Modern Music Industries
The music industries have been transformed by digital technology, streaming platforms and new models of artist development, management and distribution. Understanding how music moves from creation to audience in this environment requires both practical creative skills and a grasp of the commercial, legal and cultural forces that shape the industry. Modern music industries as a degree brings these together, preparing you for a career that may span performance, production, promotion, management and entrepreneurship.
At the University of Sunderland, this three-year programme is built around employability and hands-on experience. You will have opportunities to perform on stage, on screen and in studio and professional settings, building your practical skills as a performer and creator. Workshops, production work and industry placements give you direct experience of professional music-making and industry practice, so you graduate with a portfolio of work and a set of professional connections rather than purely academic credentials.
You will study the music business alongside your creative development, exploring areas such as artist management, music marketing, copyright and publishing, live event production and digital distribution. The aim is to produce well-rounded practitioners who understand both how to make music and how to build sustainable careers from it.
The creative skills and commercial awareness the degree develops are valuable in a sector where most careers involve a mixture of activities and where the ability to manage your own professional life as well as create is essential.
Graduates go on to careers in music performance, studio production, artist management, music marketing, live events, music publishing and digital media. Many work as freelancers or build portfolio careers that combine several of these activities. Others move into adjacent creative industries including radio, television, podcasting and digital content creation.
Further study in music, creative industries management or arts entrepreneurship is also an option.