SAE Institute already have a reputation worldwide as the leading educators in music production – and with guest lecturers like Dubstar’s Steve Hillier on the roster, SAE students get the best real world education too…
SAE colleges throughout the UK are well known and respected for the level of knowledge and real-world experience that goes into each and every diploma. But it’s not just about the academic side of learning – SAE also pride themselves on their rock-solid industry links. While the academic side of an SAE education is crucially important, it’s knowing exactly how the knowledge learned fits into the real world that sets SAE students apart from the rest.
An ongoing and unique source of inspiration for the students are the regular talks that are given by guest lecturers, people who are chosen because they are working experts in their chosen fields.
The latest of these guest lectures was given by Steve Hillier, who has spent the best part of his lifetime in the music industry in one role or another. Musician, producer, doorman, songwriter, DJ and promoter aptly refer to various sections of his working life and tireless enthusiasm for the music industry, but it was the launch of critically acclaimed band Dubstar in the ’90s that saw him take on the mantle of pop star. Who better to lecture and advise what are surely the next generation of super-producers to be coming through the ranks?
Steve Hillier began the lecture explaining his experiences working in the music industry, before taking over an hour of questions from the packed floor. He explained his route through the maze of the entertainment world, starting at the age of 15 as a promoter in south London, via his adventures in the North East as a DJ, Dubstar signing to EMI in the mid ’90s, selling loads of records and then graduating to being a record producer and songwriter in the 21st century.
In the question and answer session, Steve talked about the challenges facing the record industry today, and gave lots of tips on how to get ahead in a very troubled and uncertain market. There was a lot of interest in his first hand experiences working with the larger record companies and how much money you can make as a songwriter (which is either lots and lots, or nothing at all!)
Steve Hillier: “There are so many myths that circulate about the music world, which is why I think it’s so important that colleges like SAE have guest speakers who can tell their students the truth. It’s important that students can hear the stories of people working in the music business – it helps them develop a path for themselves.
SAE’s Industry Lectures are gaining popularity, not only as an insight into the real world that students will encounter when they’ve earned their diplomas, but also as a way to contextualise their education. SAE Industry Lectures take place every month.
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