“OXFORD CREATIVE ACADEMY IS PRODUCING THE NEXT GENERATION OF job-ready MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS”
wHO IS OXFORD CREATIVE ACADEMY?
Oxford Creative Academy (OCA) operates in partnership with one of Australia's premiere music venues - Oxford Art Factory. Oxford Art Factory (OAF) has been a cultural focal point for international and local artists for over 17 years hosting world-class artists like Lady Gaga and Lana Del Ray and the adjoining Gallery Bar where thousands of artists have cut their teeth, performing their first shows and launching releases within the intimate space, including the likes of The Rubens, Nick Murphy aka Chet Faker, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and The Preatures.
Oxford Creative Academy is dedicated to providing training and assessment strategies that equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the five key industry sectors. Our courses focus on developing students' abilities to manage and refine their creative output while aligning it with innovative business ideas and concepts. We empower students to establish sustainable, creative business practices supporting their long-term goals, ambitions, and well-being. OCA is committed to nurturing and guiding the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
It’s important to remember: the music business begins and ends with the song. Songs are the lifeblood of this industry, and developing a deep understanding of them is imperative. This foundational knowledge has been at the core of our founder, Matt O’Connor’s 40-year career!
At OCA, every student gains insight into the industry's artistic and business aspects. Through this dual focus, they develop a well-rounded understanding of both the creative and commercial dimensions, enabling them to fully appreciate their work's true value.
We believe that creativity and business are inherently intertwined. Without a balance of both, the full commercial potential of creative work cannot be realised.
About Our CEO - Matt O’Connor
Matt O’Connor has worked in the entertainment industry for 40+ years globally and locally. Over his career, he’s been fortunate to work with some of the biggest acts in Australian and New Zealand. Matt O’Connor has an enviable reputation for discovering, nurturing, and developing new talent.
His career has covered all the sectors of the entertainment industry including writing, producing, mixing, A&R, label management (both indie and major), contract negotiation, publishing, artist management, music synchronisation, brand placement & development, marketing strategies, music licensing, and distribution.
He has worked with numerous multinationals and domestic entertainment companies including: SXSW, Warner, Universal, Atlantic, Dew Process, Island Records, Alberts, Warner Chapell, MGM Distro, Believe, Fuga Distro, Mushroom, Concord, ICC, IOC, EMI Publishing, Peer Music, Wise Music and Dawn Raid.
Oxford Creative Academy first started as a short course run out of Matt’s former recording studio Hercules Street Studios - This combined experience of working with creatives in established music companies and seeing the increasing need for supportive educational structures for emergent industry professionals is how the academy found it’s genesis.