The University of Westminster has celebrated 30 years of Commercial Music. To commemorate the milestone Westminster has held an event series, giving students the space to showcase their work and discover more about the world of music.
Launched in 1993, the Commercial Music BA course, now Music Production, Performance and Business BA Honours, was designed to blend artistic creativity with essential commercial insights, preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the music industry.
It was the first of its kind in England to integrate production, composition, business and cultural elements into a single, industry-oriented course. Endorsed by industry giants and backed by an advisory committee of influential music business lawyers, producers and executives, the course and its graduates have made a significant impact on the music industry from its inception.
Over the decades, the course has nurtured the talents of numerous students who have gone on to become major names in the music industry, including DJ and Record Producer Sigala, Alt-J and Wolf Alice manager Chelsea Zevenbergen and Co-writer and Co-producer of the song What Now for Rihanna’s Unapologetic album Nathan Cassells. The curriculum has continually evolved, integrating cutting-edge technology and contemporary music trends to keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape.
To celebrate 30 years, new developments have now been introduced to the curriculum. These advancements are designed to prepare students for the dynamic landscape of the music industry today and beyond. New developments include authentic group projects, Black Music Research Unit modules, exploration of new technologies, strategic partnerships and ethical and sustainable practices.
To commemorate this milestone Westminster held a series of events to celebrate the journey and the future ahead.
Max Cescatti-Macfarlane aka Zuko Rosemeid at Peckham Audio
The series was made up of two Music Degree Shows organised by Julia Toppin, Lecturer in Music Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, where Westminster’s Music Production, Performance and Business BA Honours graduates had the chance to show off their talents. The first took place on 29 May at the East London live music venue Signature Brew Haggerston and the second on 5 June at Peckham Audio.
Along with this Westminster held a Songwriting Circle on 3 May and Music BA Alumni Panel on 10 May.
Westminster will also host the Black British Music: Past, Present and Futures symposium at the British Library on 12 July. The interdisciplinary symposium will reflect on the meaning, histories and legacies of Black British music.
Students also have the opportunity to explore the Beyond the Bassline exhibition that has been created collaboratively between the University of Westminster and the British Library. Curated by Dr Aleema Gray at The British Library in collaboration with Mykaell Riley, Reader, Director for the Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) and Principal Investigator for Bass Culture Research at the University of Westminster, it is running between 26 April – 26 August, it documents the 500-year musical journey of African and Caribbean people in Britain.
Leddra Chapman, Senior Lecturer and Music Production, Performance and Business BA Honours Course Leader, said: “It is an honour to be leading this prestigious course through its 30th year of delivery. In keeping with the original aims of the course, our curriculum reflects authentic industry practices, and our network of expert tutors and contacts within the vibrant London music community provides unique opportunities for experiential learning. The 30 Years of Commercial Music at Westminster events series has been a great way to celebrate this milestone, with alumni panels, student performance and the stunningly moving BMRU exhibition at The British Library.”
The in-depth course directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about studying on the Music Production, Performance and Business BA Honours course at the University of Westminster
Dan Black aka YBK RSONIS at Peckham Audio
Jahmaal Buckley aka DJ Jah X at Peckham Audio
Rotem Aberbach performing at Signature Brew Haggerston
Bradley Jackson aka Bradley Jago performing at Signature Brew Haggerston
Samuel Virgo aka Svirgo19 and guitarist Ario Nanaj at Signature Brew Haggerston
Photo Credit: Henry Kennard
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