Artist Development Summer School

If your ambition is to stand out as a talented up-and-coming music artist, this immersive week-long Summer School programme will give you the knowledge, skills and tools to do just that.

Across five days, you’ll explore the music-making process, develop a deeper understanding of your art, and gain invaluable insight into the way the music industry operates.

As you delve into a range of music-making topics and processes, you’ll collaborate with your fellow Summer School peers to bring your creative and artistic intentions to life. With dedicated sessions in songwriting, music production and the music business, you’ll work with our expert industry-active ICMP tutors to plan and develop your own artist project.

My favourite part of the course has been meeting the other students and the tutors, making friends, and getting some advice and support. It’s been really inspiring as an artist.”

As artists and songwriters need to be well-rounded musicians with broad entrepreneurial skills, the programme covers songwriting craft, while also exploring adjacent songwriting subjects such as vocal technique, performance skills and marketing for the music industry.

During the week, you’ll work on your artist portfolio and participate in a professional photoshoot, receiving a selection of photos you can then use for self-promotion in the press or across social media.

This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in your art for five full days, as you finesse your style as an artist and learn to enrich your creative thinking.

Find out what you'll be doing each day by downloading the course schedule here.

Learning topics

Across the week, you'll participate in specialist workshops focused on:

• Songwriting
• Song development
• Sonic identity
• Ways to successfully collaborate and co-write
• The recording process
• Music Production
• The music business
• The release and marketing of music
• Music entrepreneurial skills

It’s been an incredible experience that helps both beginners and experienced songwriters – there are learning opportunities for everyone!”

By the end of the week, you’ll have developed a closer personal connection to your craft and will know how to effectively implement a range of creative songwriting strategies. You’ll also have gained a stronger understanding of the music business and, with guidance from our knowledgeable ICMP tutors, will have created a personal one-to-three-year career plan.

Whether your aim is to establish yourself as an artist and/or songwriter, or you’re just starting out and simply curious about the music business, this detailed Summer School programme will give you a strong foundation to succeed, and a newfound energy and excitement to progress your future in music.

What will I learn?

Co-write, collaborate and network: Write songs with your fellow Summer School peers and participate in workshops to strengthen your contacts and networking abilities. You’ll complete the programme having forged professional music relationships, newfound connections and like-minded friendships.

Attend daily music business classes: Delve into a range of music industry topics each morning at our daily sessions. You’ll gain invaluable insights into the music business from our expert tutors, who are all active music industry professionals.

Connect at specialist masterclasses Learn about the music business from our industry special guests, as they recount their experiences working as A&R representatives, professional artists and more. Masterclasses are an integral part of the ICMP student experience, providing you with unique first-hand music industry knowledge.

Develop a press kit: During the week, you’ll build your own portfolio and electronic press kit (EPK). You’ll undertake a professional photoshoot in our state-of-the-art studios, giving you images to use for future promotional activities as you launch your artist project.

Need help with Accommodation?
Here are some options for you

• UCL Summer Residences
• Chester House
• Summer Vacation Holiday
• London Nest
• Canvas Short Summer Stay
• Magenta House
• Will Wyatt Court

THIS COURSE IS SPONSORED BY: