Music Graduates & Careers
Within the broader framework of the Music Communities project, Dr Roberta Comunian, is exploring the connections and dynamics linking higher education and music careers.
An emerging literature on the role of higher education in the creative economy reveals that while higher education institutions develop human capital for careers after graduation, creative graduates also face great difficulties in entering the professional networks and employment opportunities of the creative sector. Popular writers and journalists have recently begun to note the increasingly elite backgrounds of those working in the arts and media, and among performing pop musicians.
Drawing on statistical data on graduates and their employment after graduation, this research examines the factors associated with winning a music career, and success within that career. It explores how the networks formed via selective education and training give musicians advantages in their post-university life. The statistical analysis is given additional nuance through a focused set of interviews and focus groups with music graduates, those working in the music industry hailing from subjects other than music, and practitioner-teachers in higher education.
An emerging literature on the role of higher education in the creative economy reveals that while higher education institutions develop human capital for careers after graduation, creative graduates also face great difficulties in entering the professional networks and employment opportunities of the creative sector. Popular writers and journalists have recently begun to note the increasingly elite backgrounds of those working in the arts and media, and among performing pop musicians.
Drawing on statistical data on graduates and their employment after graduation, this research examines the factors associated with winning a music career, and success within that career. It explores how the networks formed via selective education and training give musicians advantages in their post-university life. The statistical analysis is given additional nuance through a focused set of interviews and focus groups with music graduates, those working in the music industry hailing from subjects other than music, and practitioner-teachers in higher education.
Data & Focus GroupsThe research project uses HESA (Higher Eduation Statistical Analysis) data to build a quantitative picture of the performance of music graduates in the labour market.
Building on this broad picture, the project will conduct a series of focus groups and interviews with graduates (between 1 & 5 years from graduation) in three higher education institutions in the UK, specifically: - King's College London - Birmingham Conservatoire at Birmingham City University - Royal Northern College of Music |
Take part in a focus group or interviewIf you are recently graduated (1 to 5 years) from the participating department of music and are willing to take part in a focus group (or interview) about your career progression after graduation, we would love to hear from you.The focus group or interview should last around 1 hour and will ask you to reflect on the following topics:
1) How do you value the way your university (as institution) has prepared you for the job market? 2) How do you value the way your contacts made during university helped you in entering the job market? 3) What were the major barriers / issues you faced in finding job after graduation?What kind of job did you look for after graduation? 4) What kind of help / support was available / was helpful in getting you in the job market Ethical considerations for ParticipantsBefore you decide whether you want to take part, it is important
for you to understand why the research is being done and what your participation will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully . Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Download here the INFORMATION SHEET FOR PARTICIPANTS
|
Take part in the King's College data collection
|
| music_careers_information_sheet.pdf |
Download here a copy of the CONSENT FORM you will be asked to sign
| music_careers_consent_form.pdf |