The number of available music programmes across the UK has risen by 30% since 2021.

 

The 14th edition of the Music Education Directory (MED), commissioned by UK Music and Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), reveals a significant surge in music education opportunities across the UK.

 

Compiled by University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Senior Lecturer Allan Dumbreck and research students from the BA (Hons) Commercial Music programme, the directory, MED 2024,  was officially published on Tuesday 8 October 2024.

 

Senior Lecturer for the Commercial Music course at UWS, Allan Dumbreck, who also leads the project, emphasised the directory’s critical role: “This is the only resource that maps every university and college music programme in the UK. With over 2,000 courses to choose from, it’s crucial that aspiring music professionals use this directory to find the programme that aligns with their career aspirations.

 

“The dramatic rise in music education opportunities in recent years shows that demand for a career in music remains strong, and the education sector is responding with a growing number of diverse pathways. This growth opens up more possibilities for students, allowing them to tailor their education to the evolving needs of the sector.”

 

The collaboration between Dumbreck and his students on the Commercial Music programme at UWS has provided budding music professionals with valuable hands-on experience, reinforcing the University’s commitment to aligning education with industry standards.

 

Since its inception in 1996, the Music Education Directory has tracked music education across universities, colleges, and training institutions. This year’s edition identifies over 2,159 music programmes across the UK, a sharp increase from the 1,664 catalogued in 2021.

 

The MED, freely accessible to the public, serves as a vital tool for students and parents alike, helping them navigate professional music study sectors such as performance, composition, technology, business, and research. A spokesperson for the Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), which played a key role in the directory’s publication, highlighted the value of the resource for students exploring their options: “JAMES is once again very pleased to be able to host the 2024/25 edition of the Music Education Directory”.

 

“These regional databases illustrate the extensive range of courses that would lead to work in the media industries. So, to be able to search by course name, location, industry relationship, or in fact any keyword clarifies important pathway decisions for students and parents alike.”

 

UK Music, one of the commissioning bodies, highlighted the directory’s value not only in listing a wide range of courses but also in spotlighting institutions with direct industry ties: “We are really happy to be supporting the Music Education Directory again” said a spokesperson for UK Music.

 

“Having such a comprehensive list of courses at your fingertips is a huge help for everyone considering their next steps. It is also very useful to highlight those institutions that have direct links with industry through our Music Academic Partnership (MAP), JAMES, and UK Music member membership schemes.”

 

This year’s publication coincides with the UCAS and college application process for September 2025 entry, providing timely and essential information to young people aspiring to enter the UK’s world-leading music industry.