Manitoba Music Launches Music Business Mentorship Program

New Program Supports Development of Music Companies and Industry Working in Manitoba

While the global pandemic has forced a pause on some critical revenue-generating elements of the music sector, many emerging industry workers remain focused on professional development. Mentorship can be the key to building a sustainable professional career, offering important insights based on lived experience and a chance to establish lasting business relationships.

Responding to the need for more mentorship opportunities, Manitoba Music has launched the Music Business Mentorship Program to support the development of music companies and industry working in our province. 

Running throughout 2021, the pilot program offers training and consulting services to Manitoba Music members building businesses dedicated to supporting local artists. Participants are paired with a mentor to focus on their specific area of interest, including artist management and development, music business admin, record label and music marketing, and recording studio and production management. 

Sponsored by Music Managers Forum Canada, participants will participate in MMF’s series of training workshops and receive a one-year membership.  Manitoba Music is also partnering with Social Entrepreneurship Enclave to deliver small group business development training throughout the year, and Honest Agency to deliver a series of branding workshops.

“This program is a huge opportunity for me as someone new to the music industry to connect with a leader in my field in a meaningful and lasting way,” says participant Jen Doerksen, who works at Birthday Cake Media and BNB Studios. “I started in the music industry just over a year ago in a professional capacity, and having access to this mentorship at this point in my career is helping me establish myself in the local, national, and international music scene as a trusted and innovative music marketing professional. I am excited to see the year through and look back at how far we've come together once we get there!”

“Mentorship is a long term relationship built on trust, support, honest advice, encouragement, inspiration, and a whole lotta fun,” says mentor Vanessa Kuzina of Six Shooter Records. “I am forever grateful to the mentors I have had over the years to this day supporting my career development and aspirations. I am honoured to pay this forward to the next generation of passionate industry movers and shakers, to help guide and also learn from, be there through the tricky questions, and to cheers all the spectacular wins.”

“Mentorship has real-world impact and being located outside of a major music centre can make access to mentors a challenge. Going virtual has allowed us to foster new connections in a different way. We’re very excited to be supporting the development of industry workers, particularly women working in the music sector, through this pilot program,” says Sean McManus, Manitoba Music’s executive director. 

Participants
Andrea Davis, Birthday Cake Media
Anita Van Dinther, Ohm Management
Janelle Johnson, Johnson Talent Management
Jen Doerksen, Birthday Cake Media
Rachel Burns, Jackrabbit Media
Vanessa Peters, Private Ear Recording

Mentors
Alan Greyeyes, Ogichidaa Arts
Alena Moran, Triple 8 Management
Allison Outhit, Alliance for Equity in the Music Industry
Chris Budd, Warner Music Canada
Hannah Carlen, Secretly Group
Vanessa Kuzina, Six Shooter Records