Three Middlesbrough College Sound and Music Technology students and alumni worked as the technical team at The Georgian Theatre for the all-day mini festival, Songs from Northern Britain. The bi-annual event is held in Teesside and Scotland as a next-generation showcase of emerging talent. The talented team was made up of third year student Kai Hunter and alumni students Luke Burt and Kieran Davies.
Kai Hunter was the lighting engineer for the event, he said: “It was a fantastic experience to be employed as the lighting engineer for the Songs from Northern Britain. It was great to step into the industry and to be provided with a paid work placement, all thanks to the support and industry links from the team at Middlesbrough College. I found out about the opportunity when studying the Careers module on my degree programme. My tutor Jamie has excellent links with local employers, and I jumped at the opportunity!
“Middlesbrough College’s University Centre is a brilliant place to study. It is fantastic that we are provided with opportunities to progress in the music sector and with real industry paid gigs. After I’ve completed my degree, I’m hoping to pursue a career as a lighting or sound engineer. The skills I am learning on my course are definitely helping me to make this ambition a reality.”
Alumni student and now Middlesbrough College tutor Luke Burt was filming the event and worked as the vision mixer, he said: “Songs from Northern Britain is a brilliant event showcasing the latest upcoming bands. It was great to work the event alongside fellow Middlesbrough College Sound and Music Technology students and alumni- we really were running the show!
“The College has excellent industry links, and I can’t thank them enough for providing us all with this opportunity, it’s also fantastic to see local venues thriving!
“I loved studying for my degree at Middlesbrough College’s University Centre. The course was fantastic, and I really enjoyed all the modules I studied. I was thrilled to receive a first-class honours degree and I’m now working at Middlesbrough College as a Technician and Lecturer for the VPAC department.”
Alumni Kieran Davies was sound engineering for the Green Room stage. He is now the Duty Manager for The Georgian Theatre after graduating from the Sound and Music Technology degree with Middlesbrough College in 2019. Kieran said: “After graduating from Middlesbrough College, I progressed to the University of York to study for a master’s degree in Sound and Music Technology. I’m now working for The Georgian Theatre which I love. It’s great to see the rising stars of the music industry and help them to record and perform.
“Middlesbrough College supported me and helped me gain the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed in the industry. I can’t wait to see where my career will progress.”
Paul Burns, Chief Executive of Tees Music Alliance said: “It’s always been a conundrum in live music around how we get keen, but inexperienced, music tech students up to speed with authentic work scenarios. By developing a partnership with the BSc. (Hons) Sound and Music Technology course at Middlesbrough College’s University Centre, we’re now able to offer shadowing opportunities to students who are willing to go the extra mile and attend evening and weekend sessions.
“We’ve got a unique offer – giving enthusiastic students a coveted place alongside professional technicians, across a variety of different event types. Eventually, students will progress onto bigger and trickier jobs, developing front line skills and increasing confidence – moving into the fast lane for paid work once they’ve racked up some gigging hours.
“We’re excited by the results so far, and long may it continue.”
Middlesbrough College’s job focused University courses are a fantastic practical alternative to a traditional University. The College are proud to offer specialist teaching staff and strong links with local businesses and partners in the region, which students will directly benefit from. Supporting students to industry is a key focus for the College.
Click here to find out more about Middlesbrough College’s University Centre and the degree programmes on offer.
You can find out more about our Higher Education courses and our Fd in Audio and Music Production here. We are accepting applications for September 2023 – apply today!
