Projects

MU Residency 2026

A 16-week talent development residency connecting emerging creatives with mentorship, industry knowledge, real-world experiences and opportunities to take their next step.

Having talent is one thing. Knowing what to do with it is another. For emerging artists and creatives, developing the music is only part of the journey. Understanding the industry, building a professional identity, developing the right network and knowing how to turn creativity into genuine opportunities can be just as important. That’s where MU Residency comes in!

Created by Musically Unorthodox, the Residency is a 16-week talent development programme designed to help emerging creatives move from potential towards professional practice.

Rather than approaching development like a traditional classroom course, residents take part in a journey built around six stages.

More Than a Course

MU Residency has been designed around a simple idea: young creatives need more than information.

- They need access.
- Access to people.
- Access to spaces.
- Access to knowledge.
- Access to networks.

And, importantly, opportunities to put what they learn into practice. That’s why industry engagement is built directly into the Residency.

Alongside ongoing support from the programme’s mentors, residents will take part in masterclasses, workshops, industry talks and visits, providing opportunities to meet and learn from professionals working across today’s music and creative industries.

Industry support for the programme includes experiences with organisations such as Since ’93, Pathways Into Music and BBC Introducing.

Residents will have opportunities ranging from visiting Since ’93’s offices within Sony Music and meeting their regional BBC Introducing team, to developing their understanding of music rights, releasing music, live performance and building sustainable careers.