Durham Student Music is the umbrella society for all musical activity within Durham University. Part of the wider Durham University Performing Arts, we trive to make a place where everyone, regardless of background and ability, can get involved. For just £25 a year, you can access over 30 musical societies, wider DSM initiatives and projects, masterclass opportunities and so much more. By paying this, you can also access a variety of college and university wide theatre societies through Durham Student Theatre.
For Members
Once you have paid the £25 Membership fee, you can access an array of perks:
Access to over 30 musical societies: from Pop and Rock to Jazz groups, Orchestras to Choirs (please note that some societies have extra subscription fees).
Opportunities to get involved in DSM initiatives: you can participate in events and projects organised by Durham Student Music. Opportunities in 2025 involved the Never Give Up Concert in collaboration with RTMinds, Guys and Dolls in Concert, Blest Pair of Sirens and DSM event initiatives. There are in itself over 10 projects and initiatives planned for 2026/27.
Musical Development:improve your skills through rehearsals, performances in venues such as Durham Cathedral and Gala Theatre, and workshops.
The Lunchtime Concert Series: accessible opportunities to perform as a soloist or in an ensemble in our weekly lunchtime concert series.
Access to bespoke masterclasses: we welcome professionals who provide their expertise and inspiration to all of our musicians and societies.
Leadership and Creativity Opportunities: develop experience as a conductor through our conductor development programme, musical director, organiser, concert manager and more, while having the opportunity to create your own musical initiatives and projects.
Community Engagement: the bespoke opportunity to take music into the community, through collaborations and engagement with local artists and audiences. Our charity artistic partner is RTMinds.
Social Events and Community: meet people beyond your own college, course or ensemble through social and networking events.
Professional Development: gain transferrable skills, including leadership, teamwork, organisation, communication and project development, skills which will benefit you for the future.
So wherever you find yourself, whether you just enjoy listening to music, you do music as a hobby or you are an exprienced veteran, there are opportunities for all experience levels. There are no requirements to have studied or performed music before joining Durham Student Music; you can find a way to get involved and be part of a musical community for everyone.
Durham Student Music
Your Musical Community
One of the other key roles of Durham Student Music is acting as an umbrella support to over 30 societies.
All Durham Student Music Societies are able to access the following strands of support:
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All Durham Student Music societies are able to access bespoke support from Durham University Music and Durham University Performing Arts, helping to artistically and financially plan projects and initiatives.
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Durham Student Music offers a generous grant system to Durham Student Music societies, allowing societies to pursue their own goals, such as tours to Fringe and recording projects.
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All DSM societies have opportunities to collaborate thorugh Durham Student Music with community initiatives, projects and other musical endeavours. Durham Student Music can help faciliate these opportunities.
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Durham Student Music societies have access to guidance, contacts and experience to across the musical community. Alongside Durham University Performing Arts, these shared resources help to deliver more succesful musical, logstical and financial outcomes for the future.