Kitty
Music PhD
Choosing Newcastle
I chose to do a research degree after taking a module called the Roots of Hip Hop during my MA in Music. I really enjoyed this module and found freestyle rap and the ‘cypher’ particularly fascinating – I also noticed that there seemed to be a definite lack of scholarship in this area.
My two greatest passions in life are live music and cultural rejuvenation so it made sense for me to undertake research in this field. My MA thesis focused on the aesthetics of performance and reception, so to some extent, there is a slight overlap between my previous research and my current research – something that I definitely wanted to continue. There’s the added of bonus of listening to a lot of rap and hip hop!
I’m a native Geordie and I studied at Newcastle University from 2002-2005 for a BA (Hons) in Music. After this, I continued with an MA in Music for another year and I don’t think I ever intended to do a PhD. However, it just seemed like a natural progression and I became extremely keen to continue research in an environment in which I am happy and where creativity is encouraged.
The International Centre for Music Studies (formerly the Department of Music) has gone from strength to strength since I was an undergraduate student. I think everyone is impressed with the facilities the International Centre for Music Studies has on offer.
Teaching support
I feel lucky to have a supervisor who is supportive and inspiring and whose research expertise complements my own research so well. The staff are approachable and there is a wide range of research areas within ICMuS.
The best thing about ICMuS is the diversity among staff and students – there really is something for everyone whether you’re a musician or a musicologist. I love the fact that students seem to be very supportive of each other’s activities and there’s always something going on – academic research fora, performances and recitals, people practising. There’s a definite buzz around the place.
The social facilities at Newcastle are excellent and there is always the opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
Funding
Unfortunately, I am fully self-funded and have to work two part-time jobs in order to keep myself going. I am privileged to have extremely supportive parents who have given me financial and emotional help throughout my student life. I have recently changed from full-time study to part-time study as I have taken on extra hours in my jobs and can no longer dedicate the amount of time I’d like to my PhD.
Living in Newcastle
I come from Gateshead and went to school in Newcastle, then stayed here for University so I think I am probably biased! However, I think Newcastle is very friendly and I would say extremely safe. I think it is constantly improving with regard to the art and music scene and there is always something to do.
Once completing my PhD programme I plan to go on holiday!