Student funds

Britain risks losing the next potential Paul McCartney or David Bowie because it is too expensive for many children to get a foothold in the music industry, a superstar record producer has warned. Paul Epworth , who has worked with stars such as Adele , Rihanna and McCartney, said youngsters without either financial backing or existing connections in the industry are being excluded from a career in music. He has now thrown his weight behind a new two-year diploma in Creative Entrepreneurship for students aged 19 years and over launched this week by the Ivors Academy. The diploma will offer means-tested bursaries for students from modest and underprivileged backgrounds and few formal qualifications to study all aspects of the industry, including music, technology and culture; live music; personal development; entrepreneurship and branding. Mr Epworth, who won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for ‘Skyfall’, along with seven Grammys, and will be a tutor and mentor … [Read more...] about Adele producer: Poor children have ‘no hope’ of breaking into music industry

By Robin Levinson-King Published 31 March Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics The Oscars When Will Smith stormed on the stage during Sunday's Oscars ceremony and struck comedian Chris Rock across the face, many were shocked. The joke that ended with a slap was a Rock quip many also found to be in poor taste - touching on a medical issue concerning Jada Pinkett Smith, Will's wife. The actor has since apologised to Rock, saying: "I was out of line and I was wrong." The BBC spoke with several comedians about what it's like when a joke lands really, really badly, and what they make of the Smith-Rock showdown. 'You have the right to be offended' Abish Mathew of India was forced to hide after taking part in a comedy roast that sparked outrage for including controversial jokes about, among other things, religion. "All of us had to flee our … [Read more...] about Comedians on when a joke goes wrong – and that Oscars slap

The Scottish video games industry needs a UK-wide network in order to thrive, according to a report from Gordon Brown’s think tank. The Our Scottish Future paper warns the sector in Scotland risks being left behind in a market dominated by large international developers. The Grand Theft Auto franchise was created by the Scottish gaming sector, while Dundee-based 4J Studios developed the console version of Minecraft. The paper says the Scottish Government should make computer science a core part of the curriculum, increase the number of computing places at universities and expand funding for start-up companies. It also says the UK and Scottish governments should work to build a new UK-wide network, connecting firms and students with each other. Recommended What Rishi Sunak announced to tackle the cost of living crisis More Tory MPs withdraw support from PM over ‘shameful’ parties The paper’s author Ruairidh Macintosh said: “In … [Read more...] about Gaming sector in Scotland needs UK-wide network to thrive, report warns