ICMP faculty members join Ivors Academy Senate and Councils

Congratulations to the various members of ICMP's teaching faculty who have been elected to the Ivors Academy Senate and Councils. 

Dr Catherine Anne Davies, Songwriting and Music Production Tutor, and Xantone Blacq, Vocals and Songwriting Tutor, will sit on the Senate. 

Elsewhere, Jonathan Whiskerd, ICMP's Dean sits on the academy's Songwriting and Education Councils, which report to the Senate. He is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ Council alongside alumnus and tutor Joshua 'SATCH' Satchell. 

Commenting, Jonathan said:

Given the Ivors Academy's key role as an advocacy and membership organisation for songwriters and composers, I am delighted to see ICMP's faculty so well represented within its governance structure."

"This is indicative of ICMP's influence within the music industry, which is achieved primarily via the talent, profile and relevance of our brilliant faculty."

SATCH said: "Being part of a group that fights for both songwriters and queer people is something a younger me only could have dreamed of! I've met such inspiring creatives through being part of such an initiative."

"I really encourage all songwriters to get involved with the Ivors Academy as we're stronger together."

Catherine, who also records as The Anchoress, has been a member of the Senate since 2021. 

She said:

I have advocated in a number of areas that I am deeply passionate about: access to touring for clinically vulnerable performers, diversity in music production, and better working practices for neurodiverse members."

"As I now enter my second term as a Senator I am keen to push for further transparency within the organisation in relationship to its partnerships. I also currently sit on the Disability & Neurodiversity Committee and am looking forward to establishing a new Parents & Carers Council."

Continuing, she talked about the importance of this role and how it enhances how she teaches Masters students at ICMP.

She said: "As someone that straddles the roles of songwriter, producer, and artist, I have first-hand knowledge of the intricacies of the modern industry and the issues facing us right now as streaming and AI threaten the very future of our craft and livelihoods."

Being at the forefront of industry campaigns for both the Ivors and Featured Artists Coalition means that I am able to share an honest and realistic view of the realities of the modern industry as Masters students embark upon their professional careers." 

Congratulations to all of those now working with the Ivors Academy in these roles. 

Other professionals connected with ICMP to have joined the Senate include Eve Horne and Fiona Bevan. 

Find out more about the Ivors Academy. 

(Photo credit | The Anchoress by Darren Feist)