Roadshow hits the right note with Music Technology students

A group of musicians who have toured the world with internationally renowned legendary acts stopped by the College’s Witney campus to showcase to Music Technology students the possibilities at new music institute Resonance.

Based in the West Midlands just over half an hour from Birmingham City Centre, Resonance will be opening the doors to its first cohort of students in 2020, and have hit the road to share their experiences and engage with students.

They highlighted the myriad of careers available in the music industry - many of which are covered by the degree courses on offer at Resonance, including Popular Music Performance, Popular Music Production, Popular Music Performance & Production, Digital Music and Music Business.

Co-director Rick Benton, who currently plays keyboard with West Midlands icons Magnum, was responsible for assembling the band of talented musicians. The roadshow band consisted of singer Samantha Dorrance, guitarist Greg Platt Lake, session drummers Lloyd Draker, bassist Dan Clark and Rick himself on the keys.

Alongside the highly polished performances, students were able to ask the professionals a variety of questions through a Q&A panel, in order to provide a wider picture about careers in music.

The students discovered the importance of contracts and the role of the Musicians’ Union; how for the roadshow artists, the smallest pub gigs are scarier than sell-out stadiums; got advice on how to improve their employability skills and ultimately how to sell themselves as an artist.

Jamie Green, lecturer for Music Technology, said: "I think what the students will get out of today the most is the Q&A panel, and hearing those invaluable insights into the industry. I was really impressed with the questions the students asked and the in-depth responses from Resonance; there was a whole group level of engagement and a good energy in the room.

Overall, I felt the experience was personalised for us and our students benefited massively from it."

Finn Hustler, Level 3 Music Technology student, said:

"The roadshow was very useful. The musicians' tips about how to overcome challenges, especially balancing work and life commitments, were really insightful. Hearing about the gigs they've played and their experiences in the industry - it's made me more aware of what I may face once I start my career.

Another Level 3 Music Technology student, Blake, commented:

"I love how they incorporated the live sound and how much experience they collectively had, and how that experience is current; it's not just "been there, done that". The Q&A panel was great, especially the legal part as I hadn't thought of that before, and it's something I'll definitely take away with me.”

“One of the things we are keen to stress here at Resonance is that while a career on stage is something that many will aspire too, there are lots of other careers in music you can follow,” said David Barnard, co-director at Resonance.

“From the expertise needed for a live show to happen, to things like music teaching, the opportunities within the industries are endless. The point of these shows is to show the students that whatever their ambition is within music, Resonance can help them achieve it.”