Call for applications for Live Music Lab 2026
Calling All Joburg City Creatives: Your Future in Music Starts Now. Have you been looking for a way into the industry? This is your chance. Join our fully funded training program and learn the ropes from real live music professionals.
3 Months Long. 10 Spots Open.
It began as a spark in 2024, a collaboration between Bassline and The French Institute of South Africa to open doors for aspiring music practitioners. Now, entering its third powerful year, the spark has become a flame. The Live Music Lab has evolved into the cornerstone of Bassline’s training ecosystem, designed specifically for the dreamers who know that the real magic happens behind the artist.
BIGGER PARTNERS, BETTER OPPORTUNITIES This year, the Live Music Lab is leveling up. We are proud to present the 2026 edition in partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC), and the Music In Africa Foundation NEFCISA Program. This powerhouse alliance celebrates years of mutual support, collaboration, and a shared dedication to uplifting local talent. Together, we aren’t just observing the live music industry; we are actively shaping its future and securing its national success.
THE 2026 JOURNEY We are looking for the next generation of industry leaders.
- Applications Open: January 15th, 2026
- Applications Close: February 15th, 2026
- Classroom curriculum 60 hours Begins: 2 March 2026 and ends 30th of March
- Practical work begins: 30th of March
For this cohort, 10 exceptional students will be selected to embark on an intensive, fully immersive 3-month journey—making this our most robust and comprehensive program yet.
REAL WORLD. REAL STAGES. Forget just sitting in a classroom. The Live Music Lab is an incubator for action. Our curriculum blends essential theory with high-stakes practical live music experience. You won’t just watch from the sidelines; you will be on the frontlines, gaining quality experience by producing three of the city’s biggest musical moments:
- April: Producing the Rhythmic Clash series.
- April – June: Work on Bassline Artist Management
- May: Africa Rising Music Conference
- May: Working on the monumental Bassline Fest.
- June: executing the vibrant Fête de la Musique.
By the time the curtain closes on this program, you won’t just be a student—you will be industry-ready, road-tested, and prepared to work anywhere in the music business.
Call for applications for Live Music Lab
This limited opportunity is open to proactive youths based in Johannesburg who are interested in gaining skills in event management, concert promotion, stage and backstage management marketing within the music industry, and technical production.
If you answer “YES” to the questions below, then this developmental opportunity is for you:
- Are you an 18 to 25-year-old resident of Johannesburg?
- Are you unemployed and in need of entry-level industry experience?
- Matric certificate compulsory.
- Do you live in Johannesburg?
- Are you a solution-driven team player with creative industry interests?
What to Expect
Learners will participate in sessions introducing them to the music business. This will broadly cover South African live music development and an overview of the live music ecosystem; the different career opportunities in the sector, and how to network efficiently with music industry professionals.
These sessions will be followed by training in focused modules chosen based on the organic strengths and interests of the learner. Detailed in-depth knowledge of the ecosystem will be gained from an experienced professional, paired with the chance of shadowing team members in their different functions on the day and in the build-up to the events.
How to Apply
Applications will open on the 15th of January and close on 15 February 2026 or until the first 100 applications are received.
1. Take a moment to think about which of these work streams you could thrive in and why?
- Concert Promotion
- History of South African Music
- Artist Management
- Technical Production
- Stage and backstage management
- Artist wellness
2. Please evaluate each module and identify which one aligns best with your skills and where you believe you would excel.
3. Organise your responses offline first, on paper, and identify a specific function you
would like to work in and the type of company you would like to work for. This will
help you with the compilation of your 350-word motivation (see form).
4. Video record your pitch (presentation) on a cellular device with decent video quality.
Your video must not be longer than 2 minutes (120 seconds).
5. Click here: To apply and complete the form online and attach the requested supporting
elements. (Certified ID copy, certified Matric Certificate copy, recorded video)