This year marks the 30th academic year anniversary of the Commercial Music BA (now Music Production, Performance and Business BA) at Westminster. Launched in 1993, this pioneering course was designed to blend artistic creativity with essential commercial insights, preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the music industry.
The Journey Begins
The Commercial Music BA was the very first of its kind 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.
30 Years of Innovation
Over the decades, the course has nurtured the talents of numerous students who have gone on to become major names in the music industry. The curriculum has continually evolved, integrating cutting-edge technology and contemporary music trends to keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape. Alumni includes: · Sigala: Hit the UK Number 1 spot with ‘Easy Love’, and secured three more UK Top Ten singles, on a multi-year, multi-million-pound deal with Sony.
- Chelsea Zevenbergen: An established artist manager who has worked with ATC managing artists such as Laura Mvula. Currently manages Alt-J and Wolf Alice at East City Management and leads development in mindfulness and wellbeing for artists.
- Nathan Cassells: Co-writer and co-producer of the song ‘What Now’ for Rihanna’s ‘Unapologetic’ album, which peaked at Number 21 in the UK and Number 25 in the US.
- David Bass: Founder of two music synchronisation companies, Wake The Town and Theodore, nominated for several awards by Music Week in 2019. His notable work includes the Christmas IKEA advert, “Silence the Critics.”
Read more about our Graduate Success or listen to our Westminster Music Spotify playlist that brings together some audio highlights from our talented and influential students. All tracks on the playlist are either performed, written, or produced by our Music students, past and present.
Pioneering for the Future
To celebrate 30 years and continue with our proud history of musical innovation at Westminster, new developments have been introduced to our Music Production, Performance, and Business BA curriculum. These advancements are designed to prepare our students for the dynamic landscape of the music industry today and beyond. New developments include:
- Authentic Group Projects: Students tackle real-world industry projects such as live industry events, commercial music releases, marketing, composing for media, data & analytics and working closely with professionals. This hands-on experience mirrors the music industry’s dynamic environment, enhancing teamwork and creative problem-solving skills.
- Black Music Research Unit Modules: Specific modules like ‘Bass Cultures – The African Diaspora and Popular Music’ and ‘Cultural Identity, Music, and Audiovisual Work’ allow students to engage deeply with the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of black music, enriching their understanding and broadening their perspectives.
- Exploration of New Technologies: The course actively integrates emerging technologies such as AI, focusing on its application in music production, performance analytics, and market analysis. This exploration is aimed at revolutionising how students interact with and influence current music industry standards.
- Strategic Partnerships: Our course maintains robust connections with major industry bodies such as PRS, PPL, and Musicians Union, facilitating regular visits and workshops that provide deep insights and current industry trends.
- Ethical and Sustainable Practices: A core component of our curriculum is the focus on ethical and sustainable practices within the music industry. Students are encouraged to consider the social and environmental impacts of their work, fostering a responsible approach to music production and business
Celebratory Events
A series of celebratory events have been arranged to commemorate this special anniversary. Join us in celebrating this remarkable journey and the bright future ahead.
Westminster x British Library: Beyond The Bassline – 500 Years of Black British Music
26 April–26 August 2024 – The British Library
Beyond the Bassline at the British Library, the first major exhibition of its kind anywhere in the world, is about more than music. It’s about the places where these sounds were born: the clubs, the carnivals, the stages, the kerbside auditoriums. It is the voice of community, resistance, culture and joy. It is a celebration of the trailblazers and innovators that brought new music to the UK, and the layered Black experiences that have birthed a thriving musical culture and history.
Curated by Dr Aleema Gray in collaboration with Dr Mykaell Riley
For tickets and more information, please visit Beyond the Bassline website
Westminster 2024 Music Degree Show – Part One
29th May 2024 – Doors open 6pm
| Time | Student | Artist Persona |
| 7pm | Ryan Skidmore | Duccbod |
| 7.30pm | Rotem Aberbach | Team |
| 8pm | Louis Myatt | whereslm |
| 8.30pm | Samuel Virgo | Svirgo19 |
| 9pm | Bradley Jackson | Bradley Jago |
Westminster 2024 Music Degree Show – Part Two
5th June 2024 – Doors open 9pm
| Time | Student | Artist Persona |
| 9.30pm | Wenhao Yao | Vin |
| 10pm | Max Cescatti McFarlane | Zuko Rosemeid |
| 11pm | Sean Perry | Two Bottle Kid |
About Westminster
As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy, with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. Visit our website to find out more about Music at Westminster
