Dr John Markey

From Stage to Strategy

Dr John Markey is the UK and European Programme Committee Chair in Music Business at SAE Institute. A published academic with a PhD in Music from the University of Glasgow, he combines deep academic knowledge with real-world experience as a performer, producer, DJ and label owner.

Academic Leadership

John holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours, a Master of Letters and a PhD in Music from the University of Glasgow. As a published researcher and Master’s Degree Learning Advisor, he supports postgraduate students in developing advanced creative and critical practice across the music industries.

Touring Musician

John has been playing music since his early teenage years. As the drummer in Young Aviators, he released an album and toured the UK alongside artists including Travis, Reef and The Subways, gaining first-hand experience of the realities of the music industry.

Club Culture and Production

Based in Glasgow, John is an active DJ, promoter and music producer. He runs the club night and DJ-production duo We Should Hang Out More, performing regularly at iconic venues including Sub Club and The Berkeley Suite.

His music has been released on a range of dance labels and featured in publications such as MixMag and Ransom Note.

Label and Marketing Work

In 2020, John launched his own record label, In The Event of Capture, supporting new electronic music releases. Since 2021, he has also worked in social media marketing for Glasgow-based artist management company Bounse MGMT, gaining hands-on experience in the promotional side of the industry.

Guiding Music Professionals

John’s career spans performance, production, research and marketing. This broad perspective allows him to help students understand both the creative and commercial sides of the music business, preparing them for the realities of a fast-changing industry.