BBC Introducing Masterclass

So the very first BBC Introducing Musicians Masterclass is upon us, the culmination of six months planning.

Since the launch of BBC Introducing back in 2007, we've tried to remain super clear on its specific purpose, for the BBC to support new UK musicians where we can, with unique opportunities and access to help them progress to the next stage in their own development. This isn't necessarily about finding the next big act or success story, although if and when that happens it's an added bonus.

I've managed bands in the past, before my time at the BBC, and it seemed like the holy grail just to get to talk to the key players in the industry, or indeed within the BBC, and to get a reply or your music listened to was invariably a pipe dream. So where are we now? Well, we still have a long way to go, and we can't satisfy all 37,000 musicians who have now uploaded music to the BBC. But just to have a formal place you can send your music to, receive an email response, and have it heard, is a great start. As it stands, almost 75% of all music uploaded has been heard and responded to. The BBC facilitating slots for brand new acts at the major festivals, at the Maida Vale studios for recorded sessions, and just recently a dedicated Radio 1 Playlist slot, are huge steps in the right direction, but we know we can go further in our unique position.

The Masterclass is the next stage in our development, an ever evolving proposition. What better places to host the day than Abbey Road and Maida Vale studios, both steeped in history. I was fortunate enough to walk into Maida Vale with one of my bands many years ago for a Peel session, we were humbled. But to be there and also hear top UK talent, leading BBC music presenters and key industry players spending time giving their own experiences to new artists - as pure as simple as that, should, if we get it right, be fantastically insightful. And the beauty of it all is, whilst only 250 musicians can be there, all musicians from around the UK can see it all via the three online live streams and watch it on the BBC Introducing site anytime after that.

Hopefully the BBC Introducing Masterclass is here to stay...

Jason Carter is the Editor of BBC Introducing