Sunderland an 'up-and-coming cultural force' after being named Music City

Published on 23, January, 2025

A Sunderland academic has described the city as "an up-and-coming cultural force" after it won its bid to become a globally recognised Music City. 

Now listed alongside legendary music spots such as Sydney and Berlin, Sunderland is the only UK city outside of Manchester to join the Music Cities Network.

The network, established in 2016, connects cities worldwide to support music industry growth, economic development and cultural exchange.

>

Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University of Sunderland, said: “This is more proof - if you needed it - that Sunderland is an up-and-coming cultural force in the north.

“Music is a vital release and viable career, and the Music City status will support the artists, producers, technicians and a myriad of other aspiring industry professionals by throwing a new spotlight on the city.”

In 2021, the University launched its innovative music degree, Modern Music Industries, led by some of the north-east's most prolific musicians.

The programme is run by the University in partnership with the Northern Academy of Music Education (NAME) – made up of Barry Hyde, from the Futureheads, and business partner Dan Donnelly, who has performed with Celtic Social Club, The Wonder Stuff, and The Levellers.

Led by musicians, for musicians, the course aims to fully equip students for life in an industry that has undergone a radical transformation during the past 20 years.

Students are partly based in Birdland Studios, located in renovated rooms above The Peacock, while the academic side place in rooms at the nearby Fire Station venue.

Lee said: “We already have a Music top-up degree attracting students from around the world, and through our partnership with Barry Hyde and Dan Donnelly at NAME, a full undergraduate degree in Modern Music Industries. We have a new Masters programme launching too.

“All these courses will help students to shape their own careers in music through expert tuition, great resources and access to an increasingly vibrant music and performance scene.”

For more information on studying BA (Hons) Modern Music Industries at the University of Sunderland, click here.