WaterBear Music College celebrates graduate success

With over 500 guests in attendance 81 students from the pioneering music school, a College of Falmouth University, joined together with friends, family and staff members to celebrate their achievements on what was a memorable occasion for all. Taking place in the Concert Hall of the Brighton Dome, which has hosted performances by renowned acts such as Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Abba, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, WaterBear was proud to hold its ceremony in such a prestigious and iconic setting.

At the ceremony, the accomplished graduates were honoured for their hard work and received their well-deserved awards surrounded by their family and friends. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the event featured a captivating performance by a string quartet led by Andrew Stuart-Buttle, a talented violinist, producer and arranger from Brighton.

Several distinguished speakers who inspired and motivated the graduates on their journey also spoke at the event: WaterBear's Co-Founder and CEO Adam Bushell, Director of Education Rasha Shaheen, BA Online Senior Programme Manager Kaya Herstad Carney, BA Senior Programme Manager Tom Stevens, and MA Programme Manager Mike Sturgis.

Addressing the graduates, Tom Stevens said: “In September 2020, this group of very talented individuals before me began their incredible journey with us, still a relatively new college, sharing a vision to approach music education in a new way, and to be part of something very special.

“Fast forward 3 years and I’m immensely proud to be part of the graduation celebration today of truly inspirational, creative, resilient and exceptionally hard-working professionals.”

Mike Sturgis, also spoke at the ceremony: “MA graduates, I stand before you now deeply honoured and excited, to congratulate each and every one of you on your outstanding achievements. By completing your studies, you have demonstrated qualities such as resilience and determination that are not only commendable but are deeply ingrained in WaterBear’s values.

“When you chose to study at WaterBear, you entered a unique and nurturing environment – one that, I believe, mirrors the great city of Brighton in its freedom, acceptance and inclusivity. And, just as Brighton has always been a haven for artists and free-thinkers, WaterBear has become a community for those who are passionate about music and its transformative power.

“I urge you to take pride in your achievements and recognise the value of the hard work, dedication and passion you have poured into your music and research. Your time at WaterBear has indeed been transformative, and it has empowered you with the tools and knowledge to make a significant impact on the world.”

WaterBear offers BA (Hons) degree and master’s courses made for today’s musicians, artists and industry professionals. The college has built an unrivalled reputation for its dedication to specialist one-to-one mentoring, focused class sizes, flexible course delivery and exclusive career development opportunities. WaterBear colleges are based in the heart of Brighton and Sheffield, and also offers a range of online distance learning courses too.

Students keen to find out more about the courses on offer at WaterBear Brighton or WaterBear Sheffield, or to enrol can visit:-

WaterBear Brighton https://waterbear.org.uk/brighton/

WaterBear Sheffield https://waterbear.org.uk/sheffield/