Matt B. Thorns’ Post

The times are changing - Universities are closing their Music Courses! 🎓 "UK Music Advocates for Enhanced Music Education Amidst University Department Shutdown" ✊ Is the UK's education in the Music sector in crisis?? OR do institutions need to respond better to the vastly changing Industry landscape? 🤔 Maybe better career guidance is needed for the creative industries when choosing the next steps after school. 👩🏫 Does Music really need to be studied as an academic subject and follow a degree format? 🎼 Or is it the case that nowadays higher education is about building experience, a portfolio and skills-based learning which may require creative apprenticeships or part-time 'learn whilst you earn'? 🔥 I'd say most Music Degrees are a minimum of 10 years behind what's actually going on in the industry. Why teach that? I was at a loss after my degree (financially and guidance-wise) however, fortunately, I got an award to do a Master's pathway in Music Production - which through working 4 years in the industry led to my artist development and a talent management career. 😅 In UK Music’s Manifesto for Music, they called for action from the Government, including: • Training and recruiting 1,000 more music teachers. • To deliver on the arts pupil premium. • Increase funding for Music Education Hubs. • Set up a commission of the nations and regions to address inequality of opportunity in music education. • Grow the number of apprenticeships and vocational qualifications in music. All super ideas which we should all support. But where is the forum for educators and industry people to provide feedback on the system❓ If we want the UK music and our scene to flourish we need to be ahead of the curve not behind it. 📈 Where is this conversation taking place? If you know please comment below.