Nine years ago, alumna Laura Kamau began her journey at Havant & South Downs College with a Vocational course in Music. Now she is a Music Lecturer herself, Laura has said that it was the ‘relationship built between the class and lecturers’ that was the best part of her HSDC experience.
Laura studied a BTEC Diploma in Music Technology and a BTEC Award in Music Performance from 2008 and 2011. She now lecturers at a Music College in Southampton where she specialises in vocal performance and also teaches modules around music theory, general musicianship, music business, in the community, event management and keyboard skills.
But Laura has said it was at HSDC where she learned her craft to prepare her for the future.
She said: “The teaching styles I received from the music department defined my own. I continue to use techniques taught to me from my course in studio recordings and live performances. Also, the courses were monumental in building my confidence and ability.”
And Laura’s talents extend beyond her career, as in her spare time she performs as the vocalist for a band that plays at functions, weddings and festivals.
Talking about the highlights of her time at HSDC, Laura said: “The course itself was a highlight of mine – being very practical yet educational, whilst relevant to the working music industry.
“Being a full time BTEC course, it is well rounded in giving students the opportunity to experience different avenues of Music Technology – studio time, live sound engineering, producing and composition.
“In regards to the BTEC Music Performance Award, the rehearsals themselves were a personal highlight – fun, practical and exploratory; working towards a gig in a well loved and respected music venue.”
For Laura, her time at College shaped what she is doing today, almost a decade on.
Offering advice to the future generation of students, Laura added: “Soak in the lecturers’ knowledge as best as you can.
“Make notes. Apply it to your musicianship, both in and outside of College. Make the effort. If you go on to university, they might not be so forthcoming with giving you time, additional help, advice and guidance.
“You don’t know how good you have it in the music department at HSDC!”
For more information on our Music courses, click here.