Music Success Stories
REAL results, REAL success stories
Kaney Charlton
BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology
Music-making student Kaney received national acclaim when his electronic track Braveheart was handpicked to be Track of the Week on the Radio 1Xtra airwaves – the sister station to Radio 1. He has since had two more
tracks played too!
“I never dreamt my tracks would actually be selected. As well as being aired to thousands of listeners, I got to talk about my music live on air.”
“Underpinning all my music is everything I learnt at Northampton College. I came here in 2009 and once I finish I plan to stay on and move on to a two year Higher National Diploma in Music Production which I might then top up to a degree by studying for a third year.”
“I make all my music using only a keyboard, computer and two speakers and with my student loan I want to get a pair of new monitors and more equipment but other than that I’ll keep making music as I am.”
“My ambitions are to be touring and doing gigs. There’s no better feeling than DJ’ing my own music. I’ve recently returned from Belgium and hope to do lots more abroad. For now, I’ll keep studying, learning the theory behind music-making and picking up all the tips and advice I can get from my tutors.”
Type ‘Kaney – Braveheart’ into YouTube to listen to one of his nationally-acclaimed tracks.
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Emily Parish
BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology
Having previously completed AS Levels Emily decided she preferred the practical way of learning.
“I wasn’t suited to A Levels and used to get really stressed out so when I came across the Music Technology course I loved the sound of being able to study without any exams. It was all coursework and assignments which is equally challenging but gave me more freedom to focus on the areas I was most interested in. I loved the live events and gigs we did as part of the course. We would have to help organise everything from loading the vans to setting up the professional equipment at the venue. It was so true to life and gave you so much understanding of how the industry actually works.”
Emily had previously dismissed the idea of university but it was her tutors that persuaded her to apply and now she is studying De Montfort University. “I started the course intending to go straight into work but my teachers helped me look at all the options. I am studying Audio & Recording Technology.”
Emily achieved three Distinction grades on her BTEC and is hoping to become a music journalist after her degree with a view to one day setting up her own recording studio or label.
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Tim Maguire
Tim’s experience on the Level 2 music course has opened doors and helped him overcome his disabilities in ways he never thought possible. He is now on track to a successful music career having already secured regular DJ slots at the Roadmender’s popular disabled club night, the ‘Rockin’ Roadrunner’.
‘A car accident when I was 14 left me with severe brain injuries and I had to undergo a long period of recovery. I had no qualifications before I came to college but I have always loved music so started on an introductory performing arts course as a stepping stone onto a higher level music programme. It was difficult at first but the College teachers were great and tailored the course to meet my needs. I always felt involved and part of the group.’
With the help of his tutors and carers, Tim found ways to overcome his limited writing skills to complete his assignments and theory tests. He also began working on a computer system that allowed him to develop his DJ mixing talents. ‘Being able to mix my own tunes independently made me realise it was something I was good at. I especially loved practicing in the DJ booths and gaining feedback to help me improve. My tutor couldn’t do enough to help me fulfil my ability on the course and I have come further then I ever thought I would. I have also started to write and produce my own tunes with skills that I picked up on the course and I hope to develop this over the next year.’
Towards the end of the course Tim’s confidence had grown so much he was able to perform to hundreds. He is now on a mission to gain permanent DJ fixtures at venues all over the country. ‘I am setting up a web page and my tutor has put me in touch with lots of good contacts so things are moving really fast. I am coming back to college on a part-time Level 3 course too so will be very busy over the next few years. My future is looking really positive.’
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Chris Edwards
Chris was a learner on the BTEC National Diploma in Music Practice. He had an exceptional ability to motivate those around him. Outside college, Chris set up a successful recording and promotion company aimed at getting young musicians into the industry. He achieved a Distinction grade and is now working as a freelance music tutor while continuing with his own personal projects. Chris has already had two tracks released on a compilation album in the US and has also written a Christmas song to raise money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
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Leon Hudston
Leon was a mature student on the Higher National Diploma in Music Production. An accomplished guitarist and singer, Leon managed to hold down a job as a self-employed electrician during the programme, achieving high grades in all modules and setting a great example to fellow learners through his determination and passion. He set up a successful music festival and built his own home studio too! Leon is hoping to tour with one of his bands in the near future.