RNCM graduate scoops top industry prize

A new RNCM graduate has scooped a top prize at the prestigious industry awards show in London.  

BMus Popular Music alumnus Matteo Tontodonati rubbed shoulders with the likes of Duran Duran, Nia Archives, and Tinie Tempah as he beat a strong shortlist to take home the 2023 Student Trailblazer Award at the annual Music Managers Forum’s (MMF) Artist and Manager Awards, held at London’s Bloomsbury Big Top.  

Annabella Coldrick, Chief Executive, MMF. MatteoTontodonati and Paul Bonham, Professional Development Director, MMF

Today, in the conservatoire’s Congregation of Awards, drummer Matteo also joined more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students marking the successful end of their studies.  

The MMF panel commended Matteo for his ‘extracurricular activities as a manager and promoter’ in Manchester’s ‘vibrant’ music scene during his time at the RNCM, naming him as one to watch in the industry. ‘The students we recognise today will be the executives of tomorrow,’ added Paul Bonham, professional development director at MMF. 

Matteo praised the opportunity his degree had given him to learn about the business side of a career in music. ‘I have learnt the importance of innovation in both marketing and release campaigns, and many of the creative ways in which managers help artists shine through the highly competitive industry,’ he explained.  

‘Too many great acts never find their light and, as a manager, my duty is to the artist and their positive growth. I believe in a creative and relaxed but focused approach to management, allowing you and the artist to constantly collaborate on content ideas, songs, albums, and assets, therefore creating a completely new and unique experience for the audience.’  

14 December 2023