Student Spotlight - Kirsty Taylor
If you’re looking to pursue a career as a musician, our industry-focused accredited Music courses will help you to prepare for success. Within our friendly community, you will develop your creative practice and vocational and musical identity.
Created by professional musicians, our Popular Music degree helps to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence required by employers, and for self-employment, in the music industry. Current student, Kirsty, shares her experience 👇
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Kirsty and I’m from Dundee.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I’m a fourth-year student studying BA (Hons) Popular Music.
“The BA (Hons) Popular Music degree at UHI Perth is a highly rated and well-established music course that will equip you with the portfolio of skills and knowledge required for a successful career in today’s music industries. On successful completion you will be able to enter areas of employment such as performing, composing, song writing, instrumental teaching, music production and enter academic teaching and research through future postgraduate study”
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard about the college while researching courses to take after secondary school. I was also already aware of the course as some older students from my school and from guitar ensemble were studying it too.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I came to college straight after S6, so I was mainly focusing on my exams. I was really involved with the music department by taking part in competitions, performing at concerts, and volunteering in my free time. I was also a part of the Dundee Schools Guitar Ensemble and performed at the spring concert and Christmas concert every year.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I’ve been interested in music ever since I started taking guitar lessons at the age of 9, but that interest really started to grow while I was at school. I decided on Popular Music at UHI Perth because I’d heard that it was one of the best places to study music. The modules all looked really interesting to me, and they seemed varied enough that I could experience loads of different areas of the industry. This was important to me because, although I knew I wanted to work in music, I wasn’t sure which area I wanted to focus on.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about the course is how practical it is. Even more theory-based modules tend to have a practical element to them so you can apply the theoretical knowledge you’ve learned in class to a more real-life scenario. Not only does it make modules more fun, but it also better prepares you for a career in the industry.
I also like how flexible the assessments can be. You can focus on areas that interest you the most in each subject which makes studying more enjoyable.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I’ve gained loads of knowledge about every sector of the music industry and have built skills that will help me going forward in whatever I choose to do in life. The work experience aspects have really helped me too and the connections that the college have are so useful. I actually discovered a volunteering opportunity with Solas Festival in the summer through the college.
I’ve also built strong connections with other students. This year especially, we’re all helping each other out with our creative honour’s projects. Other students are recording vocals and different instruments for my project while I’m helping them with recording guitar and co-writing songs.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
Last year, I took a teaching placement in the music department at my old school for my teaching and learning practices module. It gave me the opportunity to assist in S1-6 music and music technology classes. This year, I have organised a work placement with Horsecross Arts for my professional development 2 module. This placement will be a great opportunity to gain more experience in the field that interests me the most so I’m really looking forward to it.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
My lecturers have all been very supportive. They’re always willing to take the time to answer any questions and explain anything you don’t understand.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
One of my favourite places to get my work done is the library. It has desks to work on right next to the music section, which is perfect when I’m working on an essay.
I also like how we can book the studios and practice rooms for free in the Goodlyburn building to help us work on our projects. This has been really useful for me this year.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I’ve really enjoyed studying here, some highlights for me are the assessment gigs that we did at Church, Mucky’s and The Twa Tams. It’s a great opportunity to meet up and actually see what everyone has been working on during the year. I’m looking forward to our honour’s year exposition for the same reason.
Where can we follow your work?
You can follow my work on my Creative Honours Project here:
Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of college?
Other than playing my guitar, I like to read and crochet in my free time.
What are your future career plans?
I’m planning on studying a master’s degree in arts, festival, and cultural management after completing my undergraduate since I’m aiming for a career in this area. The course has shown me that I tend to prefer modules based around the business side of the industry rather than writing and performing. Although I still hope that I’ll continue to write and perform some more in the future too!
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Have a look for a course that suits you and apply. There are so many different kinds of courses on offer that you’ll definitely find the one for you.
