Published by: New Music Scotland

New Music Scotland (NMS) was set up in 2011 by a group of Scottish composers, performers and promoters to help generate a vibrant and thriving new music sector. This network organisation connects, enables and supports musicians, sound artists, composers, promoters and producers in Scotland.

Our main activities are:

• Connecting and supporting our membership through regular online meets, shared information, networking opportunities and responsive communication
• Publicising the activity of our sector through event listings and a monthly e-bulletin: a one stop shop for new music news and events across Scotland
• Celebrating the sector through an annual gathering and celebration, bringing the new music community together to network, share practice and recognise achievements
• Supporting the development of the sector by sharing opportunities and good practice, commissioning research, and running a CPD access fund for composers and musicians facing financial or geographic barriers

Where we are now

Following a period without staff capacity, NMS secured Creative Scotland Open Fund support which allowed us to re-establish a staff team and rebuild our core activity during 2026. Our membership grew by more than a third over the year, and the organisation is now on a more stable footing.

2027 is about building on that: moving towards longer term sustainability. Our ambition over the coming year is to reach a position of stability from which we can apply for Creative Scotland multi-year funding in 2028, allowing NMS to act as a secure, lasting anchor. This means the Board can start to think longer term about the new music sector in Scotland, and how NMS can best support and develop it. New trustees joining now will help shape that.

About the Board

NMS is a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees, who meet 4-6 times a year. The members of the organisation elect the Board. They play a more important role than in many charities: we were previously a cooperative, and the ethos of the membership deciding on the direction of the organisation remains in place.

The Board represents different parts of the new music world, including promoters, performers, composers and educators, and we’re keen to ensure it reflects the makeup of the new music ecosystem. Trustees take an active role in steering NMS plans and activity, alongside our core staff team of General Manager and Digital Officer. There are options of higher and lower levels of participation depending on individual availability and appetite. 

Who we’re looking for

At our AGM on 10 December, we’re looking to recruit up to three new trustees, to broaden the range of experience and perspectives on the Board. We welcome applications from any New Music Scotland interested in contributing to our work, and particularly encourage people whose backgrounds, experiences or perspectives are currently underrepresented in our organisation to consider applying.

Trustees must be members of New Music Scotland. If you’re not yet a member, you can join here. New trustees are elected by the membership at the AGM, which is held online. 

If you’re interested in joining the Board, please email info@newmusicscotland.co.uk by 5 December, with a short response to each of the following questions:

1. What experience or perspectives would you bring to New Music Scotland?
2. What interests you about joining the Board, and how do you think you could contribute?
3. What do you see as the main opportunities or challenges facing new music in Scotland over the coming years?

There’s no need for lengthy answers. A few sentences for each question is plenty.

f you intend to stand for election as a trustee, please also book to attend the AGM here. 

If you’d like to find out more first, our Chair, Lewis Coenen-Rowe, is happy to have an informal chat about what being a trustee involves. Email info@newmusicscotland.co.uk to arrange a time.