Innovative Student Music Events

Dr Jane Nolan, Senior Lecturer in the International Centre for Music Studies, School of Arts and Cultures, shares the achievements of some of our music students, who have created and presented innovative music events as part of their degree programme.

Each year, our students studying Professional Practice for Music module MUS2195 create and present their own events as part of their degree studies. This year, there has been a fantastic line-up of ten events during March and April at venues across Newcastle and surrounding areas.

Student teams were formed early in the module, during October 2023. The teams have developed their concepts from initial ideas to a professionally presented event for a public audience. This enables our students to apply their learning from the module in practice - including key aspects of musicians' professional practice, from marketing and promotion, to working with artists and venues and the production and delivery of the events.

The student teams have demonstrated their professional skills in presenting a range of excellent events for a variety of audiences, gaining valuable experience for their futures, and making a difference through engaging people with music. Their creativity and professionalism have been recognised by venues and audiences, and the students have gained a well-deserved sense of achievement from their experiences.

Lauren Barnes, from the Live on the Line team, commented: "Live on the Line is the epitome of a collaborative event, where our team's original idea blossomed into a resounding success. We've not only gained invaluable industry experience but also a profound sense of accomplishment, witnessing our event come to life and bring joy to others". 

The student teams' innovative and creative events have provided a platform for emerging artists, fantastic music and experiences for audiences, creating footfall and ticket sales for venues and raising money for charities:

Musical Teddy Bears' Picnic – designed for young children and their families at Seven Stories, the national centre for children's literature in Ouseburn, featured an original story written by the event team, with characters linked to musical instruments. The event introduced these instruments to young children in the context of an adventure story, which involved singing and finally getting up close to the instruments themselves. The event raised funds for Seven Stories through ticket sales.

Live on the Line – a mini music festival which provided a platform for talented emerging Northeast artists at the Ticket Office, Whitley Bay Metro Station, across a whole afternoon.

Open Decks Night – a DJ event which gave up and coming DJs, including members of Newcastle University's DJ society, an opportunity to perform at The Points, in Newcastle's Bigg Market.

Sounds of Solidarity - a DJ night at Revolución de Cuba which raised money for the student-led charity, Solidaritee, which supports refugees.

Groove at the Grove - a night of Afro-Cuban music, Salsa, Bossa Nova, Latin and Jazz, with Jason Holcomb's renowned Castillo Nuevo Trio, and Conor Emery and his 'Bones, a trombone ensemble of ICMuS students, at the Grove in Byker. 

Labyrinthine Oceans: A St Patrick's Day Special - a night of indie alt-rock music, which was an additional date on the Labyrinthine Oceans tour, with support acts including India Arkin, at the iconic Cluny 2 in Ouseburn.

Art X Music - an exciting exhibition of work by Newcastle University Fine Art students with live acoustic performances by International Centre for Music Studies students, presented in the Boiler House.

Continuing the Legacy – an inspiring night of indie music with a line up including Spilt Milk, at the Grove.

Classical Concert - showcasing the talents of ICMuS musicians performing classical repertoire in a free afternoon concert at St Andrew's Church, Newgate Street, Newcastle.

Karaoke Night - provided a form of end of term party at the Holy Hobo.

For further information on Professional Practice for Music module MUS2195, please get in touch with me, Jane.nolan@newcastle.ac.uk.