Jess Dyer

What did you do before joining dBs?

I have worked in the music industry for over a decade as a performer, professional vocalist and podcast host. I have also previously worked as a freelance senior lecturer at BIMM, Bristol, Performers College, Birmingham and ICTheatre, Brighton, specifically focusing on students' professional development journey, expanding their academic and research skills, and championing content on diversity and cultural experiences in the creative industries. My work evolved as my interests focused on strategic leadership, managing teaching teams, and, most importantly, providing comprehensive pastoral care and ensuring accessible learning environments for creative students. This has led to my current role as student support manager - an exciting new chapter!

Why did you first get into education?

My passion has always been empowering students, particularly those in the creative sector, to find their voice and succeed. With a Master’s degree in Learning and Teaching in the Creative Industries, I realised I could use my own industry experience as a performer to build support structures that actively foster confidence and agency. Before lecturing in Higher education, my main source of work was to curate and deliver creative workshops using theatre and music in areas such as body image, refugee support, sexual misconduct education, and gender studies. I found my own education experience was limited by social norms that gatekeep education and academia to a certain type of person, and I wanted to see what I could do to change that culture and help those who are also passionate about learning!

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Any special areas of interest?

I’m currently a PhD researcher, focusing on how we can challenge reductive stereotypes and re-center the agency of women and marginalised groups in popular culture, especially as they have so much cultural power through their fandom production. This research informs my work in education every day, ensuring that diversity and inclusivity is prioritised to provide a compassionate and safe space for creatives.

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When it comes to the creative industries, what is your passion?

One of my passions lies in identifying and amplifying voices within fandom. As a professional vocalist and co-founder of The Fan GRRRLS Podcast, I am deeply connected to the creative landscape. I love talking about fandom, and how much power sits within fans but are often overlooked and seen as statistics for those who curate art. But they are the very heart of community, creation and DIY culture.

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What do you love most about what you do?

Without a doubt, it’s the community. I love the moments of connection within education settings amongst the students and staff members I work with. I cherish the memories we curate and the creative bonds made that contribute to the exploration of who we are as creatives and how we situate ourselves within community and culture.

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Tell us about your proudest career moment?

I had the opportunity to work with the artist, Sophie Tea, to do a creative and physical art exhibition for one of her collections. The experience reflected on women’s bodies, exploring our body image and confidence situated in a world of hetero/cisnormative and white-centric beauty standards  The exhibition was shared amongst Vogue and even featured on a documentary for Channel 4.

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What do you get up to outside of your role at dBs?

A lot of my time is either spent writing, singing, podcasting or reading a good ol’ fantasy book. Otherwise I spend a lot of time going to watch music live - I can’t get enough!

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Tell us something our students may not know about you?

I am a huge fan of Florence and the Machine… Her emotive storytelling that is situated within such ethereal yet dark soundscapes astounds and moves me.