The Rhythm Studio’s annual Career Development Week returned with a bang last week with selection of trips, masterclasses, workshops and panel sessions designed to break the mould of our typical working weeks and broaden perspectives around future career paths.
The week started with an unforgettable trip to the Royal Albert Hall for a presentation of traditional Japanese Sumo wrestling. With Japan’s elite maku-uchi rikishi (wrestlers) descending on London for the first time since 1991 to complete in a 5-day tournament, our students were lucky enough to be invited to learn about the 1500 year history of the sport, discover the ceremonial rituals involved and witness the power and athleticism of the wrestlers.
A selection of music industry masterclasses took place across the week in our own performance space, including a session focussed on PR and artist management with Halestorm's Steph Whitehead-Rees (Pixie Lott, McFly), and a visit from South London hop hop artist Trage, who shared practical strategies for young musicians looking to launch an artist career. Higher Education pathways were also represented, with Seth Scott-Deuchar from the Produced & Electronic Music course at Guildhall, and Joe Newman from the Popular Music Performance course at Goldsmiths sharing information on options for further study beyond The Rhythm Studio.
Visits from inspirational alumni always prove a highlight of Career Development Week and this year was no exception. Guidhall graduate Harry Ling, aka Mackwood, brought along his three-piece fusion band for a mini-gig featuring songs from his acclaimed album Master Changes, then advised students on becoming a session musician, songwriting and studying at Conservatoires. This year's alumni panel session featured Cosima Accurso, Shania Sabrina, Finlay Gee and Dan Rowson, offered the chance to discover their different routes into the industry, from higher education at Leeds Conservatoire and Trinity Laban, to internships at labels Sunday Best and Don't Sleep. Following the panel session, 20 young sixth form acts performed for our alumni guests who then nominated performers for our upcoming showcase events at Ladbroke Hall and Raw Material.
The week came to an exciting conclusion with a Black History Month gig in partnership with West London College, a trip to London's Tate Modern, where students immersed themselves in the gallery's world renowned contemporary art collection, and a return visit from Carl Smith, co-founder, writer and performer of STOMP, to lead one of his uplifting junk percussion workshops. Heartfelt thanks go out to our guests who contributed to a memorable week for all involved!
