A leading communications practitioner has launched an online course has launched to help people working in music education, community music, and music therapy to improve their skills in communications and marketing.
Created by Anita Holford, who has been working with teams and individuals in music and creative education, mainly in the UK, for more than 20 years, the short course guides individuals or teams through the steps they need to take to become clear on their priorities for communications and marketing, make cost-effective use of their budget and time, and reach more customers, participants and funders.
The course, the first of a series, contains six short 15-20 -minute videos, 15 downloads of templates and handouts, plus links to additional information and resources. Individuals or teams can work through the course at their own pace.
Topics include: segmenting your audience; setting goals; the power of your brand; how to create a key messages document; the importance of winning hearts as well as minds; identifying the most effective channels and activities; creating a one-year communications plan and monitoring it.
Holford’s clients have included music education hubs and music services, community music organisations, and national UK organisations like Youth Music and Sound Sense.
Breaking down barriers to access
Introducing the course, Anita Holford said:
‘Investing in communications has a massive pay off for organisations and individuals working in the sector. It helps people to grow their reach and impact, supporters and funding. And by doing that, it helps to break down barriers to access, so it has social justice implications too.
‘But many organisations can’t afford to employ a communications person or buy in freelance help. I realised there wasn’t any training that was easily accessible, and tailored to people in these sectors. So I hope these courses help to support the fantastic work of people changing lives through music, and contribute to growing the reach and impact of music. I’m also interested to hear what people feel they need from future courses.’
This first course is available for £175, or for the launch price of £140 (20% discount) until Saturday 30 November (midnight) and access to the course is for one year. Find out more here:
