PRS for Music partners with Help Musicians for mentorship programme

PRS for Music has today announced a new partnership with Help Musicians to expand the Co-Pilot: the Musicians’ Mentoring Network to PRS members. The mentorship programme offers one-to-one sessions with mentors within the music industry to help composers progress in their careers.

Since 2021 Co-Pilot mentors have included Universal Music Group global brand partnerships manager Emma Aucouturier; composer Justine Barker; singer, rapper, and producer Benny Bizzie; English Folk Expo chief executive Tom Besford and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix.

Help Musicians chief executive Sarah Woods said: ‘A career in music is not always linear, with challenges and opportunities arising at different times. Advice or guidance from others working in music can make a real difference; with over 70% of musicians being self-employed the opportunity to connect with a peer is hugely valued. With the 2023 Musicians’ Census highlighting that access to industry networks is a barrier to career development, we believe that support to help overcome challenges to build a sustainable career is a cornerstone to enabling musicians to thrive.’

Now celebrating its 90th year, PRS Members’ Fund provides a range of financial, physical and emotional support to PRS members and their families, who are struggling. This new partnership builds on PRS’s existing relationship with Help Musicians which saw PRS Members’ Fund partner with Help Musicians’ sister charity, Music Minds Matter since 2018.