Introduction
This resource features some invaluable insights into life as a freelance musician, with comments from Fèis Rois and High Life Highland Music Development.
The representatives from both organisations explore the realities of this type of work and provide some top tips.
This resource is aimed at any student who might be interested in freelance working within the creative industries.
The aim of this resource is to inform students about the realities of working as a freelance musician and the key considerations that must be taken on board.
The two representatives interviewed cover lots of useful hints and tips, and some of the key skills and attributes which can help to achieve success.
In reviewing these videos, it is important to keep the university’s graduate attributes in mind: academic skills, communication, self-management, interpersonal skills, and social awareness.
© University of the Highlands and Islands
About the companies
Fèis Rois
Fèis Rois is based in Dingwall, and is widely recognised as a national leader in the arts, particularly music education. Fèis Rois enables people of all ages to access, participate in and enjoy the traditional arts and Gaelic language through a diverse programme of activities in Ross & Cromarty, across Scotland and beyond. Central to their activity is the annual programme of residential music schools or festivals, where people are brought together to learn and develop skills in traditional music, other art forms and the Gaelic language.
High Life Highland
High Life Highland Music Development focuses on providing access to music skills development, working with a range of music groups and schools and hosting a variety of inclusive, supported and progressive music activities.
© University of the Highlands and Islands
Roles featured
Rachael Duff is the Formal Education Portfolio Manager for Fèis Rois, where she manages the organisation’s school programme. Before this role, Rachael was Artistic Director of Firefly Arts, and has facilitated a number of workshops throughout Europe through the Richter Foundation.
Norman Bolton is the Music Development Officer for High Life Highland. Norman has broad-ranging musical interests and experiences including musical theatre, choral directing and instrumental abilities. He works to promote access, inclusion and achievement in his leadership of the Highland Council Instrumental Tuition Service, Highland Young Musicians groups and work with schools.
Topics explored include finance, self-management, bookings, and the challenge of administrative duties whilst being a creative artist. Also discussed are the flexibility and opportunities available in this type of work, which make it all worthwhile!
Working as a Freelance Musician
How to use the video
This video can be used in a number of ways – both in the classroom as a teaching resource for employability and as a self-directed learning resource. Students can review and use the video in preparation for freelance work, and it can also be used to prompt discussion around opportunities and actions not yet considered.
Making you think...
To build on the content covered in this video, individuals or groups could carry out the following tasks:
- Have a think about the most important skills needed to successfully operate as a freelance musician or artist – from the information covered in the video, and your own experiences, what would you say are the top 3?
- Why is reflecting on your work important?
- How does reflection allow you to plan for the future?
Where to find out more
Fèis Rois
To find out more about Fèis Rois, opportunities and the work that they do, visit their social media pages and website.
Twitter: @FeisRois / https://twitter.com/FeisRois
Facebook: @feisross / https://www.facebook.com/feisrois
Website: https://www.feisrois.org/
High Life Highland Music Development
To find out more about High Life Highland, opportunities and the work that they do, visit relevant social media pages and website.
Twitter: @hlhsocial / https://twitter.com/hlhsocial
Facebook: @HighLifeHighland / https://www.facebook.com/HighLifeHighland/
Website: https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/13/music_tuition
It may also be worth visiting the Highland Youth Music Twitter and Facebook pages.
Careers and employability: advice and guidance
For advice and guidance on careers, employability, applications, interviews and CVs, the university’s Careers and Employability Team are in place to help you. They can talk through options and ideas with you, help you get started, and provide practical help when it comes to interview and CV preparation: “Look up, look forward, be in the know.”
Email: careers@uhi.ac.uk
Telephone: 01463 279213
Twitter: @UHICareers / https://twitter.com/UHICareers
Facebook: @UHICareersandAlumni / https://en-gb.facebook.com/UHICareersandAlumni/