Jack Culpin: This degree has really helped me build a contact list in the music industry’

Tell us a little bit about your course, what you do, what you like about it?

I study on the Creative and Commercial Music degree which is led by Andrea Healy and Gary Kelly, and I’ve just finished my final year. One of my favourite things about the course is how many opportunities we’ve had to do live music recordings over the three years. We’ve had the chance to record the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) in London. I also like that we work with prospective students, recently with some of them from the Level 3 at Suffolk One.

What made you decide to study on this particular course?

I decided on this course due to the links to industry, it really made the course stand out. I did have an alternative offer from another institution, but I didn’t believe it would offer as much of the industry engagement in comparison to this course. For me, having the RPO on my CV is more beneficial that somewhere like the BBC, as composing and arranging is something I want to do. The course also had a few composition modules which appealed to me. The course isn’t just sitting down and being taught off a screen either, the teaching is very much hands on, getting to do things for yourself. Of course, there is structured learning, but you’re left to get on with it, and when you need the support, they’re right there to help.

What made you decide on University Studies? Did you apply to other universities?

In comparison to other institutions, it is appealing to study as part of a smaller group. Other establishments tend to have very large course groups and lack that one-to-one support and teaching. US is hugely advantageous because of the way it is so hands-on and close-knit. That was one of the reasons I decided to study here as opposed to somewhere else. Being part of a smaller group also means you know your peers really well and are easily able to support each other, help each other out.

How do you think US is different to other places of study?

My experience here at US, like anyone that has been studying during the pandemic, was a little bit different. However, one thing that was managed extremely well during that time was the transition to online learning. Immediately, we were straight on group calls for lectures and both Andrea and Gary were always just a message away no matter when you needed them. Their dedication to the course was amazing; they’ve always been bending over backwards to make sure we have the best. I know from friends that other universities pre-recorded their lectures and posted them to be viewed, however, we never had that. We always had contact with our lecturers and that’s something I think is so important. Even now that we’re back to normal, if for some reason we can’t make it to campus, we’re still offered the option to join online so we can still participate. Our final year was pretty much all back on campus where everything went back to being hands-on. I believe US approaches independence well, with the support also always being there. We’ve been shown how to do things, like set up a recording studio, where in another establishment of 50+ pupils, would have most likely been a video. We can get on with what we need to in the two studios we have here at US.

What are you most proud about from your US journey?

I’m most proud of the work I’ve done with the RPO. It’s something that I most likely wouldn’t have been able to experience without coming here to US. I’ve had the chance to record them in London, but also, through the outreach projects that are available to us, I’ve also composed for them. Considering I’m only 21, to be able to have worked with them is an incredible experience in itself, but to maintain a working relationship with them is something else. It’s great to be able to add all these things to my CV. Alongside that, I’m also really proud of a piece I have been commissioned to do by a new cruise company in Ipswich. I was able to use that as part of one of my second-year modules; it’s strange to think that over 2 million people that travel on those cruises each year will hear that piece – how can I not be proud of that?

What would you say the biggest thing you have learned from US is?

I’d say I’ve learnt how to approach things with a confidence. We had a networking module which required us to reach out to people; before this course, I wouldn’t have wanted to send anyone an email on the basis that if one person didn’t respond, I’d feel like no one is going to respond. It almost felt like I was inconvenience to them. Now, my mindset has completely changed in that respect. I tried to reach out to agents of composers like John Williams and Hans Zimmer; John Williams’ agent ended up responding and I never would have believed that would have happened. Building industry experience by this newfound confidence has really helped me.

What do you plan to do after graduating?

I’d love to compose. I’m teaching at the minute, I teach at Abbeygate Sixth Form on a Friday night and a school in Haverhill on a Thursday morning. I’m considering a PGCE so that I can take my teaching further, but the endgame is really to compose for film. The Bury St Edmunds concert band that I play in have offered me a position to do in-house arrangement for them, which is a win-win really. I get to put my name out, whilst they get the benefit of new music. I think the pandemic has knocked the spirit of some people, but I’m still trying to push for this. It’s a competitive industry to get into, but I’m not giving up on something I’m so passionate about.

How has US helped you achieve those goals?

When I joined this degree, I didn’t really join it for the purpose of enhancing my music, that was just a bonus. I joined because of the amount of industry engagement it offered. The place has really helped me build a contact list and that’s going to help massively going forward. I’ve learnt so much and enhanced my knowledge, but US has really set me up for a good future.

If you could sum up US in only 3 words, what would they be?

Fun. Chaotic. Stressful (but in a good way; without the challenges, it wouldn’t have been as interesting).

If a friend were thinking of studying here at US, how would you persuade them to enrol?

Think about the experience you’re going to get. Andrea and Gary have so many contacts and are able to support you in a way that gets you out there. The course I’ve done is JAMES accredited which is industry recognised; it’s a stand-out compared to some of the other courses out there. You don’t want to be stuck in a lecture theatre watching videos and having information poured to you; you’re going to get experience and learn how to do things. You know here at US that you’re going to be looked after, you can guarantee that when you’re stuck that someone will help you. Whether local or not, it’s a great place to study and we’re one of only eight universities that work with the RPO. You may not get this kind of experience anywhere else.