Musically Unorthodox 2026 Schedule | REACH ROUTES REALITY

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Schedule

Introduction

Musically Unorthodox Conference 2026

The Musically Unorthodox Conference puts the spotlight on how the music and wider creative industries can better work with youth and community organisations, local authorities and institutions, to connect with and support young adults who are not currently in education, employment or training.

This year’s edition will include presentations, conversations, panels and roundtable discussions, as we consider: how the music industry and music educators can find and engage marginalised young people; how we can clearly sign-post career pathways to young people, step by step; and the reality of embarking on a music career, and the financial challenges it can pose.

A full schedule for the Musically Unorthodox Conference 2026 will be published here soon – but read on to find out more about the topics and themes we will cover.

Our Mission

Why This Conference Is Different

We know that the music and creative industries hold great potential for marginalised young people, offering unconventional avenues for expression, skills development, entrepreneurship and community-building. This conference brings together educators, the music industry and young creators to discuss how we can remove barriers, connect dots and provide support to help realise that potential.

On the day we debate, learn and share, but the objective is to inspire and facilitate action and change. Our goal is to bridge the gap between isolated support programmes, to encourage and enable collaboration, and better signpost career pathways, locally, nationally and internationally.

Every conversation is directed towards generating concrete pilot projects, partnership commitments and mapped pathways. Attendees leave with a plan, not just a pamphlet.

Our Themes

Reach, Routes, Reality

This year’s conference will be built around three key themes – three areas where we can work together to bring about positive change.

Reach

How do we find and engage marginalised young people?

The first hurdle is connection. We’ll tackle the dual barriers of perception and awareness: how can educators, industry and talent organisations reach young people who either believe career opportunities “aren’t for them” or don’t even know those opportunities exist?

Authentic engagement strategies that work.
Redesigning messaging and formats to resonate.
Moving beyond traditional channels to meet young people where they are.

Routes

How do we create clear "what next?" pathways?

Young people pursuing a career in music are on a journey, needing and accessing different kinds of support at different stages.

How can we better showcase the different routes young people can take? And how do we ensure that all the great organisations and platforms that provide support are able to sign-post the next step?

Designing progression from ages 13-16, to 16-18 and 18+.
Creating seamless referral chains between organisations.
Building local-to-national networks so talent can flow beyond a single town or city.

Reality

How do we provide legitimate income and accessible stepping-stones?

A reality check is important: pursuing a career in music can be a challenge and not everyone starts from the same place. As we all know, passion alone doesn’t pay the bills.

We look at what kind of support young people need and when knowledge, infrastructure, contacts, money and how to access and provide it. And what “first rung on the ladder” opportunities exist or could exist that provide immediate and legitimate income during the early phase of a music career

Defining “earn while you learn” roles (eg venue staff, festival crew, music retail, fanbase building).
The live music sector as an engine for entry-level jobs and mentoring.
Equipping young people with in-demand, transferable skills for the creative economy.

A Unique Mix of Voices

Who Should Attend?

Progress requires all key voices in the room. We are deliberately curating a blend of perspectives to ensure solutions are grounded, credible and actionable.

Attendee List:

Young People & Emerging Creators (aged 13-21) – including those from NEET, alternative provision or care-experienced backgrounds.

Youth & Talent Development Organisations – local and national.

Education & Youth Services – teachers, tutors, FE/HE leaders, youth workers, social care and local authorities.

The Music Industry – local and national, including venues, festivals, promoters, labels, publishers, agents, managers and industry organisations.

Outcome + Next Steps

What you will help create

The conference is the starting line. Together, we will leave with actionable plans, possible pilot projects, a clearer regional and national pathway, and a stronger cross-sector network.

Conversations and learning from the day go far beyond the room – with recordings and resources made available in the MU Conference Hub. Check out recordings and resources from the 2025 edition here.

A full schedule for the Musically Unorthodox Conference 2026 will be published here soon