UON Music students are first undergraduates to sample new industry careers project

Getting into one of the toughest artistic industries is becoming less daunting for University of Northampton Music students.

The team are exploring a new working arrangement with Marshall Amplification that looks set to benefit young music talent.

High profile acts and musicians attract the lion’s share of music industry attention. But getting your foot in the door is notoriously difficult, especially for younger performers.

Other professions suffer from lack of exposure and development, but many have strong career pathways, such as sound engineering, marketing and publicity and events planning.

But Marshall is spearheading a revolution by developing the next generation of music pros with a new education project for young people.

Marshall’s Education Department arms young people wanting to make it in music with advice and practical and theory lessons. They also work with local schools, colleges and, most recently, higher education after reaching out to UON.

A group of UON’s Music Production students – joined by their performance studies peers – took full advantage when Marshall recently opened their doors to give a taster of the industry.

After a factory tour, students saw how the recording studio and ‘live room’ (where all the sound happens, from instruments to vocalists), to see how everything operates.

Finally, they had a Q&A session with the studio’s Live Agency and played guitar after choosing and setting up their preferred amps.

Alexander Hall was one of the students who went on the inaugural visit and says: “Marshall have shown us the key to the music industry by which everything runs by. The factory had all the key components in bringing the music out, such as the studio and the construction of musical equipment. Just coming away appreciating the industry was worth the visit alone to appreciate the industry, and it has motivated me even more!”

Steph Carter, Head of Education at Marshall Amplification, adds: “It was great to host the students for the day. We were seriously impressed with how they engaged with the studio team. They worked well and were super proactive.

“We want to create more ethical and sustainable careers in the industry. Although it’s still early days for our Education Department and the University, we’re already looking at other promising avenues with UON. Watch this space for more.”

Find out more about Music courses at University of Northampton.