CLS Connections - Music & Performance
Wed 3 December, 14:30-16:00
Stage One, Stage@Leeds (What three words: ///castle.train.nerve)
Book here
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Morgan Young, they/them, he/him
BA Classical Music, Leeds Conservatoire (2024) & MA Audiences, Engagement, Participation, University of Leeds (2027)
Job description: After graduating as a classical singer, I am at the beginning of my career as a freelancer across artistic disciplines; I teach music classes for early years children, manage and drum for Yuppie Supper, and host grassroots gigs with Poltergeist Promotions, as well as photography and graphic design. I am also a Future Leader with the Leeds NPO Launchpad and was a Young Curator at Transform Festival 2025.
My top tip: Write down everything in your own tone of voice, and try to keep them in the right (digital or paper) folders whilst you do. The academic language can come later, your thoughts should come first
Three things to ask me:
1. Inclusion, diversity, access and equity in the creative industries
2. Leeds's alternative music scene
3. Slightly unhinged tips for balancing life and workload as a neurodivergent freelancer
Social media:
Instagram: @ninamorganyoung @yuppie.supper @poltergeistpromotions
Ashruta Uttara Mani
BA Music (Industrial), University of Leeds (2025)
Tob title: Freelance percussionist and composer
Job description: I am currently working on developing a portfolio of percussion installations. During my degree, I developed my core skills as a classical percussionist and composer and sought unique opportunities to bring these skills together.
In collaborating visual artists for Light Night Leeds, I discovered the joys of creating multi-media work as it opens up a whole different world of sound art that engages with audiences in an incredibly unique way.
My top tip: University can sometimes be quite intensive and it is easy to forget why you enjoy what you do during deadline season. So remember to nurture your curiosity! It can often help you recalibrate during times of burnout and potentially help you branch out and keep things fresh.
Three things to ask me:
1. Multi-media art collaborations
2. Networking as an international student
3. The Berkofsky Arts Award
Social media:
Instagram: @percashionist, LinkedIn: Ashruta Mani
Robbie Foulston, he/him
BA Theatre and Performance, Warwick University (2014)
Tob title: Freelance Creative Facilitator - currently Interplay Theatre, Harrogate Youth Theatre and starting my own company
Job description: I facilitate workshops, creative sessions and group processes with and for different "communities" including: young people, families in local communities, and non-arts organisations.
Facilitate means "making it easier" for people to access their creativity - by leading workshops, designing experiences, or directing shows.
I also make playful solo/group improvised performances.
My top tip: Get to know yourself, be compassionate, and do what feels right for YOU
Three things to ask me:
1. Community Arts & Youth Theatre
2. Mental Health, Neurodiversity & Wellbeing
3. Improvisation, Intuition & Creative Play
Social media:
Instagram: @robbiefoulston E-mail: [email protected]
Tiffany Bisa, she/her 
3rd Year Music with Enterprise Student at the University of Leeds, Leeds ASC President
Tob title: Student at Uni of Leeds also co-director of the new University of Leeds Gospel Choir
Job description: I am a student at Uni of Leeds who runs a new Gospel Music Choir alongside Lydia Faith Smith.
I am also a singer, songwriter and social media content creator, which includes lots of live music performances and gigs.
My top tip: Put yourself out there! If you want to see a change at uni, make an effort to make the change!
Three things to ask me:
1. Balancing studying and student life whilst starting a creative (specifically music) career
2. Engaging and interacting with audiences online and offline
3. Confidence as a performer
Social media:
Instagram: @tiffanybisa, Tiktok: @tiffanybisa, LinkedIn: Tiffany Mobisa
Iris Akdal, she/her 
BA Global Creative Industries, University of Leeds (2026)
Tob title: Currently, I'm working with Aireborne Theatre as a Communications and Logistics representative of 2 theatre productions for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026
Job description: During my producing role at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Aireborne Theatre, I oversaw both the practical and promotional aspects of our show Lost Paws. This included managing budgeting and logistics, leading fundraising, such as organising an event with local businesses and developing marketing campaigns, primarily on Instagram and in person, to drive audience engagement and visibility.
My top tip: Meet people, join societies! It's never too late to join a society, as it's all about the network you build while in university.
Three things to ask me:
1. Going abroad and building a community or network in new places (Adapting to new places)
2. Making the most of your time and opportunities at Leeds.
3. Gateway into producing
Social media:
LinkedIn: @irisakdal22
Your hosts for the Music & Performance event:
Dr Sam Murray
My current employer and role: Lecturer in Music Management, School of Music, University of Leeds
My research interests:
My research focuses on music cities and the connection between music and place. Working with the Creative Cardiff I helped produce the Mapping Cardiff’s Creative Economy report and subsequent publications working looking at how such exercises can help support the idea of the Civic University. I also worked on the Creative Fuse North East innovation pilot projects support organisations such as Unfolding Theatre with their Multiverse Arcade performance. Whilst working at UK Music I co-authored reports into Manchester and Sheffield’s musical economies and helped produce the national Music By Numbers report in 2019.
More recently I have examined performer/audience interactions through the music of Céline Dion exploring The Viral Hermeneutics of her Las Vegas show and explore the one hit wonder Louie Louie by the Kingsmen for a Bloomsbury edited collection. I have also written for the Green European journal on Euorpean Artist Status and cultural projects linked to migration.
Currently I am working with Jenna Doyle (Middlesex University) to explore the commercial opportunities of writing for the Eurovision Song Contest and with Leonieke Bolderman (Groningen University) on producing an edited collection about the future of music cities. I am also developing research around Bisexuality in Musical Performance examining the works of artists such as Janelle Monae and Loreen as well as reflecting on personal practice.
Social Media/Website:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-murray-6b054564/
Staff Profile: https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music/staff/6330/samuel-murray
Becky Kidner, she/her/they
My current employer and role: Senior Employability & Placements Officer, University of Leeds and Self Employed Artist
My job in 50 words: Supporting students and graduates via information, advice & guidance on opportunities including volunteering, internships or placements. I work with organisations and individuals to create opportunities for students, and with academic colleagues on experiential learning modules.
In my ‘Art-Life’, I have an ongoing project called Diary Drawings where I have been documenting every day in drawings since September 2007. I make zines and do commissions, I am also founder of Bradford Sketchclub
My best top tip: Join a sketchclub or an informal creative meet-up- It's a great way to set aside time for yourself, meet new people and enjoy the process
Three things to ask me about:
- Employability, Careers & Opportunities
- Zines, Zine-Making, Zine-Fairs and DIY self-publishing
- Bradford Sketch Club (search #BradfordSketchClub on Instagram)
Social Media/Website:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/becky-kidner Web: https://beckykidner.blogspot.com/ Instagram: @bex_purple
Tess Hornsby Smith, she/her
My degree programme: BA Modern European History, University of East Anglia, 1996
My current employer and role: Student Enhancement Officer, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
My job in 50 words: I always say I "do fun projects with students". My role is about spotting gaps in the student experience, and hopefully coming up with solutions.
My best top tip: Be brave, get out there and meet people and be interested in them!
Three things to ask me about:
- My networks - I know lots of people!
- How to build networks
- Working in a university as a non-academic.
Social Media/Website:
Twitter: @tess_hs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tesshornsbysmith/