Celebrating Creativity with the A&R Academy 🎶

Celebrating Creativity... 🎶

Opening doors to the next generation of music talent, Punch Records and leading A&R executive Rich Castillo have launched the A&R Academy – a brand new programme designed to help shape the future of UK music.

Created to equip the next generation of A&R professionals, the eight-week Academy will give 10 young people aged 18 to 30 the chance to gain real world industry experience through artist development, live music scouting, workshops, guest speakers and networking opportunities.

The programme also aims to open up meaningful pathways into one of the music industry's most influential roles, supporting young people from underrepresented communities and ensuring the future of A&R is shaped by fresh voices, new ideas and culturally connected perspectives.

“Great A&R changes everything - it shapes culture, careers and the sound of a generation.... This Academy is about giving them the tools, the knowledge and the network to succeed. The future of A&R depends on who gets the chance to step forward.” - Rich Castillo, music industry executive and founder of LionBear Music Group.

Applications are now open.

Find out more

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ABOUT THIS POST

➡️ Every Friday we use the Handle blog and socials to celebrate the creative industries. If you would like to nominate a festival, charity, event or initiative that supports and promotes the UK's creative industries please get in touch!

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About Handle Recruitment

We opened the doors in 1978 and built our reputation in the music industry. We quickly realised that a great brand is not always a household name. A great brand is something people connect with, not just a place they work. Somewhere that helps them become better at what they do. It could be a record label, it could be in media, it could be a tech start-up.

• Supporting Great People in Marketing | Finance | HR | Business Support | Sales | Legal | Event Operations | Tech | Creative.

• The Talent Solutions we provide, Permanent, Temporary and Interim Recruitment | People Consultancy | Outsourced Freelancer Payroll & Compliance.

• The Industries we support: Media | Entertainment | Brand & Experience | Culture | Sport & Tech

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