The Creatives' Corner

On this episode of The Creatives’ Corner, we’re joined by Dr. Oliver Morris, Director of Education & Skills at UK Music. He explains why Vocational Qualifications can be a powerful alternative for young people who don’t thrive in traditional education, and why they matter now more than ever. Dr. Morris also reflects on his own journey and how returning to college reignited his love of learning. That journey eventually led him to gain a doctorate and expand his work supporting education across the music industry.

On this episode of The Creatives’ Corner, we speak to Claire-Louise Auguste, Global Manager for Stageschool at RSL Awards, who explains how Vocational Qualifications can transform the classroom experience for both teachers and learners. She unpacks why flexibility matters, how choice builds confidence, and why giving learners ownership of their journey leads to stronger performance. Claire-Louise also reflects on the post-COVID landscape and the vital role that these qualifications play in helping students rebuild and step forward with renewed confidence.

On this episode of The Creatives’ Corner, we speak to Matt Griffiths, who was CEO of Youth Music at the time of recording. Matt explores the gap between young people’s appetite for music and the support structures around them, and why guidance is critical if students are going to turn passion into a sustainable career. He also reflects on how schools and colleges can better teach and inspire young musicians through the use of Vocational Qualifications.

On this special live episode from the Creative Futures conference, we discuss "Accessibility in the Arts" - a conversation featuring Joshua Satch (Songwriter “SATCH” and Co-chair of @ivorsacademy LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Group), Stacey Green (Founder of TIRED Movement and Shades Dancewear), Sean Addicott (Learning Support Facilitator and Module Leader at DBS Institute), and Rebecca Bates (CEO of the SupaJam Foundation). Together, they dive into diversity, inclusion and accessibility within creative education, and explore how these principles come to life in Vocational Qualifications. ReferencesUK Music Diversity Report - https://www.ukmusic.org/equality-diversity/uk-music-diversity-report-2024/Creative UK Diversity in Leadership - https://www.wearecreative.uk/diversity-leaders-report/The Red Research Project - https://tiredmovement.com/red-research-project/The SupaJam Foundation - https://www.supajamfoundation.org/Sean Addicott - https://seanaddicott.bandcamp.com/musicShades Dancewear - https://www.movedancewear.com/shades-dancewear/TIRED Movement - https://tiredmovement.com/Joshua “Satch” Satchell - https://www.therealsatch.com/www.songteller.co.ukSatch and Leo’s Transmission - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YGB4WxjH9CCOQtkcYpMqk

On this special live episode from the Creative Futures Conference, we bring you The Creative Futures Panel - a conversation featuring Dr Stephen Partridge (University of Hertfordshire / Kave Space), Laura Nicholson (One Dance UK), Hannah Phipps (DBS Institute), and Phil Nelson (BIMM / Pathways to Music). Together, they dive into the role the creative arts play in shaping confident, capable young people, and why Vocational Qualifications remain such a vital route for learners aiming to build real careers in music and the wider creative industries.

On this episode of The Creatives’ Corner, we speak to Rag’n’Bone Man's drummer, Ben Thomas, who explores why Vocational Qualifications offer such a powerful pathway for young musicians stepping into the industry. He discusses how the Rockschool Diploma equips students with the skills, discipline, and real-world awareness needed to navigate today’s music landscape. Ben also reflects on his own journey into session drumming, the value of learning-by-doing, and how vocational training encourages young musicians to self-reflect and truly excel on their instrument.

On this episode of The Creatives’ Corner, we speak to Mia Bird, the founder of BN1 Arts in Brighton, who shares her inspiring journey from a working-class background to becoming a leading voice in arts education. Mia opens up about why vocational qualifications are vital for young people in the performing arts, and how they impact students in ways traditional education can’t. Hear her insights on how the arts play a crucial role in shaping resilient and confident performers.

On this episode of The Creatives’ Corner, we speak to Norton York, founder and chairman of Rockschool, as he shares his remarkable journey from studying classical music in the 1980s to creating Europe’s first dedicated pop school. Norton explains why Rockschool grades matter, how the UK led the way in shaping global popular music education, and why vocational qualifications are so important for young performers.

On this episode of The Creatives’ Corner, we speak to Jason Knight who reflects on why vocational qualifications give young people the best foundation for university and a future career in the arts. He explains how college courses help students to network, build confidence, and to work in the industry. He also shares how the band Reef first came together through their music college experience.