UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 25 OCTOBER
MA Musicology student Kevin Huby tells us why he opted for the course and shares his post-graduation aspirations.
Why did you choose the MA Musicology course at RBC?
Firstly, I’m far too old to be doing an undergraduate degree! The MA Musicology course offers almost infinite opportunities to focus on areas of personal interest; in my case music education and outreach.
What are your aspirations following graduation?
After a long and demanding business career, there’s a temptation to put my feet up, but that’s not for me. Instead, at long last, I’ve got the chance to progress two lifelong passions: Making music and helping disadvantaged and disconnected young people. I’m already involved in mentoring and help to run a music group for young people who have recently left the care system. I’ve also just joined the fabulous SoundLab team, so I guess I’ll be doing a lot more of all that when I graduate – all while playing lots of jazz and blues, hopefully!
What have been the highlights and challenges of studying at RBC?
Returning to Birmingham after many years away and being surrounded by such a wonderful bunch of talented people have definitely been highlights. Returning to academia after so long has presented some challenges, particularly essay writing, but I’ve found the staff to be supportive and it’s such a pleasure being part of all that’s going on here.
Have you put what you have learned into practice?
I hope I’m starting to do that in the music outreach projects I’m getting involved with but maybe that’s not for me to say!
What is your experience of the music scene in Birmingham?
There’s so much great music happening in RBC, there’s the temptation not to venture out much! However, I went to a superb blues gig at the Jam House recently and also discovered the Temperance Café not too far away in Leamington, a tiny venue with top-class acts almost every day. It would be good to see more places like that!