Sony Music Aus launches A&R development program

Sony Music Entertainment Australia has launched a unique A&R initiative to develop emerging industry figures.

The first Sony Music A&R Academy will take on three tertiary education graduatesfor a 12 month program, during whicheachwill be paid a full-time salary.

While Sony Music plans to take the A&R AcademyAustralia-wide, the inaugural program will developtwo candidatesfor Sydney and one for Melbourne.

The candidates must be a recent graduate, and be nominated byone of Sony Music’s partnered universities or colleges, including Queensland University of Technology and the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) in Sydney and Melbourne. Applicants will applyby video message and resumeand program details are atwww.sonymusic.com.au/anracademy/

During the comprehensive 12-month initiative the three candidates will attend artist development sessions, receive one-on-one mentoring from a Sony Music exec who works outside of A&R, sit in on creative sessions with staff, attend Masterclasses from Sony’s General Managers and industry experts, and undergo skill development. The Sony A&R executives offering their expertise will includeRoss Fraser in Melbourne and Paul Harris, Pat Handlin andTim Pithouse in Sydney.

At the end of the program each candidate will be positioned foreither a permanent position at Sony Music or have the potential for Sony Music to invest in them as entrepreneurs.

Rob Cannon, Head of Entertainment Management at AIM, said: “The Sony Music A&R Academy is an excellent initiative that recognises that learning does not stop at graduation, particularly in such a dynamic field as A&R. As such, it presents an excellent opportunity for today’s students to gain the practical hands-on experience and expert mentorship that will help them become the successful music industry talent of tomorrow.”

Denis Handlin AM, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Entertainment Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, said: “A&R is the heartbeat of the music industry and Sony Music Entertainment Australia has always been committed to the signing and development of artists that can succeed at home and overseas.

“This program will allow tomorrow’s A&R leaders to learn and excel as part of the thriving entrepreneurial, innovative, creative and risk taking culture of Sony Music Entertainment Australia. They will learn from the best in the business and at the end of the program, be equipped to become industry leaders in A&R.

“I look forward to seeing the candidates grow during the program as well as the contribution they make to our A&R team and Australian artist roster.”

Sony Musicwill be processing and reviewing potential candidates over the next four weeks.

This program extends Sony Music’s long standing and successful interns program over the past decade with a multitude of interns having gone on to full time employment at Sony Music and in other parts of the industry. Pictured on the above photo with Sony Music artist Delta Goodrem are a number of Sony Music staff who entered as interns and progressed to full time positions.

Image L-R: Therese Cox – Manager, National Publicity, Charlie Odell – Account Representative, Sales & Digital. Delta – Artist, Pat Handlin – Director A&R, Chantal Lyons – Marketing Coordinator