11.08.2020: Ahead of A-level results day tomorrow, UK Music’s Director of Education & Skills Oliver Morris urges students to consider university as an option – despite the uncertainties caused by Covid-19

^{UK Music Director of Education Oliver Morris with Outstanding MAP Graduate Award special mention Jo Howarth, fromSouthampton Solent University}

Tomorrow, A-level results will be shared across the land with either relief or disappointment. However you feel you’ve done, it’s important to bear in mind that these do not define you. Likewise with the Scottish Highers last week, and many BTecs also coming out tomorrow, many young people are facing a more stressful Summer than usual.

Good grades may help you feel you’re on the right path, whereas poorer grades of course will shake your confidence. However, life lies ahead of you and now is the time to follow your passion.

For more info on career in music check out our Career Pack here. 

I would like to congratulate everyone on behalf of UK Music who are getting their results. It’s been a really trying year and as a father of sons, one of whom is completing A-levels and another completing GCSEs this year, I empathise with everyone’s struggles around the uncertainty faced.

The music industry has also faced some challenges with COVID-19 and Brexit. There has been uncertainty as to how many institutions we often take for granted such as universities will work given the extended crisis due to COVID-19.

I wish to allay some of those fears and provide an example later as to what kinds of measures our Music Academic Partnership (MAP) members are taking to ensure you have the best experience.

Check out our MAP members here. 

All of the uncertainty may lead to some feeling like they should defer going to university. However we would suggest that now is exactly the time to get involved. Necessity is after all the mother of invention!

Andy Lenthall of the Production Services Association said:

“This really is the best time to get into live music. It’s all up in the air, everyone is testing new, exciting technologies; get involved, study, research, listen, learn and catch your piece as it all lands. Be the next leader.”

Our Music Academic Partnership members, for example, are all working hard to ensure the return to campus is as safe as possible and that your experience as a new student will be as exciting as ever.

Some elements will of course be different but I include great examples below from University of Liverpool and Southampton Solent University of how a refreshed approach to the new academic year will ultimately mean you have a rewarding time and your student experience this year is second to none.

I would also say that lockdown has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the creative arts and perhaps music most of all has a vitally important role to play in our lives.

If you feel that passion you can make it your career – we outline elsewhere on our website the many routes you can pursue in music and have recently compiled an exciting feature in Careermap’s Careermag on the types of jobs available.

You can register for free with Careermap to access the Spotlight on Music Careermags.  
For School Leavers here.
For Parents here.

The music industry will be changing rapidly over the next few years and we need bright minds and fresh ideas to make it a success. You could be a part of that and we hope you will consider making the move this year to study with one of our trusted MAP members.

Here is what some of them have to say about what they have to offer.

Professor Catherine Tackley, Head of Music at MAP member University of Liverpool said:

“Along with the rest of the University of Liverpool we are preparing to deliver our programmes in hybrid mode, with a mixture of synchronous ‘live’ elements, including face-to-face sessions, and asynchronous online learning.

“We recognise that for our subject access to specialist facilities such as studios, specialist Apple Mac suites, rehearsal spaces and practice rooms is very important, so we have been working hard to determine safe and fair access for the forthcoming academic year. We are really looking forward to welcoming new and returning students back to the Department.”

James Hannam, Course Leader on the  BA (Hons) Music Business at MAP member Solent University said:

“We are looking forward to welcoming both new and returning students in September, with our music business courses running as an immersive online experience during the first term. Studying at Solent offers a unique experience for music business students, combining the excitement of real-world practice alongside in-depth, thought-provoking academic research on a wide range of issues.

“In Term 1, learning and teaching will take place across a mix of recorded lectures, interactive sessions and 1-1 tutorials. Our innovative degree courses will continue to provide students with a thorough understanding of the industry, covering artist development, marketing, legal contracts and copyright. We will also support students to develop the entrepreneurial skills to succeed in this exciting industry, in addition to essential digital training on podcasting, web development, social media and video production.”

Current student Melody Perry said:

“Through the first two years of the course I have gained an excellent knowledge of the music industry and been given the opportunity to learn from, and network with, top industry professionals. The knowledge and skills I have learnt during the course have been key to my success, especially with securing an internship position at San Remo Music. I have also received a huge amount of support from my lecturers. During my third year I am really looking forward to focusing my studies on specific areas of the industry, gaining a more-in depth understanding of them whilst also gaining practical skills through my internship.”

Fellow student Dillon Hall says:

“I've learnt about almost every part of the music industry and have gained the skills I'd need to work in them as well. I've been introduced to loads of amazing people, as well as getting opportunities to go to conferences, attend launch parties and work at festivals. Southampton as a city is great for music and I'm excited to get back and continue working with local artists and with Radio Sonar in my final year at Solent.”