Music Industry News

Big Fan’s IGNITE programme will return in 2026, delivering its free eight-week music industry training programme for rangatahi in both Tāmaki Makaurau and Pōneke.

IGNITE supports the personal and professional development of rangatahi with a passion for music and live events. The programme provides practical insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to pursue a range of creative pathways.

IGNITE is grounded in the belief that creativity thrives when paired with professional capability. Participants gain exposure to the breadth of roles that sustain Aotearoa’s music ecosystem, from event management and production to music creation and technical delivery.

Across eight weeks, rangatahi receive one-on-one mentoring from industry professionals, attend seminars and workshops, undertake studio and venue tours, and apply their learning in real time. Participants collaborate to produce live all-ages events or create original recorded songs, contributing to authentic youth-led outcomes within their communities.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE: 8-week industry specific training programme with three streams
• Event Management (4 placements per city)
• Music Production (5 placements per city)
• Event Production (2 placements – Tāmaki Makaurau only)

Ignite will run its FREE programme for two cities in 2026 for rangatahi aged 15 to 18 years old.

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU
Sunday 29 March – Wednesday 27 May 2026
Applications Open: Thursday 12 February – Sunday 8 March 2026

PŌNEKE
Sunday 15 March to Thursday 7 May 2026
Applications Open: Tuesday 3 February 2026 – Wednesday 18 February 2026

Check out all things BIG FAN below:
Website
Linktree
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BIG FAN is a not-for-profit, multi-purpose music hub at the heart of Morningside, Tāmaki Makaurau offering three world-class recording studios and a live music venue all under one roof. Our goal is to bring people together, to support the role of music in the betterment of people’s lives, and to foster the talents of musicians, songwriters, and those behind the scenes at every level across Aotearoa.