Tell us a bit about
yourself.
Working under the name CoriAnder, I am an electronic music producer, composer and DJ. I have
written and co-written over 80 songs, produced and remixed other artists’ work
and released five albums and one EP. I have also been interviewed and had
several of my songs played on BBC Introducing.
Having
graduated with a first-class Honours degree in Popular Music, I look forward to
continuing my studies at Edinburgh Napier University with a PhD in Music. I am also
employed as a part-time Music Technology Lecturer at the University. My job is
to teach secondary school students how to use industry-standard software to
record, edit and mix music.
What was your role in
bringing the Rip It Up exhibition to life?
I was selected
to represent the music department on an interdisciplinary agency of seven
Edinburgh Napier students. We were tasked with designing an advertising
campaign for the National Museum of Scotland’s exhibition on Scottish popular
music, ‘Rip It Up’, with the aim to increase the number of young people
visiting the museum.
We decided to
film several short music videos with four up-and-coming Scottish bands/artists
in the museum. From these videos we created a series of social media clips,
blog posts and interviews targeted at young people.
As music
representative, my job was to arrange music video shoots with four
bands/artists that were currently making waves in the Scottish pop music scene
and looked set to dominate the airwaves in the near future.
What did you learn during this
experience?
I learned to
work well under pressure and with others. The experience also introduced me to
the world of creative advertising. As a team made up of Advertising, Graphic
Design, Journalism, Music, Photography and Television students, I believe that
we all learned a great deal, having shared our skills, contacts and industry
knowledge with each other.
I recall the challenge of finding a compromise that satisfied all team members. The group
comprised of several large personalities with equally valid opinions on how the finished product should transpire. We learned to respect and listen to each
other’s views and I believe that the project benefited from this collaborative
approach.
Plans for the future?
Upon completion
of my PhD, I hope to achieve my career goal of becoming a music lecturer in a
college or university. I already work as a part-time Music Technology Lecturer
and take great pride in my role tutoring the next generation of Scotland’s
musicians. I am also working closely with the music staff at the university to
adapt my Honours project into a substantial music technology professional
development course.
There was nothing more influential to me than benefitting from a top-notch
music education delivered by inspirational music teachers and lecturers. The
undertaking of a PhD will undoubtedly enhance my musical, pedagogical,
collaborative and research skills, enabling me to achieve my full potential as
a music lecturer inspiring the next generation of young musicians.
At a time of
financial austerity, I believe that it has become more important than ever to
ensure young people in Scotland have access to a high-quality music education,
regardless of background or income. I look forward to playing my part in
ensuring this is the case.
Any advice?
My advice for
any current or prospective Edinburgh Napier student? Take on as many
opportunities as you can, for you never really know where they might lead.
Not all paths
will lead anywhere. But an open mind, coupled with a real passion for your
subject and a strong determination to succeed, will eventually and inevitably
lead you down the path that is right for you.
Corin Anderson is a Music Technology
Lecturer for Edinburgh Napier’s Music Tech Academy
programme.
