Sam Clifford-Hassan

Profile

I am a Bradford-based researcher and flautist currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology at the University of Leeds. My PhD is fully funded by the School of Music and jointly supervised by Dr David Ireland and Professor Ian Sapiro. As a Postgraduate Researcher Teaching Assistant, I deliver undergraduate seminars and assess students’ work across the Film Music module.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music from the University of Birmingham, where I studied a range of modules, including film music, orchestration, composition, counterpoint, and music history. As part of my performance modules, I received tuition at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, studying under Diane Clark, Principal Flute of the Orchestra of the Swan, and Andrew Lane, former Principal Piccolo of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The following year I completed a Postgraduate Certificate of Education with Qualified Teacher Status in Secondary Music at the University of Huddersfield.

In 2025 I obtained a Master of Letters in Sacred Music from the University of St Andrews, where I studied under leading academics and renowned musicians in the interdisciplinary field of music and theology, such as Professor Sir James MacMillan, Professor Gavin Hopps, Dr Michael Downes OBE, and the Rev Dr Ian Bradley. My dissertation, entitled ‘Madonna and Lady Gaga: A Tumultuous Relationship between Female Pop Stars and Catholicism’, explores the influence of Catholicism on the artistic identities and musical output of the two artists, focusing on their use of religious symbolism and biblical imagery. Through an analysis of key songs, from “Papa Don’t Preach” and “Like a Prayer” to “Bloody Mary” and “Judas”, I examine how Madonna and Lady Gaga incorporate and subvert Catholic iconography in their work. By critically engaging with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this research also investigates how their music and live performances reflect their sociopolitical activism.

I hold a Diploma in Flute Performance from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. I have played in numerous orchestras and ensembles over the years, including the St Andrews Chamber Orchestra, the Airedale Symphony Orchestra, and Leeds Haydn Players.

Research interests

I am interested in the role of Judeo-Christian culture in the practice and history of film music, and in the ways religious belief and tradition have shaped composers’ lives and works across time. My current research explores the theological and spiritual dimensions embedded within the film scores of Hans Zimmer, such as The Lion King, The Prince of Egypt, Gladiator, The Ring, The Da Vinci Code, Interstellar, and Dune.

Conference papers:

• ‘Instrumentation in Hans Zimmer’s Film Scores: An Invocation of the Sacred and Spiritual’, International Network for Music Theology Conference (University of St Andrews, 2026)

Qualifications

• MLitt Sacred Music - University of St Andrews
• PGCE Secondary Music - University of Huddersfield
• BMus Music - University of Birmingham
• DipABRSM Flute Performance - Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music