This unique programme, available only to music publishers and self-published Full and Associate Members of SAMRO, is meticulously designed to equip members with essential business skills to foster sustainable growth and success within the sector. 

This strategic collaboration aims to empower 30 music publishers through an in-depth training regimen focused primarily on the nuances of the music business, particularly music publishing. The Music Business Lab Publishing Training Programme is poised to cultivate raw talent and spearhead the formation of resilient music enterprises that span the vast expanse of the country. 

WHAT IS THE MUSIC BUSINESS LAB? 

• Music Business Lab provides tailored support to grow the African industry, empowering Africa’s music business SMMEs through certified training, incubation and accelerator programmes and professional development.
   

• The organisation is spearheaded by industry veterans Ninel Musson (Vth Season) and Beth Arendse (SA Creative Industries Incubator).
   

• The curriculum includes case studies, assignments, and real-world music and entertainment industry examples.
   

• Participants will gain insights into significant revenue enhancement, product innovation, and personal entrepreneurial evolution.
  
  

• Participants will acquire invaluable skills and knowledge, positioning them not just to survive, but to thrive within the complex music industry value chain.
  
  

• The programme also offers a range of additional benefits, including exposure to key industry opportunities and access to markets, all of which can fuel personal and professional growth. 
   

• Participants will have the unique opportunity to glean insights from seasoned industry veterans and obtain certification from the University of Pretoria’s Department of Economic and Management Sciences upon completion.
   

• The Music Business Lab Publishing Training will commence in May 2024.

The Music Business Lab's goal is to develop and professionalise the music business eco-system through curated training with subject matter experts, highly developed incubation programmes, capacity building and market access. This will ensure that participants of the MBL Training programme go through an unparalleled learning journey into the business.

HOW MEMBERS CAN APPLY?

• To apply, you need to be a Full or Associate member who is a music entrepreneur in the recording industry with 1-3 years of experience running a recorded music business/record label.
  
  

• An independent publisher working with at least one artist, or a self-published artist with previously released music on digital platforms.

• The programme begins with a rigorous 6-week phase of callouts, screenings, and selections, paving the way for an intensive online educational journey.
   

• The programme will select SAMRO’s publisher members, with cohorts hailing from Gauteng, Western Cape, and Kwazulu-Natal, thereby guaranteeing an expansive and impactful reach.
   

• These members are categorised as earning members who satisfy the eligibility critearia to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
   

• Full and Associate Members enjoy various benefits, including accesses to the SAMRO Retirement Annuity Fund (SRAF) and the Funeral Benefit.
   

• The minimum requirement for the Music Business Masterclass Programme is a Grade 12 National Senior Certificate.  
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Members are required to complete an application form in full and submit it by 26 April 2024.  

Applicants must be based in South Africa, in either Gauteng, Western Cape, or Kwa-Zulu Natal. SAMRO  encourages female candidates to apply for the programme to enhance gender representation in the industry. Applications will be assessed on merit.

The adjudication committee’s decisions will be final. The application deadline is 26 April 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.

 
For further information, please email csi@samro.org.za or phone 011 712 8441 during working hours (08H00-15H00).