Introducing Musicians' Masterclass

Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris and Labrinth will join some of the music industry’s most influential names at the BBC Introducing Musicians’ Masterclass on Thursday 3 February.

As well as a host of specialist musicians and BBC DJs, the event, which will be held across the iconic Abbey Road and Maida Vale Studios, will also see Tinchy Stryder and the Kaiser Chiefs joining in on the musical activities, as well an exclusive dedicated video from singer-songwriter Gary Barlow. The event will be streamed live online throughout the day, allowing musicians from all around the country to get involved.

The Musicians’ Masterclass will give new musicians an insight into the wider business side of the industry, as well as the opportunity to focus on the more practical and technical aspects of being a musician.

It will be a mixture of intimate practical sessions, special insight sessions and will close with a quirky unique version of Question Time with some of industry’s biggest individuals, including George Ergatoudis (Head of Music, BBC Radio 1), Geoff Ellis (Head of DF concerts), Mike Smith (Managing Director, Columbia) and Martin Mills (Chairman, Beggars Group).

The event is focused on connecting under-the-radar musicians from across the UK with artists and industry professionals from the BBC and the live music and recording industries.

The event will be streamed live online throughout the day at bbc.co.uk/introducing, giving musicians around the country the opportunity to interact with the sessions and benefit from the wealth of advice on offer.

Viewers will be able to watch dedicated online content across three steams – Abbey Road Studios One and Three and activities across the Maida Vale Studios. Content will range from the exciting artist-led insight sessions including Zane Lowe in conversation with Mark Ronson and Gary Barlow and Pete Tong looking at dance music today with Calvin Harris and Labrinth, to the specialist-led sessions, including Andy Gangadeen leading drums and Deptford John leading the guitar activities. Full streaming details can be found below.

Stream 1

11am – Steve Lamacq in conversation with the Kaiser Chiefs
From their early beginnings as Parva, to having to decide between two major record labels, to being dropped; no-one knows the ins and outs of the music business better than The Kaiser Chiefs. Steve will host the session where Ricky Wilson and Nick Hodgson from the band will be joined on stage by the key people in their story, to give musicians an insight of how to overcome the struggles and succeed in the industry.

12.45pm – Zane Lowe hosts “The Art of Songwriting” with Mark Ronson and Gary Barlow (video)
The craft of songwriting is broken down to the basics by Zane. He will catch up with one of the greatest songwriters of recent times – Gary Barlow, to discuss first memories, melodies, song structure, writers block and the process behind some of his most successful tracks. Zane will then be joined on stage by Mark Ronson, where the pair will dissect some legendary tracks, discuss what they love about them and also reveal what they look for in a three-minute piece of pop perfection.

2.30pm – MistaJam in conversation with Tinchy Stryder
From MCing with Roll Deep to top 10 smashes and working with Roc Nation, Tinchy Stryder’s rise to fame has been extraordinary. The talented artist is joined here by his manager, as well as a whole host of industry types who have been instrumental in his successful music career. They will be giving insights from the inside the industry, tips and invaluable advice.

4pm – Pete Tong looks at Dance Music Today with Calvin Harris and Labrinth
From filling dancefloors around the world to creating Top 20 chart smashes, this pair of songwriting/producer experts certainly know how to pick, mix and play with fresh sounds. They’ve also worked with a whole host of artists, taking their incredibly diverse and pioneering approaches to collaboration to the masses. At this session, Calvin and Labrinth will share how they got started in music and give top tips and invaluable advice to music makers and remixers.

5.30pm – Question Time with Jo Whiley and Bobby Friction
This will be a unique opportunity for musicians to put their hard hitting questions to the biggest names in the industry. Jo Whiley will host an exclusive session with an expert panel of insiders.

Stream 2

11.15am – Drums Session
Drummer Andy Gangadeen, from the Chase & Status and Spice Girls camp, leads the drumming workshop. He will demonstrate his unique drum set up the “Gangascope” and explain some of the skills and techniques required of a contemporary drummer – including sampling, triggering, tuning, improvising & arranging.

12.45pm – Recording Session
Musicians will be able to learn from and interact with some of the BBC’s world-class producers and engineers, as they record a session with a band in our Maida Vale studios. They will learn about the recording process from setting up kit and mics, to operating the mixing desk and recording overdubs – finding out what equipment is necessary to emulate the sounds of classic recordings.

2.45pm – Guitars Session
Industry expert and guitar legend Deptford John will show delegates how to get the most out of their guitar and bass set-ups. He will pass on his wealth of technical knowledge including tips on improving and customising your own guitar/bass, spotting a good buy, and how to use a variety of pedals.

4.15pm – Recording Session
Musicians will be able to learn from and interact with some of the BBC’s world-class producers and engineers, as they record a session with a band in our Maida Vale studios. They will learn about the recording process from setting up kit and mics, to operating the mixing desk and recording overdubs – finding out what equipment is necessary to emulate the sounds of classic recordings.

5.30pm – Steve Lamacq in conversation with the Kaiser Chiefs (repeat)
From their early beginnings as Parva, to having to decide between two major record labels to being dropped; no-one knows the ins and outs of the music business better than The Kaiser Chiefs. Steve will host the session where Ricky Wilson & Nick Hodgson from the band will be joined on stage by the key people in their story, to give musicians an insight of how to overcome the struggles and succeed in the industry.

Stream 3

11.15am – Lyrics Session
BBC 6 Music DJ Tom Robinson and special guests offers inspiration for songwriters and lyricists in any genre during this insightful workshop. Encouraging musicians to explore different approaches to their writing and performance, musicians will also be able to swap ideas with each other and guests.

12.45pm – Vocals Session
A chance to work with our professional vocal coaches, including Sam Blue, where musicians will gain practical advice on singing in a variety of styles, from warm-up exercises and using chest voice, to intonation and vibrato. In addition to exploring techniques for band members performing backing vocals, there will also be a section on progressing in the industry, using your vocal talents to earn a living.

2.45pm – The Remix
Radio 1 Specialist DJs Annie Mac, Toddla T and Kissy Sell Out lead this session, demonstrating how they produce a remix across a variety of genres. During the workshop, musicians will explore arrangement, breakdowns, basslines and sub-bass, drum programming and use of samples and effects, as well as investigating the pros and cons of different software.

4.15pm – Lyrics Session
BBC 6 Music DJ Tom Robinson and special guests offers inspiration for songwriters and lyricists in any genre during this insightful workshop. Encouraging musicians to explore different approaches to their writing and performance, musicians will also be able to swap ideas with each other and guests.

5.30pm – Zane Lowe hosts “The Art of Songwriting” with Mark Ronson and Gary Barlow (video) (repeat)
The craft of song-writing is broken down to the basics by Zane. He will catch up with one of the greatest songwriters of recent times – Gary Barlow, to discuss first memories, melodies, song structure, writers block and the process behind some of his most successful tracks. Zane will then be joined on stage by Mark Ronson, where the pair will dissect some legendary tracks, discuss what they love about them and also reveal what they look for in a three minute piece of pop perfection.