For Artists

Building a career in the music industry can be tough. We're here to help.

#Opportunities and programs

QMusic’s events and programs support the professional development of emerging and established artists, and connects them with an international music industry network.

The Queensland Music Awards is a platform for unearthing the best new songwriters from Queensland, and also recognises the contribution of established artists. Every entrant gets their song heard by industry judges from around the world. Finalists and winners benefit from significant exposure across our media partner platforms.

QMusic Connect is our professional development program for emerging Queensland artists. The masterclass program takes participants through the process of setting up a music industry business and releasing a song into market. And it’s free!

QMusic also administers grants for recording projects (The Billy Thorpe Scholarship and Carol Lloyd Award) and songwriting (The Grant McLennan Fellowship).

Our signature event, BIGSOUND, offers the opportunity for 150 of Australia’s best new acts to play to an audience of music industry influencers and a public audience looking for their new favourite band.

#QMUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Grant Mclennan Fellowship

$15,000 grant

Carol Lloyd Award

$15,000 grant

Billy Thorpe Scholarship

$15,000 grant

#Resources

#QMusic Resources

Spotify's 2023 Music Calendar for Artists

A selection of Important dates, observances, and holidays useful for anyone in the music industry to know.

Gyrostream Release Checklist

A comprehensive list of everything you need to think about when you're releasing!

QMusic Concert Care

Safer spaces in live music so everyone can have a top night out.

Fact Sheet Music & Copyright

This fact sheet provides an overview of the music copyright issues for songwriters and composers.

Understanding Fan Analytics: Luminate Execs Weigh In

The entertainment data company’s Helena Kosinski and Jaime Marconette give tips on using the power of numbers to build your fan base.

QMusic Connect Resources

Access all program resources referenced by speakers.

#Grants Guide

Contemporary Music Touring Program

The Contemporary Music Touring Program (CMTP) supports national touring activity undertaken by Australian musicians performing original Australian contemporary music.

Grants are available from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the number of tour venues or locations in regional or remote areas.

Applications close 7 March, 2023.

Environmental Music Prize

The 2023 ENVIRONMENTAL MUSIC PRIZE is now open for entries! The $20,000 prize will reward a song and music video which connects us to nature or inspires action for climate and conservation.

Australian musicians with works released between 1 January 2020 - 5 March 2023 are eligible to apply.

Applications close 5 March, 2023.

Arts Projects for Organisations

This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. Organisations that undertake arts programs, projects, or that provide services to artists, are welcome to apply.

Grants are available from $20,000 to $100,000.

Applications close 7 March, 2023.

Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups

This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities.

Grants are available from $10,000 to $50,000. Supported activities must not last longer than two years from the proposed start date.

Applications close 7 March, 2023.

Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP)

The Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) is focused on celebrating Queensland’s artists and stories, ensuring Queenslanders’ access to high quality experiences and growing Queensland’s cultural reputation.

Applications close 13 March, 2023.

First Nations Commissioning Fund

The First Nations Commissioning Fund is focused on investing in opportunities that share First Nations stories and cultural knowledge and elevate awareness of Queensland’s exceptional First Nations arts and cultural products and experiences.

Applications close 13 March, 2023.

PPCA Sound Recording Partnership

The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) and the Australia Council for the Arts will deliver a grant partnership, the PPCA Sound Recording Partnership.

This partnership will support five Australian artists or groups to create new sound recordings, with $15,000 available for each.

Applications close 4 April, 2023.