Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Successful Leeds Beckett alumni to join Launchpad Talent Development Conference
From working on organising the conference, to speaking on the Music panel, Leeds Beckett’s talented graduates are working to support aspiring music professionals in the city. Music Production and Performance graduate Phenicia Williams will perform at the Showcase event on Thursday 23 February. The pre-conference showcase will spotlight key names in Yorkshire music. Born and raised in Leeds, Phenicia Williams is a dynamic singer-songwriter, rapper, and vocalist, creating original music and supporting other artists to achieve their dreams.
Music Production graduate Bethan Heaton, now an International Project Manager at Secretly Distribution, will join other Leeds Beckett and Leeds Conservatoire graduates on the UK Music panel. Leeds Beckett University is a Music Academics Partner of UK Music.
Human Geography graduate Emily Marlow is the event lead at Music Local, managing the delivery of the conference. Emily is a creative producer and programmer, working across music, art and film events and projects. With a special focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, Emily is passionate about supporting local creative communities and platforming marginalised people through her work. As part of the Music Local team, Emily leads the events programme, delivering conferences, gigs, workshops, and industry socials to connect, inspire, and empower people working in music across Yorkshire.
More about the Launchpad Talent Development Conference
The Launchpad Talent Development Conference is open to everyone involved in music at any level and hoping to gain a better understanding of the music industry – as an artist, producer, manager, promoter, student, enthusiast or otherwise.
The event will feature a mix of panel discussions from leading experts and professionals across a range of subjects impacting talent development today for music creators, the music industry, and scenes across the country and beyond. Additionally, there will be one-to-one sessions and opportunities for networking with music industry professionals.
Samuel Nicholls, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University’s Leeds School of Arts and Director of Music:Leeds/Music Local, said: “The conference will be a fantastic opportunity for those working or aspiring to work at all levels of the music sector to come together, learn and share experiences on building an equitable and successful national and regional music sector.
“Having a key partnership that involves some of our most successful graduates strengthens Leeds Beckett’s position as a key educator in Leeds and the wider region, and showcases the wide range of skills and talent of our alumni network.”
Joe Frankland, CEO, PRS Foundation said, “We’re delighted to be heading to Leeds Beckett University with our friends at Music:Leeds/ Music Local for this year’s Talent Development Conference. We’re very much looking forward to facilitating meaningful conversations and connections in their School of Arts building in the heart of the city during Leeds’ Year of Culture.”
The Launchpad Talent Development Conference is a part of the LEEDS 2023 Season One: Awakening showcase. Leeds Beckett University is a Principal Education Partner of LEEDS 2023, making an active contribution to the upcoming year of culture which will showcase the city’s creative talent. Leeds School of Arts at LBU is a key contributor to the celebrations taking over Leeds in 2023, with students, staff and alumni coming together to bring exclusive events to the public. To find out more about Leeds Beckett’s partnership with LEEDS 2023, please visit our website.