The perfect package for music industry knowledge

Tell us a little bit about the programme.
I think the best way to describe the programme is to call it a perfect package. It has everything you would want to know about the industry, how it operates, and how you can be a part of it. The cherry on top is that it's a collaboration between the music department and the management school. This provides a comprehensive education that covers both the creative and business aspects of the music industry, giving students a well-rounded understanding of how the industry functions. The programme's structure allows you to gain practical skills while also developing theoretical knowledge, preparing you effectively for various career paths within the music sector.

What inspired you to apply for the programme?
I got into music at a very early stage in my life. I started with DJing, got into music production, and did my undergraduate degree in sound engineering. Then I really wanted to learn the industry side of things, and that's what inspired me to come for this course. Having already developed technical skills in music production and sound engineering, I was looking for a programme that would help me understand the business mechanics of the industry. I was particularly interested in how to translate my creative and technical abilities into a sustainable career, which is exactly what this programme offers through its blend of management principles and music industry specifics.

What did you like most about the programme?
The thing that I love the most about the programme is how well structured it is. It has everything that you need to get where you want to be, and it also gives you the freedom of choosing where you want to specialise, be it marketing or accounting. It has a bunch of options for the modules to choose from. This flexibility means you can tailor your education to your career aspirations while still getting a solid foundation in core music industry concepts. The programme's structure strikes an excellent balance between providing essential knowledge that everyone needs and allowing for personal specialisation in areas that align with your individual goals and interests.

What was your favourite module on the programme?
My favourite module has to be Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship. I had a really great time working with the group. We had to come up with a startup idea for a company. Every part of the process was enjoyable, starting from the brainstorming sessions and coming up with ideas, to working in a group with people that gives you leadership skills, team collaboration, and things like that. Then actually developing the business idea - all of it was engaging and educational. 

What's it like living in Sheffield?
I found Sheffield to be a very friendly and safe space. That's something I was not sure about when I came here from India. It's lovely - you're walking around, people are so friendly, they're smiling at you, you smile back. It's crazy how easy it is to make friends over here. It's so friendly, I absolutely love this place. As an international student, finding a welcoming environment was extremely important to me, and Sheffield has exceeded my expectations in this regard. The city has a character and charm that makes it feel like a home rather than just a place to study, which has significantly enhanced my overall experience of studying in the UK.

Tell us about your dissertation.
My dissertation is about copyright law in music and how it affects creative expression in regards to sampling. Being a producer myself, I spent a lot of time producing using sampling, and I really wanted to research about the implications of it. That's what inspired me to do this dissertation. Understanding copyright law is crucial for anyone working in music production today, and this dissertation has given me the opportunity to develop expertise in an area that directly relates to my creative practice and future career plans.

How has the experience been for you overall?
Overall, the experience has been really, really great - probably one of the best decisions of my life, coming to Sheffield and taking this course. It's good both for my personal life and my professional life as well. I feel like I'm really getting ahead and getting closer to my dream every day. And that's one thing I will remember for my life. The knowledge I've gained, the relationships I've built, and the confidence I've developed will continue to benefit me long after graduation, providing a solid foundation for a successful career in the music industry and beyond.