JOIN US SEPTEMBER 2024 - APPLY TODAY OR BOOK YOUR PLACE ON ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS IN BRIGHTON OR SHEFFIELD

The Leadmill, an independent music venue close to WaterBear HQ, has been the mainstay of the Sheffield community and music scene for over 40 years. A former flour mill, The Leadmill was first opened in 1980 as an arts and music venue to provide a cultural space for local people.

A Rich History

Supportive of new music and the indie artist the venue has welcomed a rich array of musical genres from new wave, electronic and hip hop through to rock and pop, attracting artists from Sheffield, South Yorkshire and around the world. It has played a pivotal role in the careers of many bands and artists, Franz Ferdinand sealing its status by deeming The Leadmill a ‘rite of passage’ for artists. 

Over the years acts such Oasis, Culture Club, The Housemartins, Kasabian, Kate Nash, The Stone Roses, The Killers, Elliot Smith, and The Damned have graced their stage as well as local icons, Def Leppard, Pulp, Artic Monkeys, Richard Hawley, Self Esteem, Reverend and The Makers, and The Book Club. 

Today The Leadmill continue to support new music and the arts through a rich diary of live gigs, club nights, comedy shows, theatre and film. 

Opportunities for Waterbear Students

Our partnership with the Leadmill together with our arrival in Sheffield is a key step in WaterBear’s history. It will enable us to illustrate to our students, the artists and musicians of tomorrow, the importance of live music and the creative arts through far-reaching work experience and live performance opportunities.

Together we have also created The Leadmill Scholarship Award for one lucky master’s student to receive tuition fees for the MA Music Industry Enterprise degree.

“As a venue that is committed to nurturing new and exciting talent, we can’t wait to work with WaterBear and devote time to music education which focusses on celebrating the individual. Through our partnership with Waterbear, alongside the scholarship award we will be offering opportunities to students, be it performing or behind the scenes, and look forward to being part of the journey of the next wave of artists coming out of Sheffield.”   

Rose Wilcox, Head of Programming The Leadmill  

Our Partners

We partner with some of the biggest names and brands in music, bringing our students unrivalled opportunities to learn from inside the music industry.

Overwater Basses
Tesla Studios
Toolroom Academy
Audient
Creators Hub Studios
AudioActive
DMND CLR
Slambarz
Pattern + Push
Sidney & Matilda
Sentric Music
Ditto
Music Managers Forum (MMF)
Beatport
Anderton's Music
British Drum Co.
Last Man Music
Tramlines Festival
Favour The Brave
The Rev Rooms
The Great Escape
Ooosh! Tours
The Leadmill
Brighton Electric
Small Pond
ArcTanGent Festival
Novation
Pioneer DJ
Loopmasters
Future DJs
Funktion-one
Focusrite
DJ Mag
Cavendish Music
Ampeg
Ableton
Victory
Code Drum Heads
Steinberg
Slate Digital
Serato
Roland
Origin Recording
Back To Top

Why We're WaterBear...

- ‘Water bear’ is the common name for a Tardigrade.
- Tardigrades are micro creatures, found everywhere on earth.
- They are the most resilient creatures known.
- They can survive and adapt to their surroundings, even in outer space.
- Their resilience and ability to adapt and survive inspires us in everything we do. We love them.

WaterBear Education Ltd, Hanover House,
118 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG, UK  Map

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 726230

WaterBear Sheffield, Unit 4, Gatecrasher,
49 Eyre Lane, Sheffield S1 4RB, UK

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1143 992720

WaterBear Education Ltd, Hanover House,
118 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG, UK  Map

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 726230

WaterBear Sheffield, Unit 4, Gatecrasher,
49 Eyre Lane, Sheffield S1 4RB, UK

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1143 992720

Why We're WaterBear...

- ‘Water bear’ is the common name for a Tardigrade.
- Tardigrades are micro creatures, found everywhere on earth.
- They are the most resilient creatures known.
- They can survive and adapt to their surroundings, even in outer space.
- Their resilience and ability to adapt and survive inspires us in everything we do. We love them.

© 2022 WaterBear, The College of Music. All rights reserved.
Site by: 
Bozboz
crossmenu