19th May 2016
The BBC Radio 1 Academy visited South Devon College as part of a Music Business Day. Students were given an opportunity to gain behind the scenes access into what life is like working at Radio 1. The Music Business Day involved several activities and keynote speeches from representatives from PRS for Music and the Musicians’ Union.
The college welcomed Fiona Kate Morgan, Assistant Producer for BBC Radio 1’s Academy, James Santer, BBC Introducing presenter and Oliver Owens, BBC Radio1 Team Assistant. They hosted a panel talk, and a Question and Answer session to give students their expert advice and inspire those who are hoping to pursue a career in the industry. They each shared their journey of how they managed to secure work in their chosen fields and demonstrated that with a blend of determination and perseverance dreams can become a reality.
Simon Gregg, Programme Coordinator for Music at South Devon College said, “The whole day was superb. Starting out with Claire Rose from PRS, who made everyone realise just how many ways you can get paid in music. Paul Gray from the Musicians’ Union had some wonderful stories from his time in The Dammed and UFO and how important a professional outlook is. Music Producer Richard Digby Smith then offered all Music learners his mindful words and wisdom of what life is like in the Industry. The day was rounded off with the BBC Radio 1 Academy team giving further advice and prospect to the students. The Music Business Day offered a real eye into the business and was an inspiration for all.”
The Radio 1 Academy have organised a week-long series of special events including broadcasts, gigs and masterclass workshops. There will be opportunities to meet popular Radio 1 DJs, artists and network with executives from the industry. There will also be a strong focus on employability and how to gain work experience and the confidence to approach people when seeking employment. South Devon College Music Performance student Jules Skinner said, “I’ve been lucky enough to have my material played on BBC Introducing, so to find out that it may have been shared across the network for many more people to hear was really eye opening! The Academy is a great opportunity for me to network with professionals which may be able help to get my music out there even further.”
The second year Music and Music Technology students have just released their end of year compilation album ‘Schools Out 2016’ via the Student record label tq4Records. The album combines various genres of music so there is something for everyone’s taste. It is a fitting showcase of the talented, budding artists and producers studying at the college. The album is available now as a free download from the tq4 Records Bandcamp page. http://tq4records.bandcamp.com/album/schools-out-2016