The ASK programme aims to meet the needs of NI musicians, allowing them to speak with expert mentors and receive tailored advice to advance their careers. We have provided 300+ hours of free to access support to date and we encourage local artists to avail of this support.

If you're considering booking an ASK surgery, it's key that you understand how to get the most out of your session. If you follow these simple tips to prepare, your time will be well spent and you’ll gain plenty of valuable insights.

Understand the Purpose of ASK

The ASK initiative offers free 30-minute online surgeries with mentors Charlene Hegarty and Paul Kane. Charlene is a seasoned music industry professional who began her career at 17, handling publicity and tour management. She currently manages talent development at Oh Yeah while running her own management company, Zero Myth. Paul, a musician of 45 years, is a multi-talented professional who has toured extensively, produced solo and charity albums, co-written a musical, and established OTH Music Collective for mature musicians, all while serving as the Arts and Older People’s Manager at Oh Yeah.

Our initiative is specifically targeted to support the needs of active musicians resident in Northern Ireland. As a result our surgeries are open only to musicians – applications by managers, promoters, publishers, record labels, agents or any other music business practitioners will be rejected upon that basis.

Please also note that these sessions are designed to provide up-to-date advice on best practices for furthering your music career, they do not offer a critique of your work.

Prepare in Advance

The first step in booking an ASK session is to email Charlene or Paul to express your interest. They will then send you an application form which must be completed and returned in good time to ensure a productive session. This form helps the mentors understand your background, goals, and areas where you need support. Each surgery is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. So the sooner you complete the form, the sooner your spot will be confirmed.

Arrive on Time

Respect the time of both yourself and the mentors by arriving on time for your session. Prepare the questions you’d like to ask in advance and bring something to take notes with. If you're part of a band, coordinate with your bandmates to agree on who will be attending since we can only accommodate a maximum of two members.

Be Committed

The ASK service is committed to supporting musicians who are serious about building sustainable careers in music. If you're not fully committed to this goal, it may not be the right time to book an ASK session. You'll get out as much as you put in, so only seek help when you truly need it.

Utilise the Opportunity Wisely

Show appreciation for the opportunity by actively participating, engaging with the mentors, and implementing their advice. Be open to constructive criticism and willing to put in the necessary work to advance your career.

Select Your Areas of Focus

When completing the application form, indicate the type of advice you're seeking for your session. Choose up to two specialisms per session, such as project promotion, project funding, project development, marketing, showcasing/live opportunities, career enhancement, or fees and contracts.

Provide Feedback

After your session, you'll be required to complete an anonymous feedback form. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and grow our services, so please take the time to provide honest and constructive feedback. We are also happy to schedule a follow-up meeting after your first session if you feel it would be useful.

Making the most out of your first ASK session involves thorough preparation, active participation, and a genuine commitment to your music career. By following these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to leverage the expertise of the ASK mentors and take steps toward your goals. Your success ultimately depends on the effort you invest, so make every minute count during your ASK session.

You can book a session by emailing charlene@ohyeahbelfast.com or paul@ohyeahbelfast.com.

How to Make the Most Out of Your First ASK Session