Empowering Emerging Talent
A professional development program helping emerging musicians build sustainable careers through industry mentorship, practical workshops, and one-on-one guidance.
About
Empowering Emerging Talent is Latincouver’s music-industry development program designed to support emerging and underrepresented musicians as they build sustainable creative careers.
Through practical workshops, industry mentorship, and direct access to experienced professionals, participants strengthen their artistic identity, business knowledge, digital presence, funding readiness, professional network, and long-term career strategies.
The program creates an inclusive learning environment for artists who may face barriers to accessing professional development, mentorship, and meaningful connections within the music industry.
Proudly funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and presented by Latincouver.
The Music Hack is proudly funded through the Canada Council for the Arts’ Sector Support, Innovation and Development funding opportunity. This support strengthens Latincouver’s ability to provide emerging artists with practical training, mentorship, and industry connections that contribute to more sustainable professional pathways in music.
Build the Skills Behind a Sustainable Music Career
Participants will develop practical skills and strategies to:
Define and communicate a clear artistic identity and brand.
Understand the fundamentals of the music business.
Strengthen recording, production, performance, and professional presentation skills.
Identify grants and funding opportunities and prepare stronger applications.
Use digital platforms, social media, and AI tools strategically.
Build meaningful industry relationships and pitch projects with confidence.
Understand artist management, festivals, bookings, and career-development pathways.
Workshops & Industry Mentorship
Introduction & Artist
Branding
Music Business
Fundamentals
Recording, Production & Performance Basics
Grants Writing & Funding Opportunities
Digital Presence & Social Media Using AI
Networking & Pitching in the Music Industry
Artist Management, Festival & Booking Strategies
Meet the Industry Professionals
Pablo Zacarias
Creative Executive, Entrepreneur, Music Business Strategist & Artist Marketing Advisor
Pablo Zacarias
Pablo Zacarias is a Mexican creative executive, entrepreneur, and community-focused leader with experience across music, entertainment, media, human rights, and social-impact initiatives. Through The Music Hack, he will support artists with branding, audience development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable career strategies.
Steve Kenny
Co-founder, Traverse Music | Artist Development & Management
Steve Kenny
Steve Kenny helps artists focus on what matters most and build sustainable paths forward. Drawing on experience both on stage and behind the scenes, he combines long-term strategy with practical problem-solving to help musicians set clear goals and develop lasting careers.
Frankie Hidalgo
Director, Performer, Singer, Producer & Multi-instrumentalist
Frankie Hidalgo
Frankie Hidalgo is a Juno-nominated, Vancouver-based artist, arranger, composer, producer, educator, and multi-instrumentalist with more than 15 years of experience in Western Canada’s music community. He brings extensive expertise in recording, production, live performance, music education, and artistic direction.
Linda Purcell
Grant Strategist, Professional Writer & Chartered Professional Accountant
Linda Purcell
Linda Purcell, CPA, combines financial expertise, persuasive storytelling, and extensive fundraising experience. Since joining Latincouver in 2016, she has helped secure funding from municipal, provincial, federal, corporate, and foundation sources and will guide participants through funding research, project planning, budgeting, and competitive grant applications.
Rochelle Grayson
Digital Strategist, Entrepreneur, AI Educator & Innovation Leader
Rochelle Grayson
Rochelle Grayson is a digital strategist, entrepreneur, and educator with more than 30 years of experience in technology, business development, and innovation. She will help artists strengthen their digital visibility, use AI tools strategically, connect with audiences, and adapt to an evolving music ecosystem.
Justin Pandos
Senior Event & Festival Producer
Justin Pandos
Justin Pandos has more than two decades of experience producing and managing festivals, concerts, and corporate events. His knowledge of venues, curation, artist relations, and large-scale event execution will help participants improve their networking, pitching, portfolio development, and professional presentation.
Malcolm Aiken
Music Producer, Artistic Director, Educator & Music Industry Professional
Malcolm Aiken
Malcolm Aiken is a musician, producer, educator, Artistic Director of Carnaval del Sol, and founder of TrebleFive Music. His experience in artist development, live production, festival programming, A&R, and music-industry strategy will help participants build stronger artistic visions and sustainable career pathways.
Personalized Guidance for Emerging Artists
In addition to the group workshops, selected participants will have access to one-on-one mentorship with experienced music-industry professionals.
These sessions are designed to help artists apply the program content to their own goals, projects, challenges, and professional development needs.
Mentorship topics may include artistic positioning, career planning, audience development, funding, marketing, performance, production, industry relationships, and project strategy.
Who Is The Music Hack For?
The Music Hack is designed for emerging and underrepresented musicians and music creators who want to strengthen their artistic practice and build a more sustainable professional career. The program welcomes participants from diverse cultural and creative backgrounds, including newcomers, youth, BIPOC artists, and 2SLGBTQIA+ creators.
Your Music Hack Journey
Applications
Participant Selection
Workshop
Series
One-on-One Mentorship
Networking and Career Development
Program Completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Emerging musicians and music creators who meet the final program eligibility requirements.
Is there a participation fee?
To be confirmed before publication.
Where will the program take place?
Delivery format and location to be confirmed before publication.
How many workshops are included?
The program includes seven industry-focused modules, complemented by mentorship and professional-development opportunities.
Will participants receive individual mentorship?
Selected participants will have access to one-on-one guidance from experienced industry professionals.
Do I need to be an established professional musician?
No. The program is designed to support emerging artists who are ready to develop their professional skills and career strategies.
How do I apply?
Strategies, tips and tools for succes!
Online Workshops and mentoring sessions for creative artists
