The Music Careers Expo, organised by youth music nonprofit The Push, is back this August to once again demystify pathways into the South Australian music sector.
According to Kate Duncan, CEO of The Push, a music career is something to pursue, not avoid. That’s why the charity started The Music Careers Expo three years ago. In South Australia, Queensland and Victoria, the one-day free event nurtures young people’s passion for music – not just as a hobby but as a future-proof career choice.
Opening doors to music careers
Despite the Australian music sector employing more than a quarter of a million people with a yearly revenue of nearly a billion, knowing how to enter the industry can be less than clear.
“The pathways aren’t as linear as nursing, science or other sectors. Career educators, music teachers and parents often don’t know what exists and where to refer you,” says Kate.
The all-ages expo has an interactive program of workshops, presentations and stalls that showcase the diversity of the industry’s options. Highschoolers can also have one-on-one conversations with artists, industry practitioners and education providers for tailored advice.
By sharing how to get a start in the music industry, the expo helps young people avoid years of trial and error – or even abandoning their dreams altogether.
“We need to ensure that we’re nurturing and fostering a pipeline of industry practitioners,” says Kate of the event coming to The Gov in Hindmarsh on Tuesday 20 August.
“We’re stoked to demystify what different pathways can be for teachers and students. It’s a great hands-on opportunity to understand what’s possible once they finish high school.
“Having cross-government investment through the South Australian Government’s Music Development Office and Department of Education for the Music Careers Expo demonstrates what is possible when we work holistically to create shared opportunities for young people as students, musicians and industry practitioners.”
Music careers in 2024
For the Music Careers Expo to be truly helpful, it needs to be relevant: staying up-to-date with industry trends and pressures facing youth today.
Young people are up against large HECS debts and a cost of living crisis that makes even the most passionate think twice about a creative career. Yet, after COVID pushed many to leave the industry, there are now skill shortages across the sector, particularly in sound and tech production. Given this, the expo is a perfect chance to squash doubts and find out what’s possible locally in music today.
“It might not feel like it’s the most stable or viable career. We’re hoping to demystify that – there are roles if you’re wanting a stable income,” Kate says.
A recent survey revealed more than 500 active job titles across the sector at large, while Australia’s recorded music industry grew 11 per cent last year. The sector has room for newcomers with many ways to shape their trajectory – which, according to Kate, is why the expo is “so important, now more than ever”.
“Different pathways exist than going straight into uni,” she says. “A lot of young people we meet enter their journeys through non-traditional pathways that give them the skills, confidence and networks they need for their first paid employment opportunity.”
For young people, by young people
The Push also aims to have a two-way conversation with the next generation in Australian music by getting them involved at the expo not just as attendees but as active contributors.
“The expo is a safe environment to ask questions and talk to new people about every aspect of music,” says Lily Hart, an 18-year-old student from University Senior College, who is part of the Youth Organising Committee. The group is involved with selecting presenters, learning event management skills and volunteering on the day.
“Working with people my age to develop skills and put them into action has been so good for me in developing my career and guiding me for what to do after school,” says Lily, who holds the title of Artist and Industry Liaison. “It’s so fulfilling to share what I know with people and learn from others who have been in the business longer.”
Looking to the future
What’s next for students finishing a day at the Music Careers Expo, inspired by different courses, volunteering and internship options?
“We hope that by the end of the day when you leave, your mind is blown,” Kate says, adding that students can keep momentum by building a community to support their journey.
“Find your people. Elevate and celebrate each other. The music industry in Australia is small and you can start building your crew early on.”
She advises teachers and parents to remain supportive, “Know that it is a viable career and that there are so many opportunities that exist.”
As a final tip, Kate says that young people should stay flexible as they step into the future, “Put your feet in and kind of get a sense of what is right for you.”
The Music Careers Expo is supported by government, education, and industry partners. It is free to attend, but registration is essential. For more details visit The Push website.
