Studying one of our sound and music technology courses allows you access to a range of industry-standard equipment to support your learning and projects.
When you start one of these courses, we do not expect you to know how to use every piece of kit that we have to offer – if you have any pre-existing experience that is a bonus but not required.
Our sound and music courses are designed to teach you the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the industry, and with that, we teach you how to use equipment in lectures and classes. This is where our Studio Manager, Matthew Cheshire comes in!
Whether you want to explore all that the equipment has to offer, book some kit for projects or need some advice about using the equipment – Matt will be around to help.
We caught up with Matt to ask him some questions about his role to get to know him a little better.
When did you become Studio Manager?
I have been working as a Studio Manager at BCU since 2016, after I graduated from the BSc (Hons) Sound and Engineering Production course.
What are your areas of interest?
I am particularly interested in music production, recording/mixing and coding so I can help with any of these! After my undergraduate degree I started a full time PhD, but switched to part time PhD when I started working as the full time studio manager.
What are some of your daily responsibilities?
I am responsible for managing the recording studios in Millennium Point. Both Sound Engineering and Production and Music Technology students use these studios.
Within this I generally maintain the facilities to ensure everything is working smoothly, I am responsible for issuing equipment to students to use such as microphones, I deal with repairs and orders and provide assistance to studio based modules – and generally keep on top of running the great equipment that we have here.
How do you work with students?
I work with students by advising on best studio practice and recommend suitable microphones for recording projects. I am always around to provide technical assistance for students using equipment to develop their knowledge and understanding of how things work, and I also deal with any technical difficulties as and when they arise.
How can students find you?
I am usually located around the recording studios, helping with set up. However, I always encourage students to email me where possible to book a time to meet, or if they need assistance and cannot find me, I will always respond quickly via email or Microsoft Teams.
What is your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of the job is hearing the professional sound tracks that are recorded in our studios by all levels of students. Listening to students’ work sounding so professional and great is a real testament to the students’ capabilities and to the equipment that we have here.
What advice would you give to students thinking about studying on the course?
Make sure that you choose a subject that you are deeply passionate about. Here you will learn all of the skills and knowledge to have a great career, but it will be the passion and drive that you have within yourself for the subject that will make it a success.
