Music Academy Celebrates Decade of Development

Music Academy Celebrates Decade of Development

Liverpool City Council’s groundbreaking music talent development program, LIMF Academy, is commemorating its 10th anniversary by releasing a significant impact report that showcases a decade of fostering the city region’s most promising emerging music creators. Established in 2014 as part of the Liverpool International Music Festival to shine a spotlight on local talent, the Academy has evolved into a crucial component of Liverpool’s music ecosystem, providing a platform for creative development, industry access, personal growth, and performance opportunities. Over the years, the program has supported more than 200 young artists, offering over 400 hours of professional expertise and hosting over 220 workshops and teaching sessions – all at no cost to the participants.

The report, authored by an independent music consultant, discloses that nearly 80% of alumni are sustaining careers in the music industry, while over a third have secured professional representation. Additionally, almost a quarter of alumni have inked deals with record labels, label services, or secured distribution and marketing agreements, with alumni averaging over 19,500 monthly Spotify plays – nine times higher than their non-Academy peers. The report also underscores the Academy’s commitment to diversity, with 34.9% of participants identifying as non-white and 44.1% as non-male.

Initiatives like LIMF Academy Orchestrated have been instrumental in the program’s success, bringing together LIMF Academy artists and the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra to reimagine original music in a live orchestral setting, showcasing a fusion of genres and highlighting emerging talent on prestigious stages. Notable alumni from the Academy include Jalen Ngonda, Ni Maxine, KOJ, Michael Aldag, and Jazmine Johnson, each making waves in the music industry following their time with the program.

Looking toward the future, the report emphasizes the importance of forming new partnerships to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability and expansion. To access the full report, visit the Culture Liverpool website. The program’s success was praised by Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Culture, Yaw Owusu, the LIMF Academy’s founder and Creative Director, and various alumni who credit the program with boosting their confidence and setting them on the path to successful music careers. Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music, acknowledged the program’s pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent within Liverpool’s vibrant music scene

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