Harry Gordon Tidswell | Online Portfolio

UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

Masters Degree

University of Leeds

Applied Psychology of Music (MA) - 2:1

2016 - 2017

Modules:

Audience Engagement

Case Studies

Professional Studies

Research Techniques

Dissertation

For my Master's degree I chose to diversify my areas of expertise, further pursue my love of music, and challenge myself on an academic level. During the course we critically evaluated how music can affect individuals from a psychological perspective as evidenced by changes in mood, emotion, and behaviour.

Notable Assignments:

Audience Engagement - Engagement and Impact Report

I received a first in my Audience Engagement module, in which I wrote a 33-page business report on the use of digital technology and experiential marketing strategies at live music venues. I created my report for The Roundhouse in Camden, London. In my report I proposed that the venue implement a no-phone policy in order to heighten engagement and improve consumer experiences. I used psychological theory and existing case studies to support my proposal and outlined both the benefits and limitations of the scheme, including financial cost, promotional impact, and methods of evaluation.

(The full report is available for download below)

Professional Studies - Personal Presentation

I also received a first for my 20-minute presentation arguing that a musician's 'brand' is more important to a successful career than the artistic work that they produce. I discussed current market conditions, before exploring three different areas that can impact upon an artist's personal branding: image and iconography, storytelling, and publicity stunts.
(The slides from the presentation can be seen on the right)

Dissertation - Music & Political Participation

My dissertation explored the relationship between music and politics. For my research I interviewed numerous musicians and politically active individuals before thematically analysing the topics that were discussed. The study concluded that music that engages with political and social themes can increase our awareness of certain issues, have a transformative effect on our personal identities, and eventually inspire direct political action.

(The full 16,000 word report is available for download below)

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Masters Dissertation - Download

Audience Engagement Report - Download

Undergraduate Degree

Leeds Beckett University

Public Relations and Communications BA (hons) - 2:1

2013 - 2016

Key Modules:

Arts Marketing

Crisis Communications

Internal Communications

PR and The Media

Writing for a PR Environment

Business & Finance

Sociology

Public Relations & Communications BA (Hons) is a course that integrates aspects of marketing, journalism, events, business, and economics. It also had a direct emphasis on practical skills that are applicable within a working environment.

Notable Assignments:

Communications Audit

For this module, a small team and I were tasked with creating a real life, working, PR agency. We were then assigned to a real life client for whom we created a long-term development plan and marketing campaign. We created our campaign for Saltaire Brewery, researching the needs of their current consumers and exploring how marketing and PR could help them expand as a business. We proposed our campaigns to the owner of the company and the ideas were so well received that our team were offered paid jobs in the marketing department of the brewery and many of our ideas were then used in future initiatives.
(A concise version of our presentation is available to view on the right of the page)

Arts Marketing - Marketing Report

I wrote a marketing report on the release of Radiohead's album, 'A Moon Shaped Pool', in which I conducted research on target markets, evaluated the impact of the album's marketing campaign, and proposed recommendations for future marketing strategies. The report was graded as a high first and was the best result I received during my time at University.
(The full report is available for download below)

Dissertation - Sponsorship at Live Music Events

The aim of my dissertation was to investigate the prominence of corporate marketing at live music events, focusing primarily on sponsorship, brand identity, and brand positioning. The research project will analysed the advantages and disadvantages of public relations campaigns within the live music industry, whilst also exploring the impact that these campaigns have on the music industry as a whole.