Introduction – I am experienced in many facets of the music industry, from production to promotion to performance. As a bassist and guitarist, I am always looking to develop my repertoire.
Production – In a band, duo, and solo setting, I have engaged in many aspects surrounding music production, including microphone positioning and bouncing down my final mixes. I have developed an understanding of recording techniques through practical work, a keen ear which is vital for the mixing process, as well as songwriting experience which I have gained from both course content and personal interest. Throughout these experiences I have also become competent with DAWs, such as Ableton Live 10 and Logic Pro X, giving me a better understanding of how I approach music creation through the lens of a producer.
Alongside the production of recorded music, I have taken on roles relating to the production of live events. This has included responsibility for live sound set-up, event management, and the presentation of events both in-person and online. With these experiences my skillset has been widened due to an understanding of the many factors that go into hosting and promoting an event. In search of further experience promoting live events, I have applied for the Bradford Young Promoter’s Fund which would grant me the opportunity to create and realise an event of my own design.
Performance – I have successfully planned, produced, and performed a composition as a solo piece to a live audience. This piece consisted of drum patterns, bass guitar, keyboard, electric guitar, and vocals all being played in sequence using an Ableton Push 2. I completed a detailed research and experimentation phase, overcame several technological problems, to ensure a successful production and realisation of the final product.
In addition to a solo performance, I also have ample experience performing in an ensemble, which has come in the form of multiple live shows with my peers as part of a band, predominantly playing bass. For all of these performances I have had to rehearse as part of a group and individually, evaluating my performance and searching for ways to improve. I am also a confident performer and public speaker who enjoys communicating with the audience. My confidence in public speaking also led me to appear on a local radio station, promoting an event I was due to perform at.
Transferable Skills – I have become a confident writer when documenting, explaining, and evaluating my work, as well as being able to gather information from a variety of sources to gain insight and improve the quality of my writing. I also utilise Harvard referencing in my work.
In 2023 I will be crafting a guitar for my final major project with the ambition being to challenge myself in a myriad of ways; planning for a large-scale independent project, conducting comprehensive research, and exercising my creativity whilst remaining aware of tight deadlines.
Additional Information – Outside of my studies I attend a weekly arts group where we discuss a host of current issues and use this as inspiration to create art. I am a volunteer youth worker at an LGBT+ group, regularly running sessions.
Over the summer I spent my time working at a US summer camp in two roles. First, as an overnight counsellor, acting in loco parentis for the attending children as well as leading various activities. Later, I worked as an outdoor educator whose main responsibilities were to safely deliver high ropes activities and teach attending groups the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and listening through team-building exercises. I was also tasked with helping upkeep the camp grounds and facilities between sessions.
Conclusion – I aspire to have a successful career in the music industry through furthering my knowledge and skills. I believe that my work ethic and commitment to learning will allow me to thrive in the right learning environment.