Elysha Clay (left) and James Jarvis (right)
UK Music has announced the nominees for this year’s Outstanding MAP Graduate Awards, including Elysha Clay and James Jarvis from Leeds Conservatoire.
The awards are given to students from UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership (MAP) to identify and recognise some of the most dynamic and successful individuals to come through MAP institutions.
The awards recognise students who have excelled in research, recording, performance, general musical life of the institution, wider musical life of the city/area, or business success or their community work.
Information about all the 2023 nominees is available here.
The nominations are judged by members of UK Music’s Education and Skills Committee and Futures Group. Judges will take into consideration nominees’ higher education career, their career following graduation and potential to make an impact in the future.
The winner, who will join the UK Music Futures Group, will be announced on Thursday 27 April at Liverpool Sound City.
Graphic from UK Music Twitter
Elysha Clay
Elysha; known professionally as Leasha C; is an eclectic producer, artist, studio technician and sound engineer based in Leeds, currently completing her MA Music degree at the conservatoire.
Elysha said, “My time at Leeds Conservatoire has not only shaped the trajectory of my professional career but has simultaneously navigated the turbulence of my early-20s, instigating the exploration of my identity as a woman in music.
“The creativity I’ve unleashed, the people I’ve met, the support I’ve received, and the unique opportunities explored, have set me on a path of limitless discovery. Equally, to be nominated for the OMGs is monumentally exciting; as a young-professional seeking to make an impact on the industry, and as a young woman seeking to make my mark on the world.”
Graphic from UK Music Twitter
James Jarvis
James is a film composer and in 2022 became assistant to composer Matthew Slater. James has also worked in music preparation for major UK/US films.
James shared, “I am so incredibly grateful for the ongoing support I have had from Brian Morrell since the day I started on my degree to today! Brian’s knowledge of music, harmony and its relation to image is incredible. His lectures were challenging, but in all the right ways. Without his guidance I certainly wouldn’t have found the success and opportunities I’ve had since graduating.
“Brian has put me forward for many opportunities professionally and has invited me back to do classes at the conservatoire on many occasions. I never would’ve expected to be nominated for an award like this, but I am incredibly grateful and thankful for such a wonderful blessing like this. Thank you!”
Update: This year, for the first time, a new award for MAP Tutor of the Year was also presented. Congratulations to James Warrender from Leeds Conservatoire on winning the runner-up award.
James Jarvis, James Warrender and Elysha Clay at the OMG Awards.
Credit: Jess Meade Photos / Sound City
In this article, Dr Oliver Morris from UK Music said:
“The OMG Awards night gives us a chance to recognise the achievements of graduates.
“The calibre is really strong every year, so I was very pleased that this year we could offer an automatic place on the UK Music Futures Group to the winner and I’m sure they will relish the opportunity to get involved in this excellent group.
“The awards this year also gave us an opportunity to celebrate the tireless and vital work done by the tutors.
“This amazing group of professionals support and nurture the next generation of the music industry often under immense pressure and deserve to be recognised at the highest level.
“Huge thanks to all involved to make the night such a success and congratulations again to all the nominees and tutors – you are absolute stars!”
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