Popular Music
What our students say about...
...the MLitt in Popular Music Studies
Studying at Glasgow was a great experience for me. Not only did I acquire expertise in Popular Music and its related industries, but also I successfully developed many key skills and abilities such as time management, problem-solving ability and self-motivation. I am sure that these skills and the experiences I gained were vital in securing me the chance to work in a record company in Japan.
Ayano Onodera, Hostess Records, Tokyo, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2008-09
I believe that the skills and experience I gained on the M.Litt helped me to gain my current job. I stood out from other candidates because of the skills I had developed and the music industries experience I gained as part of the programme.
Liz Kelly, Florida and Sony PlayStation, London, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2009-10
The University of Glasgow offered an exciting program, and the course specifics were the most important factor in my decision (in particular, the work placement aspect). Further, the University maintains an excellent academic reputation worldwide; I would not have felt confident investing a year (and tuition, of course) in anything less. The university staff are to be credited with playing a key role in my success on the course, especially with egard to my dissertation, for which I received outstanding guidance and support.
Lauren Hulstedt, New York, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2010-11
The music industries course was taught by John Williamson who manages Belle and Sebastian. His experience, knowledge and insight are second to none. The mixture of academic theory and practical insight is a major strength of the M.Litt. This course is unique in British Universities.
John Markey, Young Aviators, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2010-11
As a songwriter and performer in a band, I was attracted to Popular Music studies because it offered an opportunity to study the theoretical concepts and history behind popular music, as well as the more practical aspects of the music industries; particularly the opportunity to carry out a project within a music-related organisation. I can't emphasise enough the value of the practical opportunities that this course provided, the perspectives given by the excellent guest lecturers and chance to experience working in the music industries.
Albert Kawmi, Nevada Base, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2008-09
I chose to do the Popular Music Studies Masters in order to bring a critical focus to my experiences working in the live music sector. I was attracted by the structure of the course that combined taught, industry placement and research components. As far as I was aware this was the only course to offer such a combination and as such offered a unique experience that I was keen to pursue. The structure of the course is excellent as it encourages students to make the transition from taught degree towards research through the final dissertation. The dissertation project allowed me to develop research interests and skills that have been vital in me being able to progress to PhD level.
Kenny Barr, PhD student, Music and Copyright, University of Glasgow, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2009-10
I would recommend the MLitt to anyone thinking of pursuing doctoral-level research into popular music, as I feel that it gave me an excellent introduction to the field before specialising. As well as developing my academic skills, taking the MLitt has allowed me to network more effectively with other researchers, musicians and people working in the music industries. This is largely due to the encouragement of the subject staff.
Alison Eales, PhD student researching The Glasgow International Jazz Festival, University of Glasgow, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2010-11
Having taken my undergraduate degree in the Music Department at University of Glasgow I was really keen to return. I chose the course as I had taken and particularly enjoyed Professor Cloonan's undergraduate Popular Music Studies class, so I was keen to do take the M.Litt. I see the M.Litt Popular Music Studies as an asset that only a few can boast as we all make our way in the big bad music machine.
Ian Gregson, freelance promoter, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2009-10
Having spent several years working in the music industry (primarily in artist management), I felt it would be beneficial to develop a theoretical underpinning to the practical experience I'd acquired. I was becoming increasingly interested in academic discourses around pop music culture and felt that the best way to cultivate this interest was systematic study.
Quite simply, attaining the Masters lead to me gaining the lecturing post I now have. Furthermore, it was not until I was actively engaged in Popular Music Studies, that I even considered lecturing as a possible career path.
A range of guest speakers also helped students engage with various perspectives and approaches to the industry, which is, of course, in a period of rapid change, culturally and economically.
Mark Baillie, Stow College
…the Music Industries Placements
The placement opportunity that took place within the course was something that particularly attracted me to the course. After moving down to London with £20 in my pocket and nowhere to stay but couches and floors I managed to land an internship at the Music Managers Forum (MMF) at the British Music House. I had interviewed the CEO of the organisation Jon Webster for my dissertation and got in touch with him when I first came down. I asked him if he had any internships going and luckily he said he did so I went in for a chat then started the next week. I worked there for 7 months, listening and learning from some of the most influential artist managers in the industry including one of Radiohead's managers, Brian Message, who was the Chairman of the MMF. When my internship was coming to an end I asked Brian if he would be a reference for my C.V and he said he could offer me something better. That day he offered me a job at his music company ATC Management. I have been working here for 3 moths now and enjoy every minute of it. I get to go to free gigs all the time and be around music all day. Dream come true.
Jonny Taylor, ATC Management
I had the opportunity to work with a local concert promoter DF Concerts for my placement and saw the scene from inside. I found that although DF is one of the biggest music companies in Scotland, the vibrant “Glaswegian” sprit is a key part of its success.
Ayano Onodera, Hostess Records, Tokyo, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2008-09
Through hard work and proving my worth to the programme co-ordinator, I was able to do my placement at Chemikal Underground Records. This made all the hard work and sacrifices worth it.
Liz Kelly, Florida and Sony PlayStation, London, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2009-10
The work placement (in my case, for a local internet radio station) allowed for even more direct interaction with the Glasgow music scene in that I was receiving submissions from local bands every day, and often was invited to (or chose to) see them live.
Lauren Hulstedt, New York, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2010-11
The most valuable experiences were the links to industry that were provided by the university. I had several opportunities to work in the 'real word' that came directly through my university courses.
Albert Kawmi, Nevada Base, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2008-09
The music industry placement aspect of the course ensures students engage and interact with the Glasgow scene. The placements in my year were extremely varied from placements with venues, promoters, labels, music synchronisation companies and the Musicians Union.
Kenny Barr, PhD student, Music and Copyright, University of Glasgow, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2009-10
In the course of my music industry placement, I worked closely with record label Chemikal Underground which provided invaluable insights into the industry from a label perspective.
Mark Baillie, Stow College
…the Creative Practice Route
Having had only very little formal musical training, the Creative Practice route offered me a chance to have my own music assessed for the first time. The value of students’ musical activities is recognised, and there is some flexibility for students with gigging or recording commitments.
Alison Eales, researching The Glasgow International Jazz Festival, University of Glasgow, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2010-11
I really enjoyed being able to compose music for short and silent films as part of my Creative Practice project. Because I chose Creative Practice route, I tended to had more musical interactions with my classmates. This meant that I joined in the Glasgow music scene directly. Local musicians joined us as guest lecturers and shared their experience to us. In all this was a very encouraging environment for the students advance their music careers and join in the local scene.
Emily Hsing-Hua Chang, television producer and artistic director, Taiwan, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2009-10
…the Glasgow Music Scene
It was also a huge advance for me to study in the city that has a great reputation in its thriving independent music scene. Studying at Glasgow meant to me that I would be in the environment where I could learn about Popular Music anytime anywhere!
Ayano Onodera, Hostess Records, Tokyo, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2008-09
The Glasgow music scene cannot be beat. It’s small enough that almost everyone knows each other but this also means it’s collaborative and excellent for meeting people and networking. The degree certainly encouraged interaction with the scene and several guest speakers are key figures on it, including those from DF Concerts (organisers of T in The park) and Chemikal Underground. I was also taught by John Williamson who manages Belle and Sebsatian. Through my dissertation I met and spoke with several more people on the Glasgow scene and became more involved in the city’s music. If you’re keen and you make a good effort, the whole city will open up to you.
Liz Kelly, Florida and Sony PlayStation, London, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2009-10
Glasgow seems to have something for music lovers of all kinds. There’s a venue or club night for every possible style and genre of music, and never a shortage of music-related events taking place. The Masters programme definitely encourages engagement/interaction. Fellow students as well as teaching staff are in bands or manage them, and knowing people who are already involved is a great way to start exploring the scene from scratch.
Lauren Hulstedt, New York, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2010-11
It's a great city for music and culture with one of the best universities in the UK. It's a beautiful city and there is so much to do. The Glasgow music scene is bubbling with activity, variety and quality. There is so much on offer from within Glasgow, but it also draws in the best acts from around the world. There have been so many nights this year where I have attempted to jump between two or three events in an evening so as not to miss my favourite acts!
Albert Kawmi, Nevada Base, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2008-09
Beyond the live scene of bands, musicians, venues and promoters there is also a considerable infrastructure of independent labels, studios, managers, merchandise companies etc.
Kenny Barr, PhD student, Music and Copyright, University of Glasgow, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2009-10
The Glasgow music scene is thriving. In the first four months I have lived in the city, I attended a minimum of five concerts that I would have had to attend in five different cities within the states, not including the many local bands that exist here and continuously push Glasgow’s music diversity. The city has great diversity in music as well, containing plenty of indie pop and rock as well as experimental and a large diversity of orchestral and classical concerts. Our class is encouraged to attend music performances and Professor Cloonan encourages and promotes concerts by local and touring bands playing in town.
Ryan Collins, Oklahoma, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2010-11
Glasgow is undoubtedly one of the best places to study popular music in the UK. It is an amazing place for music. Live music is played in venues of all shapes and sizes, from tiny coffee shops to the SECC and Hampden, and there are a good number of affordable recording and rehearsal studios. There is a great punk and indie community, with lots of ‘DIY’ club nights and labels, and the Merchant City is a hub for all kinds of musical activity, particularly live classical music and jazz. The MLitt itself is well-integrated into the Glasgow music scene: the majority of staff who teach on the programme are active as musicians or music managers.
Alison Eales, PhD student researching The Glasgow International Jazz Festival, University of Glasgow, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2010-11
The Masters Programme encourages interaction with the Glasgow music scene, but more importantly, it encourages a critical interaction as opposed to mere participation. The Glasgow music scene is vibrant and never dull. For a relatively small city it is huge. Typically Scottish in punching above its weight. There is live music at numerous venues seven nights a week.
Ian Gregson, freelance promoter, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2009-10
…the University of Glasgow Experience
I gained new skills, experience, and networking opportunities. I made connections that lasted.
Liz Kelly, Florida, Sony PlayStation, London, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2009-10
We had the privilege of several guest lecturers who shared their experience directly, and interactively, with us. As part of the research for my dissertation, I was able to interview several bands, music promoters and venue managers, picking their brains, learning from their experiences and making valuable contacts for the future.
Albert Kawmi, Nevada Base, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2008-09
It was the first time I’d had the chance to join in bands with students from different cultures. This was really helpful and I had the opportunity to play across various musical genres.
Emily Hsing-Hua Chang, television producer and artistic director, Taiwan, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2009-10
The staff are well informed and exceptionally talented, but also well grounded and keen to show you realities of the music industries. y The people at Glasgow University sharpened my wits, broadened my horizons, encouraged my creativity and furnished me with a balanced critical faculty. All of these are essential to me as I begin to navigate the murky world of the creative industries.
Ian Gregson, freelance promoter, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2009-10
…Glasgow Memories
The friends, the people, the music, and the gigs. The people especially – genuinely kind, good people who welcomed me – a stranger from a foreign land - easily and freely into their tight-knit circles.
Liz Kelly. Sony PlayStation, London, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2009-10
Hundreds of people flocking to the hill in Kelvingrove park to bask in the (temporary!) sunshine.
Albert Kawmi, Nevada Base, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2008-09.
The people and the music scene are outstanding. Without a doubt the nicest people in the UK live in Glasgow. The city has established itself as a centre for music and art and the people who live here have embraced this.
Ryan Collins, Oklahoma, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2010-11
There are too many! Probably winning the BUCS cup with the women’s football team, but there have been plenty memorable moments.
Lauren Hulstedt, New York, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Music Industries), 2010-11
Glasgow became my second home. I joined a local choir and sung in Latin.
Emily Hsing-Hua Chang, television producer and artistic director, Taiwan, M.Litt in Popular Music Studies (Creative Practice), 2009-10