This module focuses on career development and employability. It is also an opportunity to explore the theme of Entrepreneurship for the Modern Musician. The module will be delivered through a series of workshops, guest lectures, and masterclasses. Staff from the University Careers and Personal Development team, as well as the Be Inspired team, will work with students and help them to develop their employability skills and portfolio building. Students will be encouraged to create their own companies and microenterprises where appropriate. Assessment will be through the production of promotional materials and a negotiated project focused on employability and entrepreneurship.

Assessment One: Developing Promotional Tools

Create a portfolio of promotional tools, including a CV, online presence, and/or website as appropriate assessing learning outcome 1. The portfolio could also include a busines plan if appropriate.

Assessment Two: Reflective digital diary

Create a digital diary, assessing learning outcome 2, reflecting on the effectiveness and professionalism of the promotional tools created in assignment one. The diary could be in the form of a blog, video diary or any other appropriate format.

Assessment Three: Negotiated Portfolio

Produce an appropriate, client-facing portfolio of your work, assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4. The portfolio could include examples of your work such as compositions, performances, sound to picture projects, mixed or mastered tracks etc. You may, if you wish, use this assignment as an opportunity to collaborate with students from other related areas such as drama, film, or games. If appropriate, you should upload your portfolio to the online elements you created in assignment one.

Learning will take place through a series of workshops, guest lectures, masterclasses and individual and group tutorials. Students will work with staff from the Staffordshire University Be Inspired team as well as the Career and Personal Development Services.

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of strategies for marketing and self-promotion as they relate to the music industry

2. Critically appraise a range of strategies for portfolio building and self-promotion in a music industry context

3. Consider a variety of methods for enhancing career development and employability in the music industry

4. Analyse the music industry sector in order to identify, and profit from, opportunities for employment and personal-development.

Staffordshire University Be Inspired team

Career and Personal Development Services

Cadman Music Studios

G136 and G135 Music Labs

Media Resource Centre

Staffordshire University Library

Rutter, P (2016) The Music Industry Handbook Routledge ISBN: 978-1138910508

Harrison, A (2017) Music: The Business Virgin Books ISBN: 978-0753548202

Gammons, H (2011) The Art of Music Publishing: An Entrepreneurial Guide to Publishing and Copyright for the Music, Film and Media Industries Focal Press ISBN 978-0240522357

Bargfrede, A (2020) Music Law in the Digital Age Hal Leonard ISBN 978-0876391730

This module will give you the tools you need to promote yourself in the music industry. You will learn how to market yourself successfully, build a portfolio, and create an effective online presence which showcases your skills to the best effect. You will develop your entrepreneurship in order to maximise your employability.