WaterBear
Artist Development
At WaterBear, the development of you as an artist is a core part of your learning journey. When you are ready to take your music career to the next level, apply for our Artist Development Programme.
WHAT IS ARTIST DEVELOPMENT?
Artist development is the comprehensive process of nurturing musicians to grow creatively, professionally, and personally. It encompasses more than just refining musical skills; it involves discovering and honing an artist’s unique identity, developing their sound, and building a brand that resonates authentically with audiences. This holistic approach ensures that artists are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern music industry.
Developing artists and bands is at the core of our mission. Drawing inspiration from traditional A&R (Artists and Repertoire), we offer a modern, independent approach to supporting musicians at every stage of their journey.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ARTIST DEVELOPMENT?
At WaterBear, artist development helps you grow as a musician and as a professional. Throughout your studies you’ll unlock your creativity, explore new ideas, and refine your sound. You’ll define your artistic identity and shape a brand that feels authentic, while building the skills and confidence to take meaningful steps in your career. Below are typical areas of focus:
Creative Direction & Artistic Identity
Explore and define your artistic voice, develop your creative vision, and shape a clear sense of who you are as an artist.
Sound, Style & Songwriting Development
Refine your musical style, strengthen your songwriting, and build a distinctive sound that reflects your artistic identity.
Artist Branding & Visual Storytelling
Develop a cohesive visual identity and learn how to communicate your story authentically to connect with your audience.
Marketing, PR & Audience Engagement
Gain practical strategies for promoting your music, building an engaged fanbase, and reaching audiences effectively.
Recording, Production & Release Strategy
Learn practical skills in recording, production, and planning releases to bring your music from concept to audience.
Music Business, Publishing & Contracts
Understand the business side of music, including contracts, publishing, rights management, and how to make informed decisions.
Professional Networking & Career Management
Build meaningful industry connections and develop strategies to manage your career sustainably and confidently.
Confidence, Mindset & Creative Resilience
Develop focus, self-belief, and resilience to navigate challenges and stay motivated throughout your creative journey.
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
The Artist Development programme is an application-only opportunity for students who have shown commitment and readiness for professional growth. Every WaterBear artist, musician, and industry professional receives one-to-one mentoring for their musical, technical, and business development, and the Artist Development programme builds on that foundation.
When your sound and artistic vision are ready for the next step, that’s where the Artist Development programme begins. It is designed for students who have put in the work and are ready to take their music career to the next level. To apply students can access the Artist Development programme application form via Front of House. On completion of the form indicate the mentors on the programme that you feel best align with you.
Meet the Team
The Artist Development team at WaterBear is made up of active music industry professionals including musicians, producers, songwriters, and managers with extensive experience across every area of today’s music business. They will guide you through each stage of your artistic journey, from creative direction, collaboration, and songwriting to release strategy, audience growth, branding, and marketing. With a deep understanding of the realities of the modern music industry, they are here to help you grow as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
Artist and band campaigns
FAQS
Applications open during the academic year. Speak to your course programme team for details.
Sessions are personalised and practical. You’ll receive guidance on songwriting, production, performance, branding, touring, and music business, all tailored to your goals.
If you’ve been actively working on your music, performing, recording, or growing your audience and feel ready to take a serious step forward, you’re ready to apply.
You’ll continue receiving mentoring and support to prepare for future opportunities, allowing you to take full advantage of the personal artist development programme when you are most ready.
Students ready to take the next step can apply by completing the Artist Development programme application form via Front of House.
Every WaterBear student receives musical, technical and business mentoring from range of industry professionals including artist managers, session musicians, vocal coaches, producers, engineers, songwriters, promoters, DJs and business entrepreneurs. They will help you create a personalised strategy and set clear actions to move you closer to your objectives.
The Artist Development programme is an additional, artist focused opportunity for those ready to progress professionally.
The Artist Development programme is a focused, application-only opportunity for students who have demonstrated commitment and readiness for professional growth.
The process:
- Build your foundation through your course, technical, business mentoring, and creative projects.
- When you’re ready to take your artistry further, apply for the Artist Development programme.
- If selected, you’ll work closely with the artist development team to set and achieve your creative and professional milestones.
- If you’re not selected you’ll continue to receive mentoring and support to prepare for future opportunities.
To apply students can access the Artist Development programme application form via Front of House.
Music Industries
At WaterBear, our Music Industries Team provide direct access to the industry through exclusive career opportunities and experiences.
