University of Sunderland

Our students and graduates

Our dance, drama and music students gain a wealth of knowledge and practical experience through their time with us.  Below are some examples of recent student projects:

Managing a Live Music Event

Karen recently graduated with a degree in Music and Journalism. For her final year project she organised and managed a day event of live music at an established City Centre venue. In the introduction to her report she wrote, "For the day to be a success I will have to take on not only the role of a performing musician but also that of music promoter, marketer, booking agent."

Working with the Elderly

Linda, one of our Performing Arts graduates, was interested setting up a music project involving older people. With the support of Age Concern she worked with a group of elderly clients all of whom had suffered with illness, depression, bereavement or anxiety. In her final report she wrote: "...their willingness to contribute, their enormous energy and enthusiasm and love for music is what shone through...I have learned so much as I have listened to them...I hope to work in the community in the future."

Jack Drum Theatre Company

A student worked with the Jack Drum Theatre Company in Co. Durham on a project using Commedia dell' Arte.  A children's theatre project based on Commedia characters was documented.

The Live Theatre

A student helped to organise, edit and perform readings from Plays by North East Women Playwrights at the Live Theatre in Newcastle.

Adam's Album Launch

Adam and Duncan both graduated recently with BA (Hons) degrees in Music.  For their final year live projects they chose to take on different roles within one large album launch project.  Adam composed and produced a singer/songwriter style album and recruited/ rehearsed a full live band to perform at the album launch while also designing all the artwork for the album himself.  Duncan's project was to organize the recording and the event it's self: researching marketing strategies, setting budgets and timelines, creating a promotion pack and contacting the media, booking a top quality venue, a live theatre on the quayside, and liaising with stage managers/technical staff.  Adam commented, "In the end we produced a really successful event and album...all as part of our degree!"