The PhDJ

Hire an expert in the combination of theory and practice to enhance your curriculum and support students as they enter the workplace.

These aren’t run-of-the-mill generic lectures for sale. I offer a range of inspiring guest lectures and provide curriculum consultancy that will not only enhance your courses, but will engage and inspire your students at a time when they most need it.

What makes me unique is that I have a wide range of experience as an industry practitioner, while also being a published academic and experienced lecturer, supervisor, curriculum developer and module leader.

My expertise of – and experience in – combining theory and practice is established throughout a range of fields, from media studies, tv & film studies, marketing and the music industry through to sociology, philosophy and gender studies. More importantly, particularly in light of the current economic climate, I know how vital it is to think creatively in business and nurture entrepreneurial spirit.

I’ve worked in the music and media industries for over 20 years. From working in record shops and nightclubs as a kid I moved into a colourful and successful career as a music/lifestyle journalist, music publicist, club promoter, DJ and artist manager. Due to a strong interest in wanting to work with young people, I integrated teaching into my career as it developed – I’ve worked as an educator for a number of UK-based institutions over the last 15 years, such as the University of West London, University of Westminster and University of Roehampton. I now primarily work as an educator, academic, writer, professional DJ and music and marketing consultant. I’ve also recently written a book. The experience of both industry and research – not to mention a constant thirst for learning – has led me to explore the music and media industries through a more nuanced lens.

For example, in my music journalism classes I have helped students understand the power of the written word in relation to perpetuating normative ideologies of gender. In the construction of marketing assets – for personal brands and prospective clients – I have helped students grasp the importance of a cohesive strategy that expresses core values/brand DNA while being attuned to ethics, social responsibility and an awareness of the political zeitgeist.

The bank of lectures below will continually expand as I add more to them. I am also open to discuss bespoke content if there is a specific lecture you would like me to deliver. Furthermore, I am also available in my capacity as a consultant to review your current curriculum, collaboratively, to give your students the creative commercial edge that will help them navigate the choppy waters of working life.

Contact me for a friendly chat to discuss lecture content in more detail and fees at mslululevay@gmail.com.

The semiotics of album covers. Exploring how race, gender and class are shaped visually to reach consumers.
I’m with the brand. Understanding how to develop yourself as a brand to communicate with your audience.
Music journalism masterclass. Learn how to write reviews, interview artists and brainstorm brilliant feature ideas.
Fanzines as activism. Fed up with society? Then do something about it.
Live music reviews and shaping notions of gender. Understand the power of the written word in perpetuating ideologies of femininity within the music industry..

How to navigate the commercial music landscape during COVID. Learn how to adapt through challenging economic times.
How to write a killer biog. Learn how to write and edit a brilliant biography for a variety of platforms.
How to inspire creative thinking. Stuck for ideas? Learn how to access different parts of your brain to unleash the creativity within.
How to freelance properly. Structure, generating ideas, time management, finances – how to make the freelance life work for you.
Understanding page furniture in publishing. Become a stronger writer and DIY publisher by knowing a pull quote from a box-out.
The history of the female DJ. From battling to get behind the decks in 1970’s New York to being Berlin’s techno finest.
Music playlisting for brands. Learn about this expanding industry, from background music in shops to fitness playlists.
Exploring gay representation on TV. Examining prime-time portrayals and the perpetuation of stereotypes.
Podcasting for brands. Use your podcasting talents to identify commercial opportunities.
Documentary styles unpacked. Understand how the different approaches to documentary filmmaking elicit emotional responses from audiences.

FEEDBACK FROM COURSE ORGANISERS AND STUDENTS

Dr. Adam Cox (Senior Lecturer, University of Roehampton)

Lulu is an excellent educator. She taught a module on music journalism that was one of the most popular in our programme. She is a dedicated lecturer who brings out the best in her students, pushing them to raise their game while staying positive all the while. She is also highly knowledgeable, personable and fun to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending Lulu as a lecturer.

Cassidy Baillie (Alumni, University of West London)

Lulu is an amazing teacher and motivator who really gets the best out of her students! Lulu is the perfect example of a great teacher and freelancer inspiring her students. Coolest and realest teacher ever!

Andy Stott (Head of Popular Music – Royal Northern College of Music)

Lulu is a dynamic and talented professional with a keen entrepreneurial instinct. She is intelligent, articulate and insightful and has the ability to work efficiently and effectively, both independently and within a team.