ISM announces future presidents Nicky Spence and Pauline Black
Florence Lockheart
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Scottish tenor Nicky Spence will replace lecturer and music education specialist Pauline Black in the role of ISM President in 2024 after her year long tenure which starts later this month
The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) has today announced that lecturer and music education specialist Pauline Black will take on the role of ISM President. Effective from 21 April, Black will succeed current president Vick Bain and hold the role for a period of one year before stepping down in April 2024 to be replaced by Scottish tenor Nicky Spence.
During each president’s one-year tenure they will chair the ISM board as it continues to navigate the challenges facing the music sector. Outgoing president Vick Bain supported the ISM throughout its 140th year, navigating a rebrand and name change as well as the release of sector reports including Dignity at work 2 which Vick co-authored.
Bain said: ‘The ISM continues to be the foremost campaigning organisation in the music sector, standing up for musicians who are facing so many challenges at the moment from Brexit to funding cuts and of course the very many threats to music education across the UK. Pauline will be a wonderful President and I look forward to working with her in the next year and beyond.’
A senior lecturer and head of music engagement at the University of Aberdeen, Black has creative projects for organisations including Creative Learning Aberdeen, Jazz Scotland and Sound Scotland. After her tenure, Black will pass the baton to opera singer Nicky Spence who will hold the role alongside his successful performance career and current work as an ambassador for music charity Help Musicians.
Spence said: ‘It's an exciting prospect to take on the role of president of the ISM. My wish is that I can be an energetic representative for musicians in an ever-changing landscape. In doing so, I aim to help protect the conditions which musicians deserve to give their best work and continue to inspire the next generation of musicians and educators who need specific support to find a sustainable route to the profession.’
The UK's largest non-union representative body for professional musicians, the ISM supports over 11,000 members in all parts of the music industry across the UK and Ireland by campaigning for musicians’ rights and music education as well as providing services including insurance, legal advice and representation.
