University’s partnership with UK Music gives students access to industry experts

University of Gloucestershire’s successful collaboration with UK Music has provided students with fresh access to award-winning musicians and industry professionals, including University graduates, to further develop their knowledge and enhance employability.

As a member of UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership (MAP), the University shares the organisation’s commitment to strengthening links between industry and academia, nurturing collaborative projects with a focus on research, and ensuring graduates looking to enter the industry have an effective mix of experience and skills.

In the latest collaboration, the Music and Sound department within the University’s School of Creative Industries, worked with UK Music, which represents all areas of the industry, to deliver a networking event for students from the BA Music Business, BA Popular Music and BA Sound and Music Production programmes.

Students had access to a range of industry professionals and more than 30 University graduates, including Sophie Netter (Association of Independent Music), Ben Cipolla (independent artist), Will Mackmersh (Sony Music Publishing) and Teddy Mladenova (Cheltenham Festivals). 

Held at the Glasshaus, London, special guests Ninja, lead vocalist for British indie band The Go! Team, and award-winning rapper Shao Dow led a workshop with students and graduates that provided insights into the industry.

Tom Soper, Academic Course Leader for Music Business at the University, said: “It was great to see so many graduates and guests rubbing shoulders with our current Music and Sound students, in a way that made for a hugely accessible networking event for all.

“As members of UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership,we were thrilled to create this opportunity for our students to meet such a wide range of dynamic professionals, including many of our successful graduates, and gain a fresh look at the diverse range of careers within the music industry.

“Businesses today are looking for an extremely qualified and skilled workforce to support music talent and, as a MAP partner, we’re determined to ensure that graduates from our programmes are equipped with the skills and experience that will help them stand out from the crowd.”

Oliver Morris, Director of Education and Skills at UK Music, said: “We really value the work of our Music Academic partnership (MAP) members, and the amazing work that the engaged and knowledgeable team at University of Gloucestershire are doing sets a really high bar for all others across HE to aspire to.

“Their students grabbed the opportunity to meet and network, question and communicate their ideas in London and it was an inspirational and vibrant event.

“The fact that the University could also draw on so many talented graduates to join the day made it not only fascinating but also a true marker of how well they are doing helping their students into the industry. 

“Working with the team was fantastic and, as we often communicate to students during careers panels, was a perfect mix of professional and enjoyable. I rate the team really highly and look forward to doing more with them in the future.”

Main image: Graduates from the University on the panel at the networking event hosted jointly with UK Music