Developing the skills of future music industry practitioners is a core objective for us as a charity –  pathways provided by grassroots organisations are often the first hand-on experience many will have, and is a crucial gateway into the cultural sector.

On- and off-stage, we are committed to providing training and employment opportunities for aspiring music engineers, lighting technicians, event reps, photographers, performers and more. 

Training

We offer shadowing sessions for sound and lighting technicians who are looking to get work experience in the music industry. These sessions offer experience working in a professional environment with leading sound engineers and lighting technicians, from load in and load out tasks to the changeover of artists on stage. Contact us for more information.

Volunteering

Alongside filling the city with incredible live music, Sŵn Festival is committed to creating exciting volunteering opportunities throughout the weekend. Each year Sŵn engages with up to 60 volunteers, across five key areas of the festival:

• Customer Relations
• Artist Liaison
• Marketing
• Production
• Industry Sessions

In 2023, we’re looking to expand our offer, collaborating with the University of South Wales and the Resonant Programme, run by Beacons Cymru, to empower those looking for experience in the music industry and offer hands-on opportunities during festival weekend.

Music Industry Sessions

We love music, but we love a good panel discussion too! 

Clwb’s Music Industry Sessions is at the heart of our core values. Running alongside the music programme at Sŵn Festival, our aim is to discuss and demystify the different pathways into the music industry. 

Working with the best sector partners and organisations, the conference aims to inspire more people to take their first step into the music industry, signposting the support and opportunities available. We are also planning to host a series of one-off events throughout the year following on from this year’s event.

Merched Yn Neud Miwsig (Women Making Music)

Working in partnership with the National Eisteddfod our aim is to encourage more young women to create and perform Welsh language music. Running one-day and residential courses, we provide a safe space for women to learn new skills and meet others also keen to create, produce and perform music. We connect young people to leading music practitioners, and since 2018, have helped women take to the stage equipped with new skills and confidence.

The next event will be a day long workshop and evening showcase at Clwb for Bach in September, following funding received by Ty Cerdd.

Workshops

The success of Merched yn Neud Miwisig has enabled us to secure funding to deliver similar projects for any young person in Wales that’s interested in creating music through the medium of Welsh.

Following funding received by Anthem we able programme two residential courses in partnership with Maes B and Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Based on similar courses done through our “Merched yn Neud Miwsig’ programme these were open to anybody looking to gain more understanding of knowledge of how to create, produce and perform music, Following the positive feedback by those who attended the course we are hoping to develop further opportunities to expand this course in the near future.