At Eurosonic Noorderslag, Music Degree Students Hear Europe Calling
Music degree students from East Sussex College recently travelled to Groningen in the Netherlands to attend Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) - one of Europe’s leading music conferences and showcase festivals.
The trip gave students the opportunity to experience the music industry on an international scale at the 40th edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) - an independent platform that puts European music talent in the global spotlight and offers artists career‑defining opportunities to break through and become the headliners of tomorrow.
ESNS hosts both a major showcase festival and music conference in Groningen, Netherlands, and is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most influential events for emerging artists and industry professionals alike.
Over the course of the visit, students travelled through three European countries, gaining confidence and independence while experiencing new cultures and professional environments.
Across the four-day festival, students attended a wide range of talks and presentations led by professionals currently working in the music industry. These sessions explored how the industry is developing, the range of careers available, and what students can do now to prepare for their futures.
Students also had the chance to network with musicians, producers, agents and technical teams, gaining valuable insight into real industry pathways.
Alongside the conference, students attended over 100 live performances across multiple venues, showcasing artists from across Europe and a wide range of musical genres and styles. This gave students the chance to discover new music, observe different performance setups, and see first-hand how live events are technically delivered - from sound and lighting to staging and production.
Reflecting on the experience, Matt Kemp, Head of Curriculum for Creative Studies, said, “This was a really exciting opportunity for our students, especially for those who hadn’t travelled abroad before. Being able to visit three different countries and attend such a major international music event gave them a much broader understanding of the industry.
“The conference talks were led by people working in the sector right now, who were able to offer honest advice about careers, opportunities, and future pathways. Students also had lots of chances to network with musicians, producers, agents, and technical teams, which is invaluable at this stage of their journey. Experiences like this not only enhance their degree studies but also give them fresh ideas and perspectives to consider as they plan their careers after graduation.”
Matt added, “With over 100 live performances, students were able to experience new styles of music, see different performance setups, and understand the huge range of roles available within the music industry - experiences that could shape and influence their own musical and performance style.”
We’ll return to Eurosonic Noorderslag next year, as it continues to offer opportunities for our Music degree students to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence.
Trips like this play an important role in helping students understand the realities of the creative industries and prepare for progression into employment or further study - making them a key part of the Music degree experience at East Sussex College.