Each year, Music Business students get the valuable opportunity to tour music venues around Birmingham, showcasing the spaces they may very well end up working in.
The annual tour not only covers the heritage of venues and the local music scene, but also delves into discussions around employability. This year was no different, with students being given the chance to network with local venue owners for placement opportunities, casual work and a general foot in the door to the industry.
Birmingham has an incredibly diverse music offering, being the home of metal music with the likes of Black Sabbath originating in the city, whilst also boasting a vibrant electronic music scene and much more. The venues covered on the tour ranged from locally renowned The Rainbow, to brand new spaces such as Pan Pan, a multi-functional arts space. The venues visited were:
SUKI10C, a unique grassroots venue home to many variations of dance music and 100% wind-farm powered; making it the only eco-venue in Birmingham
Norton’s, situated in the heart of the Irish Quarter, describe themselves as “not another Irish bar”. They combine live music and sport with friendly crowds.
Pan Pan, a newly opened venue described as a multi-functional arts space, with a treasure trove of quirky décor.
The Mill, a multi-room warehouse space with a stylish mezzanine and rooftop garden looking out onto the Birmingham skyline and eclectic Digbeth backstreets.
Dead Wax, a hipsters paradise and twist on the traditional British pub.
The Rainbow, famously restored and re-opened venue with a vibrant and alternative twist.
The Forum, a large venue with a vast array of events, from A-listers to Bongo’s Bingo.
First year Music Business student, Thomas Lees, said: “Having the opportunity to go out into the city and meet with some of the local music businesses, such as music agents, promoters and venue managers, was a great way to get to know what Birmingham has to offer in terms of music. I’m not from Birmingham so it was really helpful meeting some of the music professionals, hearing what they do and it has helped develop my industry networks and potential future placements too.”
The Music Business course is designed to give students the knowledge and experience to work in and shape the music industry. The course covers music enterprise and entrepreneurship, events, project management, promotion, PR and more, setting students up to work in various areas of the music industry.
Course leader and director, Dr Matt Grimes, said: “The philosophy behind the BA (Hons) Music Business course is that we use Birmingham’s music industries as the students’ learning environment.”
“Taking the new first year students on a walking tour of the city’s music industries, early on in their degree journey, serves two really important purposes. Firstly, the students get to see much of Birmingham’s rich and diverse music offer and secondly, it allows them to meet and network with many of the music businesses that they will be engaging with during their degree course.”
