Mark Bamping BA Music, 2008

Director of Engagement at Aurora Orchestra

Hi, I'm Mark Bamping and I studied BA Music within Music at the University of Southampton.

Please give a description of your professional life post-university, including any achievements or stand-out moments.

I joined the London Symphony Orchestra in August 2008 as Development Assistant, having graduated the previous month. Since then I have progressed up the ladder within the team to my current role as Corporate Partnerships Manager. My role involves servicing and developing the Orchestra's relationships with its sponsors as well as new business to increase support from the corporate sector. I am fortunate enough to work with major corporations including UBS, Canon, Toshiba, Rolls-Royce and PwC, as well as senior figures within these companies. My job also offers opportunities to join the Orchestra on tour, meet world class artists, and the chance to attend some amazing events in unique venues. A particular highlight was in 2009 when I had the honour to meet the Orchestra's Patron, Her Majesty the Queen.

Did you know what you wanted to do with your degree after leaving university, and have you aspirations developed or changed since then?

I decided quite early on during my time at Southampton that I didn't want to pursue a performance career in Music. Having been involved with the University's Orchestra throughout my time at Southampton I became set on entering the world of Orchestral Administration after leaving university. My dissertation was focused on orchestral funding in the UK which probably helped steer me towards an initial step into 'Development'. Fundraising is a very important area for all Arts organisations and therefore a good experience on which to build. I am keen to gain experience in other areas of the industry, such as Marketing and Artistic Planning, but I also have aspirations to work for myself one day in whatever form that might take!

What initially interested you in your subject?

Music has been an important part of my life from a young age so studying it for my degree was a natural progression. When looking at different courses I wanted one which would offer diversity and the option to choose the modules that I wanted to study. Music at Southampton is great because it gives you a good foundation in different discipline areas during your first year and then the option to specialise or continue a broad portfolio in your second and third. The strong performance element was also a real attraction for me.

What skills did you acquire whilst studying your subject and through what means? (i.e. essays/group tasks?)

The skills that I acquired and honed whilst studying Music at Southampton are: analysis through studying music score; constructing and communicating an argument/viewpoint through essay writing and my dissertation; verbal and physical communication skills through performance classes (both group and individual); research again through my dissertation; and processing information quickly through instrumental lessons and being part of ensembles.

Do you believe these skills have assisted you in your career and if so, how?

I would say that I use all of the above skills on a daily basis. Successful fundraising requires good research skills and the ability to cut through a lot of information and data to identify prospective sponsors. An important part of my job involves writing proposals to companies who we would like to build a partnership with and in many cases written proposals are the only form of communication you may have to present your offering and tell a story. Constructing and communicating this in a concise and persuasive manner is really important. Building strong working relationships with sponsors and colleagues is vital and the communication skills (verbal, written and physical) that I gained at Southampton have given me the confidence to do so.

Would you recommend a degree at Southampton to others and what advice could you offer to students and recent graduates of your degree subject about moving forward and choosing a career path?

I would absolutely recommend a degree at Southampton. The skills and opportunities you will gain and experience are first class, as are the tutors and support staff. My advice to Music students and recent graduates about choosing a career path is to do something you enjoy and are passionate about. You spend the majority of your week at work so it's important that you enjoy what you do. For those looking to move into Arts Administration my advice would be to gain as much experience as possible and to build a network of contacts - ideally before you leave university. Organisations are looking for people with passion and drive and the more experience you can show; particularly where you have created that for yourself, will help you stand out from the pack.