University News Last updated 12 July 2017
On Monday 12th June 2017, Birmingham Conservatoire hosted a day-long Careers Conference for students. The event attracted leading industry professionals to take part in panel discussions around the future of the profession and the opportunities available to Conservatoire graduates.
Students were able to ask the panel about various aspects of careers in music as well as taking the opportunity to informally chat to the panellists over coffee. Panellists took the opportunity to debate current issues and share their own experiences of how they have dealt with diverse challenges. Discussions covered topics such as entrepreneurship in performing groups; digital innovation; current trends in sales of recorded music; and developing a portfolio career.
Helping students think carefully about their future career prospects is an important part of the work of Birmingham Conservatoire, and our students clearly show an interest as nearly 100 students attended our conference. Final year Conservatoire students commented:
Panellists included:
Mark Wilkinson | SVP International Marketing and A and R, Universal Music
Emma Bloxham | Editor, BBC Radio 3
Stephen Maddock | Chief Executive, CBSO
Martin Cullingford (pictured) | Editor & Publisher, Gramophone
Francesca Treadaway | Communications Manager, Incorporated Society of Musicians
Déarbhaile Nairn | Artist Development Manager, Southbank Sinfonia
Kathryn Enticott | Director, Enticott Music Management
Sophie Lewis | CEO, Sinfonia Cymru
Michael Janisch | Founder / Managing Director / Solo Artist, Whirlwind Recordings
Karen Pitchford | KHJ Communications (PR)
Kathryn Knight | CEO, Tido Music (publishing)
Steve Legge | Asst. Head, Gloucestershire Music
Tony Pinkham | Head of Marketing, Tido Music
David Taylor | CEO, Yorkshire Young Sinfonia
Matthew Sharp | Cellist, Singer, Director, Educator, Freelance
Ben Hogwood | Classical Repertoire Manager, PPL
Kirsty Devaney |Composer & Educator, Freelance
Toks Dada | Programme Co-ordinator, Town Hall Symphony Hall
The day also included showcase performances from recent Conservatoire graduates and current students Elliott Sansom (piano) Caroline Modiba (soprano), Luigi Carroccia (piano) and the Vickers Bovey Guitar Duo.
Jeremy Clay Teaching Fellow in Professional Development and Outreach