New study and ‘Beyond the Music’ series amplify and empower Durham Region music scene

Whitby, Ontario – In late 2024, Invest Durham engaged local musicians, industry stakeholders and eager audiences to help guide and grow the music industry in Durham Region. Their input, combined with the research support of consulting firm Nordicity, has been instrumental in shaping the insights found in the recently released Durham Region Music Industry Analysis.

Live music is everywhere in Durham Region. In 2023, Durham Region’s music industry generated $162 million in gross domestic product (GDP), contributed $110 million in labour income and supported 4,895 full-time-equivalent jobs. Durham’s music industry not only creates employment, but it also attracts tourism and boosts local businesses, increasing its impact.

Thanks to its notable strengths, Durham’s music scene is poised for growth. To leverage the opportunities identified in the analysis, Invest Durham, Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism division and their partners will be undertaking various initiatives to grow and strengthen Durham’s music industry.

As part of this industry development, Invest Durham, in partnership with the Canadian Musicians Cooperative and the Town of Whitby, will be hosting a series of free networking and workshop events called Beyond the Music.

Registration is now open for the first session. Beyond the Music: Business Skills and Branding will take place June 5 at the Centennial Building at 416 Centre Street South, Whitby, from noon to 3 p.m. Participants can make connections and enjoy refreshments before taking part in one of two concurrent workshops:

Workshop 1: Prioritizing Brand Values when Releasing Music Commercially

An in-depth look at a current "Indie Artist Release Plan" with real-world examples of what they expected and what they encountered along the way in preparation for their upcoming album release.

Workshop 2: Making Sense of the Numbers – Know Your Worth, Grow Your Work

This session will give you an understanding of the financials needed to make confident, informed business decisions. Learn how to track your income, manage your expenses, and understand basic financial statements without needing an accounting degree.

Beyond the Music is open to both established musicians and professionals in Durham's music scene and newcomers eager to join. Registration closes June 2. Find more information and register for Beyond the Music: Business Skills and Branding.

Quotes

“Music has the power to bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. When we support artists and create spaces where creativity and collaboration can thrive, we ensure that Durham Region's vibrant music scene continues to grow and enrich our community.”

-  John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“The Durham Region Music Industry Analysis shows that our local music industry is a powerful economic driver. It creates employment, boosts local businesses and attracts tourism. By leveraging our strengths and addressing challenges, we can enhance and strengthen this industry.”

- Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Region of Durham

“The 'Beyond the Music' series is an important initiative for supporting musicians and industry professionals in Durham Region. By creating this supportive environment, we are empowering our local talent with opportunities for networking, skill-building, and professional development."

- Eileen Kennedy, Creative Industries Specialist, Region of Durham

Quick facts:

• Not including musicians, there are more than 469 music-related assets in Durham Region that include venues, businesses, festivals, events and more.
• The Durham Region Music Industry Analysis found that people spend on average $138 a year on live music in Durham Region, with another $90 spent in the community before and after a music event.
• Read the Durham Region Music Industry Analysis in full.
• In 2023, the Region of Durham released Ready, Set, Future: A PLACE Blueprint for Durham, a 5-year economic development and tourism strategy and action plan which identified music as an industry of interest in Durham’s priority cluster of arts, culture, and creative industries.
• In March 2025, Economic Development and Tourism staff launched a music industry working group. Its goal is to strengthen Durham’s music ecosystem and develop strategies to position Durham as a Music Region.

– 30 –

Media inquiries: CorporateCommunications@durham.ca