FEATURE: MUSIC & THE PERFORMING ARTS
A pioneering music education
independence and resilience in students, which has been a key driving factor in its success.
Music education pioneers Adam Bushell and Bruce John Dickinson founded WaterBear; together, they each have more than 30 years’ experience in professional music and 25 years at the highest level of music education. Their relentless dedication to supporting musicians and artists is focused on building sustainable, long- term careers.
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aterBear, the College of Music, has seen 100% growth over the past year, doubling its student numbers. Since opening its Brighton campus in 2018, the Higher Education provider, partner of Falmouth University, has also now expanded into the North with its recent opening of their well- subscribed Sheffield campus. In our first look this month at music and the performing arts, Eve Massaad, Director of Marketing, shares an insight into the college’s unique ethos to foster
The music industry has changed drastically over the past 20 years. Far from being a bad thing, musical output has thrived in that time. While the established industry model has been totally re- invented by young entrepreneurs, music makers have continued to do what they love – create! New, innovative models to make and consume music have emerged and changed the way we do things again.
There now exists a new, global community of independent, DIY musicians, artists and industry professionals, able to connect with an audience and remain in full control of their career, all the way to stadium level and beyond. Just as the music industry has completely transformed, music education must do the same. The industry demands adaptable professionals and creative thinkers which is why at WaterBear, we place a significant emphasis on giving students the
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capabilities and the know-how to think and work outside the box; we celebrate the individual, the unique and the groundbreaking.
Our student-centred approach and student experience is a key factor to our success. From day one, our vision has been firmly focused on offering support to the DIY artist and enabling young musicians to take control of their career, nurturing professional, independent and adaptable creative thinkers.
Over the last five years at WaterBear, we have built an ideal environment for learning with small class sizes, flexible learning and online tuition. This also extends to city-wide campuses with free access to venues, recording and rehearsal spaces. In Brighton for instance, we also have our very own WaterBear venue on the seafront which is used as a teaching space, student social area and venue for student gigs and events.
Mentoring and teaching by music industry professionals
We very much value the importance of learning from inside the industry to bring real-world context and experience. At WaterBear, alongside our founders, our senior staff members, tutors, mentors and industry partners have all had successful careers and high-level experience in the industry, creating a network of like-minded musicians and creatives, all with lived experiences of a life in music. We find that this continually
November 2023
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