Emma has had a transformative journey studying Music Business at BIMM London, combining her passion for DJing with a comprehensive education in the music industry.
Emma’s time at BIMM London has equipped her with the knowledge and confidence to pursue her dreams in the music industry, blending her DJing passion with a solid music business foundation.
I’m Emma and I study Music Business at BIMM Institute London. My journey at BIMM has been absolutely transformative. Mixing my love for DJing with a solid education in music business, BIMM was the perfect place to hone my skills and discover new opportunities in the music industry.
Choosing BIMM and navigating the application process
I decided to study business because I wanted a strong foundation to navigate different roles in the music industry. I knew I wanted to keep DJing, but I also wanted to explore other roles to boost my income. After looking into music universities in London, BIMM really stood out. The open day was impressive—passionate lecturers and a range of modules covering all aspects of music business. It was exactly what I needed.
The application process was pretty straightforward, even during lockdown. I didn’t have to audition, but I did have to present a topic related to the music business during my interview. I chose to talk about the rise of African music in the global market, something I’m really passionate about. Even though I was nervous, the interview went really well, and I was thrilled to be accepted. My family and I celebrated this milestone together.
Embracing campus life and academic support
Seeing as I’ve been living in London since 2016, I didn’t have to move for my studies, which let me dive deep into the city’s vibrant music scene. One of my favourite things about BIMM is the DJ studio at Pirate, which students can use for free during term time. This has been a game-changer for me, letting me practice and improve my DJing skills without the high costs of booking studios.
A highlight of my course was the music publishing module taught by Justin Perry. I wasn’t sure about the subject at first, but Justin’s clear and concise teaching helped me develop a strong passion for it. Along with Justin, lecturers Paul Ablett and Jo Kendall have been incredibly supportive, offering valuable advice and guidance outside of lectures to help me grow my skills and navigate the music industry.
Gaining real-world experience and looking ahead
BIMM has given me valuable industry connections and opportunities. I worked as an event manager for Kate McBain’s CHIME workshops, which are music workshops for young children. This experience was incredibly rewarding, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in music education.
Since graduating, I’ve started a radio show called ‘Private Property’ on Brixton Radio and have been organising amapiano events across London. My dream is to start my own amapiano publishing company. Working as a freelancer and pursuing my passion for this genre of music has been fulfilling and exciting.
Looking back on my time at BIMM, I can’t stress enough the importance of making the most of the facilities and events available to students. It’s a real privilege to have access to these resources, and you’ll miss them once your degree is over. I encourage anyone thinking of studying at BIMM to work on your music career alongside your studies. The expertise and guidance from lecturers are invaluable while navigating the industry. BIMM University has given me the knowledge and confidence to pursue my dreams in the music industry, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience.
