Careers Breakfast: Musician, Dr Bruce Darlington

It was a pleasure to welcome Dr Bruce Darlington to this week’s Careers Breakfast. 

Dr Darlington is a musician who has played with groups and ensembles across a variety of genres including jazz, country, rock and blues. As a performer, teacher, examiner and academic, his work has taken him around the world.

As well as sharing some of the highlights from his performing career, Dr Darlington also addressed some of the challenges that can face freelance musicians including, most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic. 

As a musician with many strands to his career, including teaching, examining and academic research, students gained an insight into a number of different career possibilities, and Dr Darlington concluded his presentation with a valuable piece of advice. 

He told students: “In music, as in so many other careers, building a network is key. As students, even if you don’t realise it, you already have a network of your peers and teachers, and maybe even a network on social media.

“Use opportunities such as visiting speakers to grow your network of contacts. It will serve you well.”

Head of Careers, Dr Hensman, thanked Dr Darlington for his fascinating insight into careers in music: “We have so many talented musicians at King’s and it has been wonderful for them to hear first-hand how they can turn their passion into their career.” 

Dr Darlington is pictured with Director of Music, Mrs Whitfield and Head of Careers, Dr Hensman.