Students from Hetton Academy and St Anthony's Catholic Girls' Academy, both in Sunderland, took part in a series of interactive sessions exploring how economics shapes the music industry. Throughout the day, students examined topics including music streaming and consumer behaviour, platform and market structures, the importance of small music venues, and the role of local music ecosystems in supporting artists and communities.

Exploring the economics behind the music

Designed as an introduction to economics for students with an interest in music, the event highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available within both industries. Through real-world examples and hands-on activities, students discovered how economics influences everything from how artists are paid through streaming platforms to the challenges facing grassroots music venues.

A key theme throughout the day was the transformation of the music industry from physical formats to digital streaming. Students explored how changes in technology have altered consumer behaviour, artist revenues and business models, while also considering the opportunities and challenges created by the streaming economy.

The North East's rich musical heritage also played a central role in the sessions. Students learned about the region's contribution to the UK's music scene and the importance of supporting local artists, venues and creative communities.

The event highlighted the growing opportunities being developed across the North East's creative and economic sectors. Students also demonstrated high levels of engagement throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine curiosity about future opportunities within both industries.

Joel Bland, Student Recruitment Outreach, Music Marketing and Outreach Administrator said:

"It was fantastic to see our Music Department, Business School and the Bank of England come together to deliver an event that explored the exciting intersection of economics and the music industry. Through a range of talks and activities, students gained valuable insight into the diverse careers that exist where creativity and economics collide. With significant investment continuing across the North East, there's never been a more exciting time to be pursuing opportunities in both economics and the creative industries. The region is creating new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and talent, and events like this help students see how they can play a part in that future.

“This event is only the beginning. We're incredibly proud of what we achieved together, and we hope to build on its success by growing it into an even bigger collaboration in the years ahead, creating more opportunities for students to connect with industry, develop their skills and explore the future of music and economics.”

Student-led insights

One of the standout features of the event was the involvement of Newcastle University Economics students, who designed and delivered the workshops. Four undergraduate students led presentations and activities throughout the day, helping to bring economic concepts to life in an accessible and engaging way.

Their sessions explored the connections between economics and music, encouraging pupils to think critically about the industry and its future. The student ambassadors also shared their own experiences of studying economics at university, helping to raise aspirations and showcase opportunities to develop within higher education.

Jo Clark, Director of Student Recruitment at Newcastle University Business School, highlighted the importance of inspiring young people to explore the opportunities offered by economics and music, and the value of collaborative initiatives that raise aspirations across the North East.

She said: "Studying economics can be one of the most rewarding routes to future career success. Pupils in the North East are less likely to study this subject than their peers in other regions. It is important to raise awareness and aspirations in our local community to ensure they too can benefit from this rewarding opportunity.

Reaching out to pupils in an engaging way, alongside our fantastic current economics and music students, encourages pupils to consider studying economics and music at A level or beyond. At Newcastle University, we offer the option to study one of these subjects or to combine both subjects in our Combined Honours programme.”

Jo added: “Working with our current economics and music students to design this event has been a uniquely collaborative experience. Seeing their knowledge, skill and professionalism applied to inspiring the next generation makes this a very rewarding project. Our partnership team, the Bank of England, Discover Economics and Music department are already thinking about an expanded event next year with more pupils and more music."