You’re not just here to make music. You’re here to build something real. That means treating your career with the clarity, confidence, and intention of a creative professional. You’re not just here to make music. You’re here to build something real. That means treating your career with the clarity, confidence, and intention of a creative professional. This module shows you how to run your artist project as a functioning business from day one.

What we’ll cover:

• Setting Up as a Professional Artist
  Choose the right business model for your career: sole trader, limited company, or partnership.

• Banking, Cashflow and Financial Readiness
  Open a business bank account, manage your income clearly, and prepare for grants, taxes, and growth.

• Mapping the Music Industry
  Understand the real structure of the business - labels, publishers, distributors, PROs, sync, live - and how artists power the whole system.

• Artist Income: Where the Money Comes From
  Explore your potential revenue streams: streaming, publishing, live, sync, merch, brand, funding, and more.

• Time Management for Creative Professionals
  Design a routine that balances creativity and momentum - and supports your mental health along the way.

• Digital Organisation for Artists
  Build systems for your music files, metadata, press assets, lyrics, and documents so you're always pitch-ready.

• Habits and Systems That Make You Unstoppable
  Adopt real-world tools and approaches that professional artists use to stay consistent and build long-term careers.

By the end of this module, you will have the right setup, tools and systems to support your next phase. You’ll understand how the industry operates, where your income can come from, and how to stay organised, balanced and ready for growth.

Music is art - but it’s also intellectual property. Understanding your rights and how to manage them is one of the most powerful things you can do as an artist. This module gives you a clear, confident foundation in the systems that turn songs into income.

What we’ll cover:

• Copyright: What You Own and How to Protect It
  Understand what copyright really means and how it applies to your songs, recordings, and ideas.

• PRS, PPL and MCPS
  Get your music properly registered to collect the royalties you’re owed in the UK and globally.

• Songwriter Splits, Publishing Shares and Metadata
  Track and manage your co-writing relationships and ensure you get paid accurately.

• Publisher Deals Explained
  What publishing companies offer, how deals are structured, and what to watch for in contracts.

• Producer Agreements and Guest Features
  Understand the paperwork behind collaborations - and how to avoid future disputes.

• Sync Licensing Basics
  Learn how your music ends up in film, TV, ads and games - and what makes it syncable.

Whether you’re releasing independently or building toward a label deal, this module helps you understand how music moves - and how to build the right support around you.

What we’ll cover:

• How Record Labels Actually Work
  Break down the departments, responsibilities and timelines inside major and indie labels.

• Record Deals Explained
  Explore deal types, clauses, advances, options, and what happens after you sign.

• How to Pitch to a Label
  Learn what A&Rs are really looking for - and how to position yourself professionally.

• Working with Distributors
  Get your music into the world with smart, efficient distribution that fits your goals.

• Building Your Artist Team
  Know when and how to bring in managers, agents, lawyers, publicists, and social teams.

• Managing Professional Relationships
  How to hold your ground, communicate clearly, and stay aligned with your partners.

By the end of this module, you will have a clear strategy for releasing your music, positioning yourself professionally, and building the team that’s right for your goals. You’ll understand label deals, distribution options, and how to manage partnerships with confidence and clarity.

A thriving music career takes more than music. It takes a long-term strategy, smart partnerships and support along the way. This final module helps you scale what you’ve built, identify new opportunities, and grow on your own terms.

What we’ll cover:

• Funding Opportunities for Artists
  Explore grants, foundations and crowdfunding options - and learn how to write a strong application.

• Brand and Business Partnerships
  What makes brands want to work with artists - and how to build your offer and approach.

• Live Income and Touring Strategy
  Plan shows that grow your audience, make money, and attract industry attention.

• Budgeting and Forecasting
  Know how much your next steps will cost - and how to stay financially in control.

• Wellbeing and Longevity
  Build a career that supports your mental health, life goals, and evolving creative identity.

• Where to Get Help
  Get a directory of trusted organisations, professionals and advisors who support artist growth.

By the end of this module, you will have a personalised growth strategy in place, with a clear understanding of how to fund your next steps, form the right partnerships, and build a sustainable career that aligns with your values, goals and wellbeing.

What we’ll cover:

• Artist Setup and Career Goals

Review where you are, where you want to go, and how your current setup supports your vision.

• Troubleshooting and Strategic Solutions

Work through current challenges in areas like rights, partnerships, time management or creative structure.

• Immediate Action Planning

Identify realistic, high-impact next steps you can take straight away to move your career forward.

• Expert Feedback and Long-Term Direction

Get honest, experienced input on your strategy, business setup, and future plans – so you can move forward with confidence.

By the end of this session, you’ll have greater clarity, sharper focus, and a personalised plan to support your growth as an independent artist.