Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Mark Swaps DJ Decks for Classroom Desks After graduating
Mark, who graduates today from the BA (Hons) Teaching and Education course, has been more well-known to fans of techno and electronic music over the past three decades by his stage name Mark EG.
Now, he’s utilising the skills acquired throughout his career and on the course to give back to young people who share his passion for music.
“It’s been a phenomenal journey,” he reflects. “During my younger years, I rebelled against the education system. Music was my primary focus and university life simply did not appeal to me. So, when I managed to break into the music industry I never looked back. For the last 30 years, my life has been all about music.”
As Mark established himself on both the national and international stage, he discovered a natural talent and love for teaching. He established his own music school and later founded a charity, Safety in Music, providing vulnerable young people and adults with a platform to express themselves creatively.
When the pandemic struck, he decided to pursue teaching further by applying for a course at Leeds Beckett University.
“Once Covid-19 hit, all my bookings stopped. Within two weeks I’d had 40 bookings cancelled for the whole year. I started to question my life purpose.”
“Learning had always held great importance to me, so I started to consider going back to university. Several of my friends recommended Leeds Beckett, because of their excellent teaching and education programme.”
“I applied for the course and to my delight was accepted. It felt wonderful to know that I was going back to university after all these years, especially after I had kind of messed it up the first time.”
Returning to formal education for the first time was a significant step, however the accessible nature of the course immediately put him at ease.
“As a mature student who hadn't been in a formal classroom environment for a while, it felt quite daunting. However, the tutors had an inclusive approach to teaching that quickly made me feel comfortable and eager to learn more.”
Balancing his studies with teaching at his music school and charity, Mark noticed a remarkable improvement in his teaching style, to the great benefit of his students.
“The course has enhanced my teaching abilities beyond what I could have imagined. Initially, I believed my role was solely to teach students how to create music. But there is so much more to it. You need to understand each individual's circumstances, as well as their intersectionality and learning styles.”
With a First-Class degree under his belt, Mark has chosen to remain in Leeds. He will continue his studies at university while juggling his charity work and music school. Offering advice to others in similar situations, he states: "Thanks to this degree, countless opportunities have presented themselves to me. I have had conversations with influential figures within the education system, which I wouldn't have dreamed of before. Education really has changed my life. My message to anyone is to find something you are passionate about and go for it.”
Find out more about our Teaching and Education course.