Two University of Bolton students have helped set up a gig for one of the UK’s top female artists, Jessie J, in association with Manchester radio station, Key103.
Laura Robinson and Trevor MacDonald are second years on the University’s Music and Creative Industries Business course. They got the work placement through the University’s relationship with the radio station. Jessie J was in the city to perform at the Children in Need Rocks Manchester gig, but found time to put on a secret show for 30 lucky Key 103 listeners.
Trevor said: ‘I love music in general and this was a massive opportunity. It was cool to speak to people within the business and from Key 103. I have such a passion for the course and the industry, so this was a brilliant chance to get involved and do some really good networking.’
Laura agreed that it was the perfect occasion to put everything they had learned into practice: ‘It was a great chance to build on my networking skills as we were introduced to so many members of staff within the company, and even got speaking to some company clients at the event. I gained an insight into how certain things are run within the industry.’
The visit was such a success that both have been invited back to spend some more time with Key 103’s creative team in December. Lisa Scarsbrook is the Account Manager at Key 103 who helped the pair get acquainted with her colleagues on the day. She said: ‘Laura and Trevor were great! They enjoyed their day and they were a credit to the University.’
Lisa was especially impressed with the pair’s attitude when things, as often happens during live gigs, didn’t quite go to plan. She added: ‘Despite the day being a little fluid at times, they remained enthusiastic and interested at all times. I can’t wait for them to come back to spend a little more time in the station and with our creative team.’
Laura says it is this sort of work placement that an imperative in giving her and her class-mates the tools to succeed after graduation: ‘I think these types of work placements are very important to the course, because it gives a true insight to the music industry, and allows students to experience it hands-on, rather than just hearing about other people’s experiences.’
Course Leader, Jo Hilditch, said: ‘This was a wonderful opportunity for Laura and Trevor. On the course we are all about hands-on experience and working to real briefs set by the music industry. This is another opportunity for them to add to their CVs, which are already looking really impressive!’
Laura and Trevor are not only the students to have been working with music-business celebrities recently. The festive season in the Bolton was kicked off with McFly’s Danny Jones joining forces with the X-factor’s Kendro to turn on the town’s Christmas lights. Students from the University’s International Tourism Management course were on hand to make sure the show ran smoothly, working as stage runners and as safety marshals.
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