Success Stories - Lifelong Learning Alumni
I studied on the BTEC National Certificate in Music Technology at Red Tape in 2006. I spent the majority of my time there in the recording studios and MIDI lab.
Specific roles that I am assigned include studio cameras, satellite news gathering (technical ingests - tape to server dubs), VT editing and broadcast sound operation.
Key skills picked up during my time at Red Tape Studios have allowed me to comfortably work on an analogue sound desk in a live environment.
Tom Minton
Tom Minton
In 2006 I attended Red Tape Studios to complete the BTEC Certificate in Music Technology. I was drawn to Red Tape Studios because of its great studio spaces and the level of experience that could be found in the tutors.
My experience here encouraged me to continue my education in this field and complete a Diploma at Barnsley College before heading to Leeds Met University to complete my BSc in Music Technology.
After doing this I have taken an active role in the music community. For 3 years I toured with a post rock instrumental 4 piece, playing venues around the UK - taking an interest in the live sound process as well as the lifestyle. As I am not playing in a band any more I have started to promote and travel with numerous unsigned, independent musicians, helping them develop promotional products and working closely with the in house engineers to help get the best possible sound.
I have also worked with Andy Bell, a local folk recording engineer, recording artists such as Bellowhead, Richard Hawley, John Boden, Martin Simpson and Kate Rusby. Now I am working at Barnsley College, developing my teaching skills and experience in the business department.
My plan over the next few years is to complete my teaching education and to continue working in the music department here, teaching Sound Design and Sound for the Moving Image.
Red Tape Studios was a fantastic foot in the door for my career. The staff and services were fantastic and it has provided me with both the confidence and skills needed for the industry.
Callum Wear
Callum Wear
Since completing the year long BTEC in Music Technology, I have been involved in hundreds of live events, ranging from lending a hand at small club nights to sound engineering for large events with hundreds of people. Whilst completing the course I had aspirations to be a live sound engineer.
Red Tape gave me the technical skills for the job and is also where I met the people necessary in order to get work at events. After leaving I went on to complete a BTEC in Electronic Engineering, which further specialised my skills.
Since then I have worked for promotion companies, sound systems, clubs, jazz nights, crew companies, studios, been self-employed as a sound engineer and am now living in London, working as an engineering technician for one of the world's foremost acoustic consultancies (Arup Acoustics).
Red Tape was invaluable in getting me to where I am today and gave me a very thorough grounding in the subject I was passionate about, giving me a broad enough knowledge to open up many potential career paths.
Jay Reilly
Jay Reilly
I completed the BTEC in Music Technology in 2008 which then led me onto an HND in the same subject at Leeds Met University. After successfully completing this I continued for another year to achieve a full BSc degree, ultimately achieving a 2:1.
In my final year I completed an internship at small local Sheffield record label 'Itchy Pig' covering the myriad of day to day duties including digi-op's, marketing/promo campaigns, publishing, office admin (mainly!) and so on. Upon completion of this and finishing university I was asked to stay on to build up the publishing side of the label - essentially becoming self employed - for a percentage of the business should it succeed.
This is what I'm currently doing. The workload's extremely demanding with the pay-off still some way away. I have also helped out with various projects and club night's assisting with set-up, sound and decor etc. I'm also hoping to complete an EP for Itchy Pig soon.
I can easily say Red Tape was my happiest experience in and around music to date and that's no disrespect to anything that came after. I suppose it was just a comfortable and happy period with the excitement of becoming involved with music on an academic level for the first time.
Michael Lawrence
Michael Lawrence
I started the NCFE in Music Technology at Red Tape in 2005 and then went on to the BTEC in Music Technology in 2007. My time at Red Tape has been invaluable in training my skills in music and audio technology and developing myself for further study and employment in this area.
The excellent staff not only gave me a fantastic grounding in the theory and contextual background governing the use of audio recording and production technologies, but also offered me the chance to experiment practically with these technologies in a structured but highly enjoyable fashion.
Since Red Tape, I have worked for three years as a live sound engineer for a Sheffield based promotions company and undergone a year's internship with the London Symphony Orchestra. I am now in my final year studying for a BSc in Music Technology, and am currently developing a portfolio that demonstrates my ability to produce and implement interactive audio content for video games.
If not for Red Tape, I can honestly say that I have no idea what I would be doing now - but I do know that it would not be anywhere near as rewarding or as related to my passion for music.
Jack Walker
Jack Walker
I studied for 2 years at Red Tape Studios. In my first year at I took part in the Performing Arts course both Level 1 & 2 in which we covered various aspects of live event and song writing. This was great experience for me as I then went on to become a drummer in a band.
My second year at Red Tape was studying on the BTEC Music Technology course which covered some of the most important and valuable areas of the music industry such as business, computer music and recording.
After finishing Red Tape I then went on to study Music Technology at North Notts College to improve my skills even further in this area. After college I then went on to study Music Technology at the University of Hertfordshire in which I have currently just finished my second year.
I also founded Insight Music Promotions and Insight Records in which I promote and release underground EDM music on all major music socialising websites. We have worked with artists worldwide and are constantly improving our reputation and online presence in the ever growing world of digital music.
Stefan Baranowski
Stefan Baranowski
I started studying at Red Tape Studios in 2009 undertaking three Level 1 night classes a week - Music Production, DJ Skills and Recording. From here I progressed to Level 2. After obtaining these qualifications I found I had a platform for joining the Level 3 BTEC in Music Technology.
I thoroughly enjoyed this course passing with enough UCAS points so I could progress to Leeds Metropolitan University.
I began studying at Leeds in 2010. I noticed that because of Red Tape’s unique style of hands on learning in a real studio environment I advanced easily through parts of my degree. In 2013 I finished university and graduated with a 2:2 BSc in Music Technology.
Along my journey in music technology I have had the pleasure of meeting industry professionals such as Rudimental, Andreya Triana and Rhianna Kenny. As well as music I’ve also been involved with sound to film projects working along side director Rob McClellan at Pinewood studios in London.
This was fantastic experience as it helped me to broaden my horizons and show me a whole new side to sound. Directly from this I completed work for the NHS in Sheffield which was for a young people's diabetes campaign.
My future plans to date are to continue with my education further in order to gain qualifications in teaching, allowing me to work with young people and help share knowledge and experience I have gained.
Ashley Congreve
Ashley Congreve
When I finished the BTEC Music Technology programme in 2011 the first thing I got into was voluntary work. I initially worked as a music technician at a local school, assisting the head of the music department in roles such as; repairing musical instruments and equipment, assisting with the setting up of new music facilities (including a brand new recording studio) and preparation of work for the new year.
This then led to a part time contract that lasted until June 2012. In August 2012 I was looking into stage hand work (roadie) but wasn't sure how to get into it. I was given a number for an agency, rang up in September 2012, and was taken on! It's mostly freelance work providing support at venues locally and nationally, including the Sheffield Motorpoint Arena and O2 Academy, LS Live in Wakefield and even stadiums such as the Ricoh in Coventry.
I work with touring crews for artists such as Lionel Richie, George Michael, Muse, Catherine Jenkins, Biffy Clyro, Bruce Springsteen, System of a Down, Skrillex and Arctic Monkeys…as well as many more! This year I also worked both the main stage and NME stage at Leeds Festival.
I feel studying at Red Tape opened many doors for me, not everyone wants to carry on with further education and go to university - I didn't. I feel that without the experience and knowledge of the tutors at Red Tape, and with everything I learnt there, I wouldn't have been able to get the job I currently have.
As well as working as a roadie I also now work as a Music Resources Technician at Red Tape. If after reading this you decide to study at RT please feel free to come and have a chat – I may be able to help you just as I was a number of years ago!
Kyle Morton
Kyle Morton
In 2009 I started a basic music production course at Red Tape Studios. At the time I had just started teaching myself how to produce electronic music but as there was a lot to take in I needed a more structured way of learning. This is why I initially went to Red Tape.
Eventually I started the full time BTEC Music Technology course where I came to learn a lot more about music production, recording and the music industry. I was also learning from tutors that already had careers and were actively involved in the music industry - I could ask any question and they would give an answer along with their opinion and stories from their own careers to back them up.
Being at Red Tape encouraged me to get more involved in the music scene - it directly influenced me to start performing gigs around Sheffield as a live solo electronic artist. When I left Red Tape I decided not to go to university as I wanted to work more on my live music project. I played more and more gigs around Sheffield then as my fan base grew I started getting gigs in other cities.
Since then I have played gigs all over the UK including the SuperByte festival in Manchester, YNot festival in Derbyshire and I recently opened for 808 State and the Happy Mondays in Scarborough at the open air theatre.
Since leaving Red Tape I have kept in touch with the tutors that taught me and they have always been there to offer advice. I have continued to play gigs and work on my music. Later this year I will be flying over to Japan to perform in Tokyo and Kyoto and finally, nearer to home in Holland.
Harley Raine
Harley Raine
Thanks to the course I did at Red Tape (BTEC Level 3 Diploma), I was able to enter SOAS (University of London) studying Japanese and Music. Courses at Red Tape offer in-depth study of each particular area, tricks of the trade from real musicians and inside knowledge you won't get from a book.
Studying at Red Tape I learned invaluable information about mixing, equipment, recording, synthesis and sampling. Whatever type of music you're interested in, if you're looking for a job or a way into university, Red Tape can provide that crucial step. I can't recommend the courses here more!
Sam Jones
Sam Jones
Since leaving Red Tape I have recorded numerous bands and been on tour with my own band – Smiling Ivy. The skills I learnt at Red Tape have helped me both perform and record. I love recording bands and I love being in the studio - I love that I can now do both of these things knowing that I can deliver a product to the band that sounds good and has been done to a professional standard.
As far as my own band goes, things are really starting to look like we could go somewhere. We have been booked for some great gigs across England and Europe over the last year and made some great contacts. We’ve had some unforgettable nights and made some serious money!
We plan to embark on another European tour this year after a jam packed festival season. Since leaving Red Tape I’ve completed a teacher training course which means, should the opportunity arise, I would be able to go and join the team there and help other student’s progress in the same way that all my lecturers helped me.
All in all I had an amazing time at Red Tape. I believe anyone who is even slightly interested in music or the music business should really go in and talk to one of the tutor’s. If you do you will definitely be leaving with an application form, I promise you that! I am still in contact with many of my fellow students that I met there and also many of the tutor’s - they help you even after you leave! In one way or another I will be back at Red Tape!
Sam Dormer
Sam Dormer
Studying a BTEC at Red Tape has helped me to progress as a musician, producer, song-writer and DJ which can be seen by my success as an electronic music producer, having released music both internationally and locally whilst studying.
As someone who has always been interested in and influenced by a broad spectrum of musical techniques and genres, the BTEC at Red Tape has helped me to develop all the skills I need to succeed in a wide range of musical activities.
For me, this now means progressing to university to gain a degree in Music Technology from the University of West London. The real-world experience of the staff was a huge positive for me when studying at Red Tape, as I was able to learn about the industry from a first-hand approach.
Richard McCormick
Richard McCormick
The Level 3 BTEC Music Technology helped me enormously. At the moment I am doing my degree in Sound Design for Movies and Animation at SAE Bangalore, India. I’m resident DJ at No Limit bar & lounge in Bangalore playing a mixture of music.
I’m working on my debut album which is nearly ready for the final mastering process. I’ve also done some minor work for a few Bollywood movies that will be released before 2014. So after the BTEC everything has turned out great for me, thanks to Red Tape and the tutor’s.
Hamid Noori
Hamid Noori
After finishing my A-levels I went on to study at Red Tape Studios between 2012 and 2013; I studied the NCFE Level 1 Computer Music Production short course before progressing to the BTEC Level 3 Music Technology programme.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Red Tape and throughout the year I acquired a range of new skills which formed the perfect basis for me to go on and achieve what I wanted and more within my studies and promotional work.
When my time at Red Tape was over I fulfilled a long held ambition of moving to the United States to work and further my studies. I am now a proud resident of America and having the time of my life in New Jersey/New York. I am currently a student at Seton Hall University where I study Business and Qualitative Marketing. As well as my studies, I also intern at Electric Lady Studios in NYC.
I already have experience of being involved in large scale music events and promotional work, securing sponsorship with a number of international blue chip companies. In the future I hope to achieve a career in the entertainment business. I believe that the experience and knowledge I gained at Red Tape will be highly beneficial for me throughout my working life.
Thanks Red Tape!
Tokiah Kennedy
Tokiah Kennedy
Bruce Scott has become the latest success for Red Tape Central's CCNA guru Ray Hill.
Ray, who recently received the title of CCNA expert tutor, confirming him as one of the top 10% in the world, has scored yet another success after receiving an email from a previous student Bruce Scott informing him that he is now studying network engineering at MSc level.
This could later lead on to Bruce undertaking his PHD in Network Engineering.
Bruce attested that his drive to succeed in this area was "thanks to your (Ray's) infectious enthusiasm for all things networking and a unique teaching style."
We wish Bruce all the best in his study, and celebrate his achievement.
