Upbeat Beginning for New Music Programme

Upbeat Beginning for New Music Programme,

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Kane Parsons (left) with the Stomach’s Manager Craig Black (seated) and sound technician Sebastian Hesp.

The next generation of professional musicians has been quick to respond to UCOL’s new Contemporary Music programme – the first to be offered in the Manawatu.

General Manager of Student Recruitment Mark Lockwood says more than 30 students have already enrolled for the year long programme which starts in February.

“We knew we were filling a niche when we decided to offer the programme in a city known for its love of music”, he says. “So although we expected a big demand, we didn’t expect to fill places as quickly as we have. It’s quite rare for a new programme.”

The 34 week programme is based on the highly successful certificate offered by the Auckland based Music + Audio Institute of New Zealand or MAINZ.

The UCOL programme has a strong emphasis on live performance. Students form bands and are trained to perform in eight different styles during the year. To provide that experience UCOL, has teamed up with Palmerston North’s music venue, The Stomach, and will use its newly renovated facilities, including recording equipment, for band practice and other practical sessions.

“The practical nature of the course really appeals, and of course it’s a great partnership for Creative Sounds and UCOL.” says Craig Black, Manager of the Stomach. “The Stomach wouldn't be where it is now without the support of the Palmerston North City Council. Our mandate is to reach new sectors of the community - this partnership and the refurbished building allow us to do just that.”
The new programme will be lead by versatile Manawatu musician, Kane Parsons, who says the focus is on preparing students for careers as professional musicians. “Performance is a very big component. There will be regular band rehearsals, 13 hour per week of classroom tuition and practical tuition and practical tutorials covering music theory, composition, and in arranging music.

Kane isn’t surprised by the high demand for places on the programme. “The timing is right. The success of so many Kiwi musicians over the last few years; Lady Hawke, Tiki Tane, Liam Finn, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Kora, the Datsuns, Smoky Feel, to name a few - means that people can see it’s now a viable career. You can make a living as a professional musician.”

Kane is well equipped to lead the new programme. A graduate of UCOL’s Performing Arts programme, he has been working as a professional musician, as a stage, film and television actor, and as a music tutor for eight years. Performance is his thing.

He says one of the most exciting aspects of the new Contemporary Music programme is its ability to contribute to the Manawatu music scene. “We’re planning to invite the public to some of the band’s performances at the Stomach – that will give our students experience of performing in front of live audiences. We also plan a concert at the end of the year.”

Kane says that approach is a good fit with the Palmerston North City Council’s desire to see more street and other live performances in the city. It’s also great to be working with the Stomach, keeping its place as the city’s music centre.”

Apart from the music, the programme is rounded off with study in running a small business, computing, tikanga Maori and advice on how to succeed in the industry, including via online outlets like I-Tunes.

ENDS

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