Capacity building and professional development in contemporary music careers: An Australian contemporary music case study

Abstract

This paper examines capacity building and professional development in Western Australia’s contemporary popular music sector. It reports on a mixed-methods qualitative-quantitative study into the lived experiences and needs of musicians and industry practitioners alike. It examines learning which is undertaken outside of formal education settings, and includes conferencing, one-on-one mentorship and other workshop based modes of delivery. As is reported, participants are overall positive about their experiences when engaging in such activities however several barriers exist as they relate to the required investments of time and money, modes of delivery and the focus of specific opportunities. A range of recommendations are made in order to address these barriers and support a diversification within the capacity building and professional development space.