The official University of Reading Music Podcast hosted by James Smith and Ben Stone, giving their not-so-expert take on all things music from within the university and beyond. Featuring special guests, intellectual discussion, less intellectual discussion, music from local performers and more…
About Ben:
Ben is a recent History graduate at the University of Reading and has always been a keen member of the music community here. As a saxophonist, Ben’s played in big bands, saxophone ensembles, and concert bands. At the age of 17 he produced a charity concert to highlight young musicians and is a passionate believer the music plays an important role in everyone’s lives. His musical career highlight was bringing together a male acapella group at school with the best name ever conceived…Get ready because it’s gonna knock your socks off… “The Crescendudes” (He might be a little too proud of that).
As well as music, Ben was involved in student TV at Reading, managing the station for two years, so when his housemate told him “we’re making a podcast” he jumped at the opportunity to stick a camera in front of the microphones! So make sure to check out the podcast on YouTube as well!
About James:
James has been surrounded by music his whole life. He began playing the piano at the age of 6 and the trumpet at the age of 8. Since then he has gone on to perform in numerous bands, orchestras, sessions and shows. He studied BA Primary Education with Music (QTS) at the university from 2018, graduating in 2021. During his time at the university he was heavily involved in the music scene. As a member of the big band, choir, orchestra and RUMS committee he received the ‘Ben Pedley Award’ for outstanding contribution to music in 2020.
During the 2020 COVID pandemic he created “Everybody Likes Music’s predecessor: “The UoR Music Podcast”, working with Ben Stone to host and produce this. James worked alongside Ben as well as Victoria Ely and Lucy Kelly to devise the “Everybody Likes Music” concept. He is currently a full time teacher in Reading, putting his passion for music education and community music making into practice.
Here is an archive of some of our favourite episodes: