Music students at South Downs have put their industry skills to the test, taking over the College theatre to plan and deliver their own live music festival.
Level 4 Music students formed their own company, ‘Curios Collective’ and took responsibility for every aspect of running the event. From booking bands and overseeing the set-up to producing risk assessments and managing health and safety, students experienced first-hand what it takes to bring a live event to life.
They also took charge of stage management, sound and lighting, while stepping into the spotlight themselves to perform as part of the festival.
The Level 4 Music course at South Downs is designed to bridge the gap between education and the music industry, giving students opportunities to put their learning into practice in realistic working environments. Handing control of the theatre to Curios Collective gave the group the chance to work under real operation pressure and take responsibility for the different elements involved in delivering a live event.
Collaboration was also at the heart of the project, bringing together performers, sound engineers, stage managers and student photographers. This included collaboration with Level 4 Art and Design student Sunny, who photographed the event.
By taking ownership of the festival from planning through to performance, students were able to develop a broad range of practical, technical and professional skills that will help prepare them for future careers in the creative industries.
Music Lecturer Chris Earle said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of our Level 4 students. Forming ‘Curious Collective’ and running a live festival from the ground up showed exactly what South Downs Music is all about: turning creative passion into practical, real-world industry skills. Seeing them collaborate so effectively across every technical, managerial and performance role proves they are truly industry-ready.”
The hands-on experience is just one example of how students at South Downs are given opportunities to develop their skills beyond the classroom and gain experience of working within the creative industries.