MISSION

To be the collective voice for Canadian music managers and self-managed artists.

Music Managers Forum Canada (MMF Canada) is a non-profit trade association and is one of many such associations around the world. We offer education, networking and advocacy on behalf of our members, their artists, and the wider Canadian music community. We aim to be the go-to source for Canadian artists and managers on issues related to music management in Canada and around the world. As the management sector’s voice in the industry, the MMF Canada acts as advocates to various levels of the government on behalf of its members on key issues that affect managers and their artists. Our members come from across Canada and work in various genres at a range of levels including self-managed artists, new managers and highly experienced managers representing some of the largest acts in Canada. We work collaboratively with strategic partners within the larger music community to offer workshops, webinars and other programming that allows our members to connect with each other while developing their management skills and industry knowledge.

MMF CANADA ADVOCATES TO VARIOUS LEVELS OF THE GOVERNMENT ON BEHALF OF ITS MEMBERS ALONG WITH PROVIDING EXTENSIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING, NETWORK BUILDING, EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES, MENTORSHIP AND INDUSTRY DISCOUNTS. WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A HISTORICAL LACK OF REPRESENTATION OF BLACK, INDIGENOUS, AND PEOPLE OF COLOUR WITHIN THE SECTOR AND OUR TEAM WORKS DILIGENTLY TO BRIDGE THOSE GAPS IN A NON PERFORMATIVE WAY. 

OUR GOALS

  • Educate artists and artist managers through workshops, seminars and online resources

  • Provide networking opportunities between our Members and other industry affiliates

  • Lobby on behalf of our members and their artists on relevant government and non-government issues

  • Strengthen our Members’ business operations and the development of their artists careers

  • Build our association and its value to our Members

 

HISTORY

Incorporated in the year 2000, MMF Canada was created to raise professional standards in music management by providing educational opportunities for managers and self-managed artists. From the beginning, MMF Canada has been forming partnerships with provincial music industry associations (MIAs) and conference presenters across Canada to create events where managers can connect with each other while sharing information and best practices. Over the years the MMF Canada has developed many programs including:

  • ‘Cross Country Workshop Series’ - sessions held at partner events across Canada

  • ‘Honour Roll’ - dinner and awards event celebrating the best in Canadian music management

  • ‘Managers’ Huddle’ - an intimate discussion series presented across Canada allowing local music managers to connect and learn

  • ‘Master Class’ - workshops with high-level international managers sharing their expertise

“Until the formation of the Music Managers Forum, music managers were the only part of the industry that did not have their own association. They had to work alone, make mistakes alone and negotiate with powerful multi-nationals on their own. There were no means of sharing and learning from the experiences of other managers, no forum for discussing common concerns…we need a united front in order to make our views and needs clear now.” – Dennis Muirhead, Founder Chairman of the MMF UK

Artists represented by MMF Canada members include: Adam Cohen, Belle Orchestre, Big Wreck, Blue Rodeo, Brody Dalle, Bruce Cockburn, Common Deer, Crash Karma, Divine Brown, DJ Champion, Grand Analog, Joel Plaskett, Kid Koala, Lisa LeBlanc, Martha and the Muffins, Measha Brueggergosman, Mike Sonier, Oh Susanna, Our Lady Peace, Randy Bachman, Rush, Said The Whale, Sam Roberts Band, Serena Ryder, Skydiggers, Tegan and Sara, The Pursuit of Happiness, The Sadies, The Tea Party, The Tragically Hip, The Wilderness of Manitoba, Tynomi Banks, USS, Whitehorse, and many more.

CODE OF CONDUCT

This document has been developed in consultation with MMF Canada Board, its membership, and associates. All MMF Canada members are asked to sign the Code of Conduct (“Code”) as a condition of membership.

Members of MMF Canada or any of its associates are expected to act lawfully, honestly, ethically, and in the best interests of their client(s) while performing the responsibilities of an artist manager.

Read the full MMF Canada Code of Conduct here.

Download the Code of Conduct document here.

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES & OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS

This document outlines the key areas of artist management, including strategy, accounting/finance, legal/contractural, marketing, recording, and more. It is intended to express the expected competencies of artist managers, for training and education purposes.

Read the full Expected Competencies & Occupational Standards for Artist Managers here.

Download the Expected Competencies & Occupational Standards for Artist Managers document here.