WHAT IS INVOLVED?
On mjf soundcheck, artists will:
- Write a new song or instrumental piece that includes improvisation, with guidance from your mentor and inspiration from the mjf team.
- Be paired with a mentor from our mjf hothouse programme for three one-hour sessions. This mentor offers musical, personal and professional support, as well as insights into how they progressed their musical careers.
- Be paired with an industry professional who can offer inspiration and guidance tailored to your journey. Previous rounds included David Agnew (Artistic Director at The Met in Bury, Manchester Folk Festival), Steve Lawson (internationally renowned bassist), Graham McKenzie (Artistic Director of Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival) Clare Morel (Session Vocalist and Community Musician), Ed Kainyek (the founder of Manchester’s jam night scene).
- Meet one-to-one with mjf Artistic Director Steve Mead, to explore new music, receive a personalised playlist and delve into what makes your music unique.
- Form lasting relationships with the mjf team, industry professionals and the other musicians.
- Receive feedback on the music you create over the programme at our showcase, at which everyone you’ve met along the way will be present!
WHO CAN APPLY?
Soundcheck is completely free and open to artists who:
- are based in one of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester
- are aged 18-25 (up to 25 years and 11 months is fine)
- have some experience of writing, making and/or performing music (in a band or by yourself)
- have some interest in improvisation and exploring the avenues this can open up in their music
KEY DATES
- 24 August 2022 (midnight): DEADLINE for applications
- 13 – 27 September: Selection for programme, including potential interviews
- 1 October: Intro to improvisation
- Week of 10 October: 1-1 with Steve Mead
- 23 October: In person session
- Week of 24 October: Meet your mentor, followed by three one-hour sessions
- Week of 7 November: Meet an industry professional
- 29 November: Sharing your new work
HOW TO APPLY
- Dream up a new idea for a piece of music that includes improvisation – whatever that means to you.
- Film a home-made video of you performing live – no longer than 2-ish minutes please. We don’t want flash edits, we just want to hear your sound.
- Once you’ve got your idea and your film, fill in this form
DEADLINE for applications: 24th August 2021 (midnight). SUBMIT AN APPLICATION HERE
QUESTIONS?
If you have access needs or require materials in alternative formats, just ask!
Check out our FAQs page to make sure soundcheck is right for you, it could be that you’re more suited to hothouse – so read both and if you’re still unsure, email talent@manchesterjazz.com
Soundcheck is supported by funding from Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority. mjf is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner in association with Youth Music.
