HE Music Performance Technologies Students Impress at Project Showcase.

South Staffordshire College Foundation Degree Music Performance Technologies students took to the University of Wolverhampton Performance Hub to demonstrate their creative and innovative final major projects to a panel of lecturers & industry experts.

They certainly did not disappoint!

Students used all the knowledge gained from the past two years on the Foundation Degree Music Performance Technologies course to wow the panel with their concepts.

From a two-string guitar created to offer improved instrument accessibility for those with disabilities, to DJ software incorporated with motion sensor technology made from a plastic container were some of the highly innovative projects presented.

Mature Student, Simon Dunn, 51, presenting his Two-String guitar to the panel

51-year-old student Simon Dunn, who’s final concept was a two-string guitar, designed for people with limited accessibility. “By removing the other four strings and replicating them in custom made software, it makes the instruments simpler and easier to play. This helps break down the barriers between musician’s with higher needs and a traditional guitarist.”

Simon went on to highlight the positive impact the course has had an him and why he aims to challenge the stigma surrounded mature students.

“The course has developed me as a musician and a technologist in more ways than I could have imagined. I’ve been given music theory that I didn’t have before and have been exposed to different music. I’ve improved my sound production skills and generally broadened my horizon’s in every way. All the teaching staff have been approachable and have always been on hand to help when needed. Ultimately the course at South Staffordshire College has been life changing and I would highly recommend it to any adult seeking to start a course at an older age It’s never too late!”

Highly creative and innovative instrument that uses motion sense technology to create samples.

On the panel assessing the student’s projects, sat three individuals with great experience within the industry. Kris Halpin, Singer, Songwriter and ambassador for the Mi.Mu gloves, the world’s most advanced wearable musical instrument, for expressive creation, composition and performance.

Matt Bellingham, Senior Lecturer & Music Technology Subject Lead at Wolverhampton University with over 20-years of experience in the Music Production industry, and Josh Gledhill Music Producer, Audio Programmer and Sound Designer specialising in MIDI technology.

Kris had nothing but glowing reviews about the students work, highlighting their acknowledgement of an inclusive approach to design that would welcome disabled people, as a key factor.

“Course Leader Chris Payne has done an amazing job teaching these guys; I was genuinely blown away by what they’ve achieved! I look forward to following these technologist’s careers in the future.”

The highest of praise was also given to the students from Course lead Chris Payne, who had this to say about the student’s projects:

“The students have worked tremendously hard on this course and have made products that showcase how music and the creative arts can span many other disciplines as a force for good in the world. The standard of work is so high that some students are looking to become academic authors by publishing their work officially.”

With their two years of study at South Staffordshire College coming to an end, most students are now looking to continue their education at the University of Wolverhampton, progressing on to the Bachelor qualification.

Music Performance Technologies is a unique and exciting course held at our Tamworth Campus and accredited by the University of Wolverhampton.

You’ll be at the pinnacle of Music innovation as you learn how to create original performance tools and instruments for the performance environment.

You’ll also learn how to create professional recordings and soundscapes in our industry standard recording studio, and take your performance skills to the next level as you demonstrate the latest ground breaking technology in the industry.