In the UK, The Ivors Academy stands as the leading voice and community for songwriters and composers. Formerly known as BASCA (the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors), it has played a key role in championing creators across all genres. For me, the greatest value in being a member has been the opportunity to connect with fellow composers, industry professionals, and the wider creative community working behind the scenes in the music industry.
I have always enjoyed attending their composer networking events/panels and meeting the composers behind the shows that have inspired me. And I’m not afraid to ask them: how did they create the sound for the show, who do they use to book musicians, who mixes their tracks, what are their favourite plug-ins, favourite studios, who does their orchestrations, which musicians do they enjoy working with? I have picked up so many tips over the years just though these kind of interactions.
Audience at an Ivors Academy/PRS for Music panel in Bristol October 2024.
I am also always on the lookout at these events for possible future collaborators: composers, drum programmers, orchestrators, musicians… anyone who can bring something new to the table for my own soundtracks.
The events also often bring together the people who work behind the scenes for composer issues like AI and authorship or best working practices for composers. Some of the bigger networking events bring together other music organisations like members of the PRS for Music team…again other great opportunity to ask questions and find out how the cogs of the music industry actually work.
In 2024 I spoke on an Ivors Academy panel in Bristol (alongside composers Anne Nikitin & Claire Batchelor, and BBC Music executives Nichola Dowers & Nick Baxter) where we discussed composing for Natural History. The room was packed with composers, it was encouraging to see so many composers attending and asking questions at the end of the panel. The panel was followed by a drinks reception, where I got to meet quite a few composers and see some old friends.
Sheridan speaking on an Ivors Academy panel in Bristol with Anne Nikitin, Claire Batchelor, Nichola Dowers & Nick Baxter.
Photography © JamieCorbin.co.uk
And if that wasn’t enough, a musician approached me and casually mentioned she invents instruments!? We swapped numbers….and now I’ve got a secret weapon waiting in the wings for my next soundtrack commission. Shhh…don’t tell anyone!!
I strongly encourage composers from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England to consider joining. The greater our numbers, the stronger the Ivors Academy becomes as a united voice for music creators.
As of today (1st August 2025) the membership fee ranges from FREE to £179/year depending on the membership tier.
I am currently sitting on the Ivors Media Council Committee, which meets quarterly via Zoom to discuss key issues affecting composers working in media. The committee is chaired by fellow composer Dru Masters.