(Edmonton, AB – March 26, 2021) The acclaimed Phoenix Music Executive Development program will be offered virtually to 12 selected participants, beginning early April 2021. The program is presented by Alberta Music, and is funded by FACTOR and the Government of Canada.
This will be the fifth time the Phoenix Program has been offered to Canadians. The program was originally intended to take place in person in Alberta but was put on hold last year due to the pandemic. In light of ongoing COVID concerns, it has been adapted to take place online.
The application process was competitive and based on the applicants’ professional achievements. Participants were selected by a jury of industry professionals, and the chosen participants include business owners, artist managers, independent labels, and senior executives from across Canada. The 12 participants in the Alberta edition are:
Anthony Lovesey
Eman Safadi
Jessica Marsh
José Bertrand
Kyle Cunjak
Laurie Joan Brown
Lorraine Marina Stanton
Nicholas Peter Middleton
Peter Chapman
Zachari Smith
Natasha Mandrusiak
Megan McKay
“Phoenix is a great opportunity for these music industry professionals to review their business model and find new ways forward in a digital world,” said Carly Klassen, Executive Director of Alberta Music.
“The training is intensive, offered in short bursts over a four-month period and becomes progressively more personalized over time,” said Program Director Mariel Beros. “Phoenix is designed for time poor working professionals. We’ve had some great outcomes using this approach. Australian alumnus David Morgan, the co-manager of international sensation Tones and I, has applied lessons learned at the program not only to the global release strategy for his artist, but to the growth of his company as well.”
Canadian Alumni report significant changes to their outlooks and businesses:
“…The program was incredibly valuable – being with a small group that were open + engaged in a setting away from daily life was great. The content was intense and mind blowing and will impact how I proceed from here. Advisors complemented each other and were all amazing.”
“Phoenix has changed how I think about income, productivity and my team. This change has already increased sales, streamlined staffing and produced future planning.”
“The advisors involved in the program were exceptional. The community that it developed within the attendees was really awesome!”
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About Phoenix (http://musicexecdevelopment.com/): The Phoenix program is delivered by Australian strategy consultant Mariel Beros and her team of advisors who have been offering business training in Australia, New Zealand and Canada for the past decade. The training has made a substantial positive impact on the business acumen and skill levels of participants, while also building professionalism in the contemporary music sector.
Culturally Canada, Australia and New Zealand share similar characteristics, as do their contemporary music industries. They have similar industry strengths and challenges, having an exceptional pool of talented artists but small domestic markets, which can limit their reach. To succeed in this new era of constant disruptive technological and social change where music fans have moved from ownership to access, music industry professionals need to adopt a growth mindset. Strong business and interpersonal skills are now essential. Phoenix provides training to support the growth of sustainable, thriving music businesses.
About Alberta Music (https://www.albertamusic.org/): The Alberta Music Industry Association is a non-profit, service-based association dedicated to helping professionals in the music industry to succeed in their careers. Alberta Music’s mission is to build, connect and inspire a dynamic Alberta music industry, through consultations, programs, advice, workshops. Alberta Music engages in external advocacy work, working with other organizations and government, for advocacy and partnerships.
About FACTOR (http://www.factor.ca): FACTOR (the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings) is a public/private partnership that supports the production of sound recordings by Canadian musicians and helps Canadian music companies make recordings available to a wider public. They are dedicated to providing assistance toward the growth and development of the Canadian music industry. FACTOR administers funds from the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Music Fund, and from Canada’s private radio broadcasters.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Olivia Street
olivia@albertamusic.org