Jenn Clempner

Curriculum Lead - Artist Development

BA, MA, FHEA

Email: [email protected]

Jenn is an experienced academic and music industry professional with two decades of cross-sector expertise spanning higher education, performance, and arts management. As Curriculum Lead in Artist Development for the BMus (Hons) Popular Music programme, she oversees the development and delivery of a dynamic, industry-relevant curriculum. Her academic leadership supports emerging artists in creative entrepreneurship, autonomy in music careers, and the art of sustaining longevity in the music industry.

In addition to her teaching and leadership responsibilities, Jenn is actively engaged in professional practice. Her portfolio includes performing as a vocal-pianist, composition and musical direction, artist development, event promotion, performance booking, logistics coordination, and digital marketing strategy—providing students with direct insights into the realities of today’s music industry.

Jenn is currently pursuing a PhD in Music Education at Erasmus University Rotterdam, an institution which sits at the crossroads of scholarship and creativity, driving bold, interdisciplinary research that reimagines how culture is studied, shaped, and shared worldwide. Her research explores the intersections of culture, pedagogy, and gender in higher popular music education, with a particular focus on mental health and well-being, resilience, and sustainable careers. She is a contributing member of the Rotterdam Popular Music Studies (RPMS) research group.

Jenn has spoken at industry and education conferences across the UK and Europe, sharing her expertise on gender equality in music, BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) initiatives in higher music education, and the design of transformative, future-facing music curricula. In 2025, Jenn was invited to speak at Music Week Poland, joining the “Rethinking Education” panel to share her insights on curriculum innovation and the evolving landscape of popular music education.

Earlier in her career, she trained in acting and voice at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), before working as a session musician with The Hoosiers (Sony BMG), touring across the UK, Europe, and the USA. She has performed at major festivals and appeared on Top of the Pops, BBC Radio 2, T4, and Popworld. At 25, Jenn took on the role of record label manager at independent label Beatroute Records and is currently in tenure as an External Examiner for ICMP London, contributing to academic quality assurance in music education.

Outside her professional roles, Jenn is a dedicated endurance swimmer, committed to personal discipline and growth.