed Sheeran, Annie Lennox, Stormzy, Paul McCartney, Joan Armatrading and Elton John. The annual Ivor Novello Awards are known around the world as being a pinnacle in the career of many songwriters and composers.
