It's no secret Niagara has a blossoming independent musical scene.

But the problem isn't with the quality or quantity of the artists, said Nik Duncan, communications co-ordinator with Norris-Whitney Communications, which publishes Canadian Musician, Professional Sound, Professional Lighting and Canadian Music Trade magazines.

Rather, the problem was with networking, not note-hitting. To help artists meet other artists and the people behind the soundboards, Norris-Whitney is hosting the inaugural Niagara Music Forum, a one-day event for music industry practitioners to get in touch with Niagara's musical community.

"Before we put this together, one thing we always heard about the Niagara music scene was that it was fragmented, there was no working together," said Duncan. "That was really the catalyst for this event."

The forum takes place on Oct. 18 at the Four Points Sheraton on Schmon Parkway in Thorold.

Registration is $35 plus GST and is available online at www.niagaramusicforum.com.

Opportunities to hear from industry experts at both the national and local level will be available at the forum, said Duncan, giving aspiring musicians a chance to connect in different areas of the music industry.

As well as learning about the music industry, it will also provide networking opportunities in a fun environment, said Duncan.

Anyone who plays or works in the music industry is welcome, he said, but attendance is limited and by registration only.