Raising Her Voice: Women Building Careers in Music

Raising Her Voice is a powerful masterclass celebrating women who have built sustainable, successful careers in the music industry, often by carving their own paths, combining creativity with entrepreneurship.

Delivered through Hull Libraries BIPC, this event is for anyone interested in music, creative careers, freelancing, self‑employment, or business growth within the creative industries.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, freelancer, entrepreneur, student, or simply curious about how creative careers really work behind the scenes, this event offers honest insight, inspiration and practical learning.

Event Host & MC

Sarah Shiels – Learning Development Manager, Hull Culture & Leisure | Director, The New Adelphi Club CIC | Musician | Hull Music Board

The event will be hosted by Sarah Shiels, who will open the session with a 10‑minute introduction, sharing her professional background, her connection to learning and development and why supporting women’s voices, leadership and career progression in the creative industries matters.

Sarah will also host the closing panel discussion.

Keynote Speakers

Sally Currie

CEO, Drake Music | Musician | Arts Leader

Sally Currie is CEO of Drake Music, a charity working at the intersection of music, disability and technology. A partially deaf musician and qualified accountant, Sally brings deep insight into leadership, inclusion and resilience in the arts.

Her career spans senior finance roles at Freedom Festival Arts Trust and serving as a founding director of The New Adelphi Club CIC. Sally will speak about leadership, representation, accessibility and building impactful organisations in music and culture.

Stephanie Halsey

Freelance Harpist | Touring Musician | RCM Trained

Stephanie Halsey is a self‑employed freelance harpist with a diverse career spanning weddings, orchestral work, touring, sound baths and session performance. She has toured with Gary Numan, performed with multiple orchestras, and trained at the Royal College of Music, whilst also composing original music.

Stephanie will share the reality of freelance music careers, portfolio working, and how classical training can translate into varied and sustainable income streams.

Jenni Harrison

Creative Director | Marketing Strategist | Consultant

Jenni is a Creative Director and Founder of the house of Pink + Red and works with clients from across the UK in music, fashion, and the arts. She’s built a reputation as a multi-talented Creative Director drawing from 15 years working in music, stage, events, film, and creative marketing.
Jenni speaks on the journey of a career as a freelancer, business owner, and creative, and explores identity and fan-building.

Rose Barker

Director, Polar Bear Music Club | Journalist | Designer

Rose Barker is Director of Polar Bear Music Club and works across music, journalism, graphic design, and marketing. Her experience includes work with The Hull Story and vHEY, making her a strong voice in Hull’s independent music and cultural scene.

Rose will discuss wearing multiple hats in creative careers, storytelling through music and media, and building sustainable platforms for emerging artists.

Panel Discussion: Real Talk on Music Careers

The event closes with a 30‑minute panel discussion, hosted by Sarah Shiels, bringing all speakers together to reflect on:

• Building careers outside traditional routes
• Self‑employment, leadership, and business growth
• Barriers women face in music and how to navigate them
• The realities of creative work, finance, and sustainability
• Advice for anyone starting or pivoting a career in music

Audience questions are encouraged/welcome.

Event Format

• Welcome & Introduction – 10 minutes (MC: Sarah Shiels)
• 2 x Keynote Speakers – max 30 minutes each
• Break – 15 minutes
• 2 x Keynote Speakers – max 30 minutes each
• Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A – 30 minutes (hosted by Sarah Shiels)

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Business & IP Centre Hull