Free digital workshops for musicians – 22 & 23 April – sign up before they are full!

Showcase Scotland Expo is proud to offer the following digital workshops, presented by Dougal Perman, Director and co-founder of Inner Ear:
Workshop 1: AI: Friend or Foe?Unlocking the Power of AI to Transform Your Music Career22nd April 2025, 11.00am-12.30pm
Workshop 2: Social Media Mastery for MusicMaximise Your Reach and Engage Your Audience Through Social Media23rd April 2025, 11.00am-12.30pm
Participation is free, limited to 50 participants per workshop. Please sign up to confirm your attendance.
Read on for further information on the content of the workshops. 

Workshop 1: AI: Friend or Foe?Unlocking the Power of AI to Transform Your Music Career
In an era where technology is reshaping every facet of the music industry, understanding how to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a game-changer for live music artists. Dougal Perman, Director and co-founder of Inner Ear, brings his extensive experience in live streaming, digital storytelling and AI tool utilisation to lead this insightful workshop.
AI: Friend or Foe? gets into the practical applications of AI to boost your productivity, enhance communication and accelerate business development. We will explore readily available AI services such as ChatGPT and Gemini, learning how these generative chatbots can streamline your workflow and support your creative processes. Dougal will demonstrate how combining AI tools with automation platforms enables you to achieve more with less effort, allowing you to focus on what you do best — creating and performing music.Understanding AI’s Role in Creativity. We know people have concerns about AI potentially replacing creative roles or infringing on intellectual property. We explore how AI can augment your creative abilities, providing tools that enhance your productivity and open new avenues for artistic expression. AI can handle repetitive tasks and generate ideas, giving you more time to focus on the unique and personal aspects of your art.Protecting Your Creative Rights. Dougal will address copyright and the ethical use of AI in creative work. You’ll learn best practices for ensuring that your creations remain uniquely yours while leveraging AI tools responsibly. This includes understanding how to use AI-generated content without compromising your original work, protecting your existing copyright and maintaining ownership over your creative outputs.This interactive session includes live demos, hands-on how-to guides and actionable strategies that you can implement immediately. Whether you’re looking to automate administrative tasks, improve audience engagement or develop innovative marketing campaigns, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to leverage AI effectively. And attendees will receive links to further learning resources to help you grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Workshop 2: Social Media Mastery for MusicMaximise Your Reach and Engage Your Audience Through Social Media
A strong social media presence is essential for live music artists aiming to expand their reach and connect with audiences worldwide. Dougal Perman, a seasoned media producer specialising in digital storytelling and content strategy, leads this comprehensive workshop designed to empower artists in the folk, traditional, acoustic, roots and world music genres.
Social Media Mastery for Music focuses on the best strategies, tactics and practical operations to harness the full potential of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Bluesky, X and Linkedin. Dougal will guide you through crafting compelling content that resonates with your audience, building an authentic online presence and implementing effective engagement techniques to grow your fanbase.
Participants will experience live demonstrations, learn how to optimise their profiles, utilise analytics to inform their strategies and create content calendars that keep their audiences engaged consistently. The workshop also covers advanced tactics such as leveraging hashtags, collaborating with other artists and using paid advertising to amplify your reach. With practical how-to guides and real-world examples, we’ll make sure you leave with actionable insights and the confidence to up your social media game.
Plus, attendees will gain access to a curated list of additional resources, including tutorials and tools, to support your ongoing social media endeavours. Whether you’re an established artist or just starting out, Social Media Mastery For Music provides the essential skills and knowledge to effectively engage with your audience and expand your musical influence in the digital realm.

About Dougal PermanDougal Perman is the Director and co-founder of Inner Ear (and its creative projects TRADtv, Radio Magnetic and Walking Heads), a pioneering media production company specialising in live streaming, digital storytelling, podcasting and the utilisation of AI tools to enhance productivity. With over two decades of experience in media and music, Dougal is dedicated to empowering cultural organisations, creative professionals and artists to engage their audiences through bespoke strategy and innovative action.