This document is David Quilliam's application for funding to pursue music over the summer while studying chemistry at university. It outlines his musical background and experience playing local gigs since 2005. It details his plan to establish himself as a solo artist performing in bars and restaurants this summer, including getting vocal coaching, a portable PA system, and marketing materials. The total estimated cost is £916 but options to reduce costs to £500 are suggested if full funding is not available. Priorities would be vocal lessons and equipment, with other elements like recording deferred or completed using earnings from gigs. Progress and spending would be tracked in reports and a spreadsheet.

1. David Quilliam
2nd Year Chemistry at Sheffield
Hallam University
27th April 2017

2. My Background
2005 - My first gig playing Grade 2
at Primary school
2007 - St Helens Show, crowd of
thousands
2008 - The ‘metal’ days began
2012 - Local gigs – bars, hotels and
rugby clubs 2015 - Rainford Festival Show with
Wish FM
2017 – Derby Arms

3.  Chemistry first!
 My priority has to be achieving the best outcome from my Chemistry degree
 On track, results are ranging 2:1 to 1st. Very busy revision period now
 Balancing workload with hobbies / pastimes means I have to be disciplined
 Regular gym time, music for relaxation, performing as my hobby keeps me sane
 Music Initiatives
 Open Mic nights, home and in Sheffield are a live practice session. I go when I can. In
Sheffield I have played at The Green Room and Café Ceres
 I have established a group to practice with, performing my own songs mostly – early days
 I earned £200 in two solo gigs this last 6 months – I want to try to push that further.
 My summer plan – to get started as a solo artist that can perform in bars and restaurants
 Get some technical support to strengthen my voice - Get a set list for a wider audience
 Prepare instrumental and vocal options
 Establish myself as a ‘business’, with the necessary marketing materials
 Get the gigs lined up
 Firm up a place to practice
Music in Sheffield

4. Funding Plan
Action Approach £Costs Options to reduce costs £Option
Vocal Coach Stay in Sheffield through the summer and
get a local school to help.
280 •Reduce the number of sessions (3 sets
of coaching)
210
Portable PA Something small but effective enough for
small venues – I have to carry this and my
guitar. I have looked at something ‘amp’ size
I can carry.
296 •2nd Hand options – stay away from ebay
etc unless I can see the product first
•It needs to be effective – if it sounds
bad it is a waste of money.
* 240
Marketing
and
Promotional
Material
Engage services of a freelance media
professional to provide images, set up social
media profile and provide initial business
profile.
100 •I believe this is fairly low in cost, I am
not tech-savvy enough to build myself –
advice rather than build?
50
Demo
Recording
Sheffield Studios. “Yellow Arch Studios”
Covers 8 hours of recording time and
support from a sound engineer to optimise
recording.
240 •I have some ‘live’ recordings which
would provide an interim solution
•Maybe record at the end from the
earnings?
0
TOTAL 916 500
* - estimated based on ebay reviews

5.  Priorities depending on the award level, and mitigations
 I believe the priority would be the lessons and the equipment
 Establish a simpler facebook page or similar
 Use some existing ‘live recordings’ as indicative
 Consider agency to help find gigs
 Defer Studio and marketing materials
 Develop new live recordings
 Use earnings to complete the plan
 Control of costs and progress monitoring
 I suggest a short report and a spreadsheet to track progress and spend. Perhaps the
bursary has its own requirements.
 Questions?
Summary