Student Spotlight - Michelle Cameron
“The knowledge, skills and experience I have gained from studying at UHI Perth have honestly been so valuable to me. The progress I’ve made from the beginning until now is like night and day.”
At UHI Perth, we have a long-established track record of preparing our students for a career as a musician with our industry-focused accredited courses. Our friendly community allows our students to develop their creative practice, vocational and musical identity. In the blog this week, we meet Michelle who is studying for her degree in Popular Music.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Michelle Cameron and I’m from Dundee.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I’m studying Popular Music and I’m currently in my third year. My journey at Perth began in college with the NC Music course.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
When I was sixteen, I heard through a few different people that Perth had a good music course, but I didn’t apply until a few years later.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I tried a few gateway courses and taster classes through the years.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I am deeply passionate about songwriting, and it was something I spent a lot of my time doing. It took a lot of courage for me to finally apply for the course, and it was the best decision I ever made.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
I love the songwriting and sound production module most because it’s what I’m most passionate about and learning from lecturers who also love to create music and teach it to students has been one of the highlights of my experience at Perth.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I had the privilege of attending a songwriting residency with other songwriters and sound engineers from various years on the course and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. We went to Watercolour Studio in Ardgour, Fort William, and spent the whole time collaborating, writing, and creating music together. It was truly a soul-enriching experience and I’m looking forward to participating in more songwriting residencies in future.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
Oh, this is a loaded question! The knowledge, skills and experience I have gained from studying at UHI Perth have honestly been so valuable to me. The progress I’ve made from the beginning until now is like night and day. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am now without the education I’ve received here. I’ve not only seen big improvements in my musicianship, theory knowledge, songwriting, production, and collaboration skills, but also in my confidence. I genuinely believe confidence comes with competence, and my lecturers have helped build that in me through the years. I don’t think I could’ve achieved the skill level and confidence I have now without the music education I have received.
I haven’t done any work experience as part of my degree yet but I’m looking forward to doing this next year. However, performing live, collaborating with sound engineers, building healthy vocal technique, and improving my literacy skills are just some of the skills and experiences that will help me when I leave UHI Perth. There have also been workshops with music industry professionals I’ve attended that have been really useful and insightful. I just learned how to restring my guitar in a D’Addario workshop which is one of UHI Perth’s partners. Most workshops I have attended though have been really helpful in demystifying parts of the industry and I’ve gained more insight into the expectations and skills required for various parts of the industry.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Yes! Without getting too personal I’ve really struggled in my personal life over the course of my studies and having supportive and empathetic lecturers has been deeply appreciated. I wouldn’t have been able to get through my studies without the support they have given me.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I was lucky enough to be a part of a commercial audio workshop through Hen Hoose with Dan Gautreau, which was an intermediate-advanced level workshop. It was honestly an amazing experience, and I felt grateful to be there. I sent in one of my songs to be used as a mixing example and received some positive feedback. I’m not sure if that counts as an achievement or opportunity but to me it felt like both. My songwriting has been going really well too, I’ve put in a lot of work to improve my skills in this area and to me this is a personal achievement I’m looking forward to sharing publicly.
What do you like about the campus? Are the music facilities good?
I really enjoy being in Eastlake 1 listening back to the recordings I’ve produced in there with the sound engineer student I collaborate with. I’ve been in quite a few times now and it’s my favourite place on campus I would I say.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
Yes, I’ve really enjoyed my time here. As previously discussed, I think the highlights for me are the songwriting residency, workshops, and one I haven’t discussed is performing at Perth Festival last year. I had a lot of fun, and it definitely helped combat my performance anxiety.
Do you have any additional hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I really enjoy football but have taken a break whilst I finish my studies. Mostly though, I’m a geek for music and spend most of my time writing, experimenting with, and producing music.
Can we follow your music career anywhere?
I haven’t released any music yet but I’m hoping to have a song released by the end of the year! My Instagram and TikTok handles are @michellecameronmusic
What are your future career plans?
My main focus will be building my portfolio as an artist writing, producing, and performing music, but I also want to facilitate songwriting workshops, and eventually find myself working within a music company addressing and providing opportunities to people facing barriers within the music industry.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
I highly recommend studying music at Perth! Taking that leap was the best decision I ever made for myself. If music is something your passionate about, or maybe you’re unsure and want to try it out, then applying for the course is a really good step in the right direction. Not only will the course build your confidence and musicianship skills, but you’ll also meet like-minded people who also love music!
I feel compelled to speak specifically to people who maybe struggle with mental illness or are neurodivergent like myself. It’s normal to worry about whether you’ll be supported or if it’ll be too much, but there’s honestly so much support available at UHI Perth. It can be challenging at times but doing well is entirely possible! Don’t rule yourself out before you’ve even tried!
