Well versed music students get work

11 December 2013

Well versed music students get work

UCOL Wairarapa music students are singing the praises of their one year programme.

In its second year, the Certificate in Contemporary Music Performance has produced several graduates that have gone on to forge careers in music.

Graduate Josh Howard says the course exposed him to ‘awesome opportunities’. “It gives you a good look at how you think musically and where you might want to explore.

“The tutors, and even fellow students, introduced me to new mind-sets and purpose in music,” says Josh. “The experience has definitely been a big part in broadening my musical preferences and in turn, my enjoyment of music.”

Josh is front man for Masterton metal band Inhale, who recently opened for top New Zealand metal band Beast Wars.

Josh’s Inhale band-mate Ben Whip is also a graduand of the UCOL Music programme. Ben has been busy as a studio engineer with a number of local artists and school bands, and has run recording studio workshops for youth.

Courtney Brown, a graduate of the 2012 class, has a heavy teaching workload at local primary and secondary schools, while working at UCOL as a theory (keyboard) lecturer, vocal coach and band mentor. Courtney also regularly performs in bands and solo, at Medici Café in Martinborough.

The one year Certificate in Contemporary Music Performance programme is designed to help aspiring musicians get into the industry. It encourages students to develop their individual and band performance skills with live gigs in front of a hometown audience. They also cover theory, music technology, song writing, and music management.

Local musical legend Warren Maxwell is a tutor on the programme and shares his vast knowledge of sound recording and musical experiences with the budding musicians.

The Wairarapa students joined with Palmerston North and Whanganui Music students to record a UCOL compilation album.

“The programme, equipment and facilities are getting better and better,” says UCOL Music tutor Cody Field. “Our students are able to learn on and practise with, the equipment those out in the industry are using. It gives them great confidence in their skills.”

Auditions are now open for the 2014 Music programme on Thursday 12 and Thursday 19 December 2013. Also Wednesday 22 January and Wednesday 29 January 2014.

Contact UCOL Wairarapa on 946 2300 for audition times and general enquiries.

ENDS

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