Music Alumni wins culture and creativity award

Marie-Christinne Clarisse joined the Department of Music in 2014 to study on the Traditional and World Music masters programme. This unique course allows students to study via distance learning, from anywhere in the world, at a time that suits them. 

The flexibility of the course connects musicians, educators and other enthusiasts who want to know more about traditional and world musics and about ways of studying and understanding music in its social and cultural context.

With guidance provided through lectures, online study materials and e-tutorials, the course allows students to students pursue projects on aspects of the teaching and transmission of music. This provides students with the skills and experience to communicate a range of different musical styles and cultures to new audiences. 

'The very supportive learning environment I had experienced throughout my Masters programme in World Music Studies at the University of Sheffield from 2012 to 2014 subsequently fuelled my enthusiasm to further my academic journey.

I spent the following year as a music educator in Mauritius when I was awarded a scholarship by the Chinese Government to undertake doctoral studies at the Nanjing University of the Arts.

Since June 2021, I have been working as part of the Ministry of Education's administrative body, where I have assumed an acting position as Western Music Organiser, leading this department within the Ministry.

I am also actively involved with an NGO that works towards youth empowerment and social inclusion through music education in one of the country's vulnerable'. 

The #UKAlumniAwards celebrate the achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries. 

'Being awarded the Study UK Alumni Award 2022 in the 'Culture and Creativity' category is thrilling, humbling and makes me very grateful at the same time! It is the recognition of a journey in the music field where training remains limited and sometimes even undervalued.

I am ever more committed to bringing my contribution to place music and art within a fuller spectrum in education, social work, and nation building in Mauritius (so let’s work together if you have similar goals!).

My thanks go to the British Council Mauritius for their efforts around this project. I also extend my warm congratulations to all the finalists who are all brilliant achievers and change-makers in their respective fields."

Congratulations to Marie-Christinne on her pioneering work in music education.

Find out more about our world-wide alumni network of musicians.