Alumni Spotlight - Simeon Chien
“The teaching methods from the staff were helpful, and I gained confidence in my experience with music and audio engineering.”
In this week’s blog, we meet a creative industries graduate 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Simeon Chien and I’m from Dundee.
What course did you study at UHI Perth, and in what year did you complete your studies?
I studied Popular Music, which I completed in 2019 and Audio Engineering, which I completed in 2022.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard about UHI Perth from my school as I joined a school link course with the SVS department before getting a place at college.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I completed my school year with an Intermediate and Higher in music.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I chose this course because I wanted to further achieve my knowledge and experiences in music and audio engineering.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
I enjoyed meeting new people and learning new skills and techniques.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I remember joining a variety of bands on the popular music course and doing gigs out with UHI Perth. I also felt that UHI Perth helped me feel comfortable with others, such as the tutors and students, which made me feel close to them.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving UHI Perth?
I achieved musicianship skills, music networking skills, experience in the music industries and mixing and mastering skills for recording and live events.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I volunteered to join the Dundee Soul/Jazz Collective jazz school.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
I think that the teaching methods from the staff were helpful, and I gained confidence in my experience with music and audio engineering.
What did you like about the campus/facilities?
I liked the equipment that was required in the college and the staff in the study skills department were helpful and supportive with me.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
I joined the social vocational skills (SVS) department when I first attended UHI Perth.
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
I am currently unemployed but volunteering at Shelter Scotland and performing gigs with a variety of different bands as well as continuing writing my own songs and playing various instruments.
Can we follow your work anywhere?
My website https://simeonchien1.wixsite.com/mysite
BandCamp https://simeonchien.bandcamp.com
Twitter @SimeonChien
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
Yes, it has helped me feel confident and I’ve gained experience within the music and audio engineering industries.
What are your future career plans?
I am hoping to get a job and continue performing my own gigs.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
Yes, I enjoyed learning new skills and techniques and meeting new people.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
For anyone studying at UHI Perth, I would say that the college is a great environment to study at - particularly if you are looking to achieve a career in music, audio engineering or music business and the staff are really friendly, supportive, and trustworthy towards the students.
