Throughout my music performance and production course, I have developed skills within three key areas of the music industry – performing, composing and recording. Additionally, I have also developed skills in live sound, event management and teaching.
For my first year final major project, I worked collectively with several peers and tutors to compose, record and produce a single, which I distributed on several platforms. I completed every aspect of the project, from writing chord progressions and lyrics to the production of an accompanying animated video. During this project, I expanded my audio production knowledge, experimenting with different DAWs and hardware, such as Ableton Live 10 and Logic Pro X.
The aspect of the music industry which I enjoy most is working with live sound systems. I am competent when working with professional PA systems, gaining skills in live audio mixing. I can work both individually and collaboratively to plan and organise staging, sound, and lighting. In order to enhance my knowledge in this area I am currently carrying out work experience as a sound engineer at a local venue.
I have experience performing in a variety of settings, enabling me to develop proficient performance skills. I have advanced greatly as a pianist, obtaining musical knowledge within many different genres such as pop, rock and jazz. I am currently preparing a jazz set to offer musical therapy to local care home residents, using extended chords and improvisation. I can play confidently in both a band and accompanying a solo vocalist, delivering performances at several live events, as well as live-streamed showcases with hundreds of active viewers.
I have developed my promotional skills through creating marketing materials and running a successful social media account for sold out events, as well as appearing in the local newspaper on several occasions, and being involved in a local radio show. In 2022, I was a successful applicant of the Breakthru fund, a grant for young musicians. Within my application I outlined my intentions and proposed how it would help me as a musician. Additionally, I have recently applied for funding through Bradford Young Promoters, which will provide me with experience of putting on a live event with a set budget.
Throughout my course I have developed excellent collaboration and communication skills, demonstrated by my event manager role for a recent event. I successfully managed a small team of peers to plan, promote and execute a music showcase. I organised the ticketing, front of house and graphic design for this event. The show’s 160 tickets sold out within two weeks. I have developed an ability to solve problems and overcome obstacles with the most appropriate solutions. Creating detailed plans allow me to complete my work within a set time frame.
During my time at college, I have obtained digital and graphic design skills, creating an online portfolio of my work and experiences. I have used these within my work to design cover art and materials to market myself as a musician. I have also developed my research skills, incorporating this into my work through Harvard style referencing.
Over the summer, I worked as a Camp Counsellor in the US. I had to use my initiative to facilitate outdoor and indoor sessions for children, ensuring they received maximum satisfaction out of their experience. I was also responsible for their health and wellbeing whilst under my supervision.
I work part-time as a bartender alongside my studies. Within this job I have developed my communication skills further and have obtained vital customer service skills, which allow me to be confident when speaking. My role consists of working effectively within a team and taking the lead where applicable.
I am a committed and engaged student who is always ready to learn. These qualities, when coupled with my practical skills, will hopefully allow me to pursue a career in the music industry.