STARS of the future will get a boost into the music industry as a Southampton university joins forces with the country’s most prestigious music organisations.

Southampton Solent University has become a member of UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership (MAP) – joining some of the UK’s leading music industry trainers.

The university is one of just 10 institutions in the partnership which includes the BRIT School in Croydon – which trained the likes of Adele (pictured), Amy Winehouse and Kate Nash – and The British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) whose alumni includes The Kooks, James Bay, and Benjamin Morgan of Ladyhawke.

The partnership aims to link the country’s best music schools with industry leaders to help graduates become more employable, offer more hands-on experience to students and more networking opportunities.

It also aims to help potential students choose the best institutions to suit them.

Youngsters at Southampton Solent University will get the chance to work on specialist music research projects, take part in Parliamentary debates and help with production at some of the major arena events and festivals including the upcoming Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds sold-out concert at the BIC in Bournemouth on April 30.

The programme will boost Solent University students' experience, allow them to take part in research projects in and around the city and provide hands-on experiences including the chance to help with production at major arena events and festivals such as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds sold-out concert at the BIC in Bournemouth on April 30.

Paul Rutter, music programme leader at the university, who initiated Southampton Solent University joining the partnership said they were chosen thanks to their location, the expertise of staff and their facilities including their new research and innovation office.

He said: "For the students it's great that they can engage in the collaborative projects with these other universities. It opens a door to the industry because it's about preparing students for their careers."

Professor Jane Longmore, deputy vice-chancellor at the university said: “We’re delighted to be chosen as part of this influential and ground-breaking partnership between higher education and the music industry. It confirms our status as an academic institution leading the way in music research, education and skills, and we look forward to launching collaborations and initiatives for those passionate about music.”

CEO of UK Music, Jo Dipple added: “We welcome Southampton Solent University as one of our Music Academic Partners and we look forward to collaborating with them in the future.”

“One of our key objectives in setting up MAP was to help create a framework through which institutions could directly access music industry data and contacts, in order to help provide further research and analysis that will benefit the sector.”