Let your music work for you
Surrounding Sound is a professional development series from Australian Music Centre, designed to equip art music practitioners with the skills and industry knowledge to sustain creative careers.
This series invites music industry experts to share essential skills and resources for practicing musicians to maintain a sustainable and creative career in the art music space. Being a creative isn’t always easy, so let your music work for you. Whether you are an early-career or a seasoned artist, balancing multiple career pathways, or are yearning to dive into the music world, this is where we talk about all things Surrounding Sound.
Surrounding Sound: Level Up
A professional development conference for art music practitioners
Take your career to the next level with Surrounding Sound: Level Up — a free, one-day professional development conference designed specifically for early- to mid-career practitioners working in contemporary classical, jazz, improvisation, and sound art.
Building on the AMC’s flagship online series, this in-person event brings together leading voices in the music industry for a day of practical workshops, insightful panels, and real-world case studies. You'll gain clarity on how to build a sustainable creative career, with sessions focused on essential topics like strategic planning, fundraising, audience development, music export, and regional touring.
Plus, this conference will include full catering and networking opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential new collaborators.
Whether you're shaping your first touring project, or looking to scale up your next release, Surrounding Sound: Level Up offers valuable tools and stategies to grow your practice.
Event details
Date:Tuesday 19 August
Venue: Aerial Function Centre, Ultimo | Building 10, Level 7/235 Jones St, Ultimo NSW 2007
Doors: 8:30am
Conference: 9am-5pm
Networking event: 5pm-7pm
Cost: FREE* Register to secure your ticket now.
Travel bursaries: Available for regional NSW-based practitioners (covering travel and accommodation).
*The Australian Music Centre is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and support of art music in Australia. Please consider making a small donation with your registration to support our work for Australian music.
Tickets
Register for your free ticket now. All tickets are fully subsidised and include catering throughout the event. Registrations are essential.
Conference Sessions
A Brief Introduction to ICIP | with Nathaniel Andrews (NATSIMO) and Meeghan Oliver (AMC)
Strategic Planning for Art Music Creators | with Jacqueline Thomas-Piccardi (Cinque Artist Management) and Luke Tierney (Tier1 Arts)
Panel: Grants and Fundraising | moderated by Paul Mason, with Frankie Airey (Philanthropy Squared), Michelle Boyle (Creative Australia), David Everist (Create NSW), Peter Keough (Sound NSW), and Sally Piper (Music Australia)
Pitching Your Creative Work | with Emily Tulloch and David Boyce
Panel: Exporting Art Music | moderated by Glenn Dickie, with Jeremy Rose, Claire Edwardes, and Fabienne Krause (Classical:NEXT)
Regional Touring | with Joe Muller (Music NSW)
Growing Your Audience | with Mardi Caught (The Annex) and Ross McHenry
Networking Drinks
Bursaries for practitioners in regional NSW
Bursaries are available for practitioners based in regional NSW to attend Surrounding Sound: Level Up, subsidising costs for travel and accommodation. To be considered for a bursary, applicants must submit an online application form.
View full guidelines for the Surrounding Sound:Level Up Bursaries.
EXTENDED: Applications for the bursary are open until Friday 27 June 2025.
FAQ
Who will be speaking at the event?
Surrounding Sound: Level Up will feature panels, presentations, and conversations with music industry professionals, and seasoned art music creators. A full roster of speakers and presenters will be announced in June 2025, along with a schedule.
I'd like to attend the conference, but won't be able to attend for the full day. Can I book to attend specific sessions instead?
Surrounding Sound: Level Up is programmed and ticketed as a full-day event. We encourage you to attend the full day to make the most of the industry learning and networking opportunities. You are welcome to register for a ticket even if you are able to attend a part of the day. To ensure we can deliver the best experience for everyone, please notify us at events@australianmusiccentre.com.au if you are planning on attending a portion of the day.
Will there be any catering services available throughout the event?
Yes. Catering will be included as part of your registration. Attendees will have access to tea and coffee upon welcome. The conference includes catered breaks for morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and networking event at the end of the day. Please note: we will try our best to cater to specific dietary requirements if you let us know your preferences in advance. However, if you have high-risk allergies, we recommend binging or sourcing your own food, as the catering is provided by a third party.
Can I ask questions about accessibility?
Yes! We encourage you to ask any questions or share any concerns about access. Please contact us on events@australianmusiccentre.com.au. Our team is here to help and ensure your experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Sign up to our event mailing list for announcements.
Surrounding Sound: Level Up is proudly funded by the NSW Government through Sound NSW.
