The Army and Royal Marines musicians include brass and wind specialists from such famous units as the Household Division and several high ranking officers including Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Smith, the Principal Director of Music for the Army.

Salford Graduates

The graduates have been studying on the MA Music (Performance) course and this year’s crop of military personnel is the largest the University has seen in its three year involvement with the military.

This year’s high number of military graduates is a real testimony to the work we’ve put in to build links with the armed forces...the military has paid us a fantastic compliment by sending so many personnel to study hereDr Robin Dewhurst

Research

Although all of the servicemen and women are already professional musicians, the course provides additional training by performing increasingly more difficult recitals and gaining a more thorough understanding of music through research and lectures from high-profile visiting professors.

Incentive

Lt Col Smith explained why he decided to take the course at Salford and what he felt he’s gained from it: "As a conductor, I am accustomed to researching the music I am performing," he said.

"But this course has given me the incentive to go further and study the psychology of performance, an area in which I have always been interested. I have enjoyed the challenge of academic study and the satisfaction of developing my knowledge and understanding."

Link

Dr Robin Dewhurst is the course leader and also Honorary Music Advisor for Her Majesty's Royal Marines.

He said: "This year’s high number of military graduates is a real testimony to the work we’ve put in to build links with the armed forces. As the biggest employer of musicians in the UK, the military has paid us a fantastic compliment by sending so many personnel to study here."

Help

The course not only helps the musicians in their current employment, but also provides a qualification which will enable them to get jobs in teaching and musical direction when their time in the forces is at an end.