IgniteLAB

IgniteLAB individual coaching supports you in defining your professional goals and developing your music career with practical guidance and hands-on support.

Get personalised advice on areas such as:

• Career pathways and opportunities in the arts
• Networking and professional development
• Balancing study, work, and wellbeing
• Resume, cover letter and application reviews

What are sessions like?
Sessions are relaxed, supportive, and student-centred. They’re a space to talk through ideas, ask questions, and work out practical next steps. You’re welcome to come with a clear goal, a few rough ideas, or even complete uncertainty – there’s no expectation that you have everything figured out.

When can I book?
Appointments are generally available in person or online:

• Monday – Friday
• 9:30am – 5:00pm

How do I book?
Sessions are booked online via the IgniteLAB LMS site:

Book a career coaching session here

IgniteLAB workshops support students in building skills, exploring career pathways, and navigating the professional arts landscape.

Delivered by industry experts, alumni, and creative practitioners, these workshops give you practical tools and real-world insights you can apply to your career planning.

Workshops cover a wide range of topics, such as:

• Writing cover letters, CVs, and finding music-specific work opportunities
• Starting and running a private teaching studio
• Composing for screen or releasing your own music
• Business, legal, and digital marketing essentials for musicians
• Careers in conducting, music therapy, arts administration, and more

These workshops are open to students at any stage of study and are designed to give you actionable strategies, insider knowledge, and inspiration to take your music career forward.

When are the workshops and how can I book?
IgniteLAB workshops run in-person and online throughout the year. To stay up to date on upcoming sessions, be sure to check Canvas announcements from the IgniteLAB LMS regularly.

For UOM Staff and Organisations
IgniteLAB welcomes collaboration across faculties, university services, and external organisations/individuals to provide practical, hands-on career and wellbeing support for students.

Ways to get involved include:

• Requesting a dedicated IgniteLAB workshop, tailored to your students’ needs and interests
• Bringing in guest speakers from other services, faculties, or organisations to present to music students

To discuss opportunities or plan a session, contact Isabella Mazzarolo, Associate Lecturer in Music Entrepreneurship, at isabella.mazzarolo@unimelb.edu.au.

Launched in 2023, the IgniteLAB LMS site is your go-to online hub for career planning and professional development. It’s packed with curated guides, videos, articles, and practical tools to help you navigate the wide range of opportunities and challenges in music.

What’s on the site?

• Mental and physical health strategies for musicians
• Managing finances and building sustainable income streams
• Freelancing and self-employment essentials
• Running creative projects and releasing your own music
• Teaching, community engagement, and social impact through the arts
• Career pathways, applications, and professional development tips

Why it’s helpful:
These resources give you practical guidance you can use immediately – whether you’re planning a project, applying for a grant, building a teaching studio, or exploring freelance opportunities. They combine evidence-based advice, real-world insights, and examples from industry professionals and alumni who’ve carved their own paths in music.

Explore IgniteLAB online resources

IgniteLAB student grants provide financial and practical support for student-initiated projects across creative, community, and professional areas. The grants are designed to bring your ideas to life, whether it’s your first time leading a project or you’re an experienced creator.

Students receive a practical grant kit, with guidance, examples, and hands-on support to help you plan, deliver, and report on your project. This means you don’t just get funding – you gain skills, confidence, and experience in project management, collaboration, and creative leadership.

Who can apply

• Enrolled students at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
• Projects may be solo or collaborative, including non-MCM students (with Public Liability insurance)

Eligible project categories

• Creative development – develop, produce, perform, or record new works
• Music education – deliver workshops, performances, or teaching initiatives
• Community service – engage in outreach or community projects
• Technology development – develop new music technologies, apps, or tools
• Professional development – artistic or business development for individuals or groups

Ineligible projects: Entry fees, coursework-related projects, or further study funding

What you need to submit

• Project Description – clear and specific outline of objectives, scope, and impact
• Budget – realistic and detailed plan of projected costs, including any Public Liability coverage if needed
• Timeline – visual or written plan showing key tasks and milestones
• Learning outcomes – measurable, achievable statements outlining what you will gain from the project

Key dates for 2026

• Applications open: Early March
• Applications close: Early April
• Outcomes advised: Early May

How to apply

• The Application Information Pack and the Online Submission Form is available on the IgniteLAB LMS site under Modules
• Check announcements: Key updates, tips, and reminders about deadlines are posted regularly

2025 funded projects:

• Before/Now/After – A Concert by Duo Aki: A multimedia concert exploring environment and cultural identity through Australian- and Japanese-inspired works, performed by a saxophone and violin duo.
• ITORA EP: A 5-track debut EP exploring themes of grief, love, and self-discovery.
• Space Jam: Monthly social jam sessions for women and gender-diverse musicians, held at Cross St Music Hall.
• National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) Musician Project: An experimental 30-minute sound work for a Circus Arts performance, incorporating diverse sonic elements.
• Estranged From the Form (Melbourne Fringe): An interdisciplinary live performance exploring experiences of race, gender, and community, combining dance, theatre, visual art, poetry, and live improvisational music.
• Impressions of Percy Grainger: A 30-minute continuous classical guitar suite inspired by Percy Grainger, featuring melodic and harmonic fragments from 15 of his works.
• Collaboration with Lennox St Gallery: A wind quintet performance responding to works by artist Jason Cordero, presented by the Auralis Art Collective.

Collaborations with other faculties and organisations
IgniteLAB welcomes collaborations with other faculties and external organisations, arts institutions, and creative companies who want to work with Melbourne Conservatorium of Music students on innovative projects. Past collaborations include the Grainger Museum,& the National Institute of Circus Arts, and Buxton Contemporary, where students contributed original compositions, performances, and creative projects.

To explore a collaboration or discuss a project idea, contact isabella.mazzarolo@unimelb.edu.au.