Student Spotlight - Will Derries
Did you know that Perth College UHI are the longest established audio engineering education centre in Scotland? We have maintained our status as a centre of excellence in audio education by developing courses valued by both the creative industries and academia. Our BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering is designed by industry professionals, and this skills-led honours degree aims to help graduates progress to the forefront of the sector and have sustainable and rewarding careers. We caught up with a third-year student, to hear how he has found studying at Perth College UHI.
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Will Derries, and I’m from a small village in the Eastern Scottish Borders.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI, and what year are you currently in?
I started my journey at Perth College UHI with an HNC in Sound Production, back in 2018/19. I then continued onto the BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering course and have just completed the 3rd out of 4 years on that course.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I left school in 2017, and due to my relatively young age at the time, I took a year out and worked full-time in a local garage near where my parents live - as well as playing in a Ceilidh band and working with audio production companies and bands during the evenings and weekends.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
This course stood out to me as it was the only course to offer specialised ‘live sound’ training at degree level in Scotland – which was crucial to me as this is what I knew I wanted to specialise in. The caliber of the lecturers is also incredibly high, which was the icing on the cake for me.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
Outwith COVID-19 restrictions, I love getting onto campus and working in the Goodlyburn Theatre - rigging, aligning, tuning and operating the PA system and mixing desks. It is always great to work alongside the Technical Theatre students, who do lighting, and the Music and Music Business students who always put on a great show and combined, all of these courses create such an amazing buzz – it feels like a professional gig.
Are the audio engineering facilities on-campus, good?
The facilities on campus are outstanding. Not only do we have industry-standard ‘Logic Systems Line Array with Midas Pro Series’ mixing desks in the Goodlyburn Theatre, but the Eastlake Studios are also phenomenal too. Eastlake 1 boasts excellent Quested soffit-mounted monitors, with a Neotek Elan desk and, of course, being designed by Eastlake Acoustics, it sounds absolutely phenomenal. The facilities really are of an industry standard, and allow so much scope for creativity and development, as well as producing professional-quality products.
During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?
The style of teaching invariably changed due to the pandemic. Initially, it was a tricky adjustment for all concerned due to the course being a hugely practical one. However, it soon became second nature, and the standard of teaching has remained high throughout the pandemic! The Audio Engineering department’s lecturers are all amazing, they’re great at replying to emails really quickly and make plenty of time to chat one-on-one about issues with coursework, or indeed personal issues!
Has there been any stand out/memorable moments from your course?
The best moment of my course so far has been the band days we’ve done in conjunction with the Music and Music Business departments at the College. I’ve been fortunate enough to be heavily involved in these throughout my time at Perth College UHI, and it really feels like a proper gig. It’s such a positive environment to work in, with support from lecturers should you need it.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I couldn’t mark one single achievement within my University career, there have been a huge number of positive achievements. My biggest achievement while at university, though not directly related to the course, has to be working for Fatherson as a Production Assistant at two of their biggest headline shows ever – the O2 Academy and Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow. Two days I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
You have been working as an intern for HISA Perth, alongside your studies. How have you found this experience?
I have loved working for HISA Perth alongside my studies! The team is really great and supportive, and for me it’s been a great way to diversify my skillset and communication skills - allowing me to better prepare myself for life after Graduation!
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?
It’s been great. I genuinely can’t think of a better place to study. The facilities on campus, the lecturers and the opportunities that we get presented are just amazing.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I do! I am a Watersports Instructor, working as the Chief Instructor of East Lothian Yacht Club in North Berwick - teaching sailing, powerboating, and coaching racing teams! It pretty much occupies every weekend from May to October, and every week during Summer! When I’m not teaching, I try to get across to Largs to sail on the Clyde in a friend’s yacht – which is lovely when it doesn’t rain… I also make extensive use of the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing on campus, which is a great way to unwind and clear your head, especially when working and studying at home.
What are your plans, for after you finish your course?
Needless to say, COVID-19 has done a huge amount of damage to the industry. Having said that, I’m hopeful that we will be back up and running in a vaguely normal capacity soon. My ultimate goal would be to work with a renowned folk act, such as Skippinish or Manran, as a Front of House engineer for them - but we’ll see where the next year takes us!
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
Definitely go for it! My experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and Perth is a very welcoming and laid-back place to live, with a nice student community to be a part of!
