Celebrations

Michelle Mone at Motherwell College

HND Music students at Motherwell College were treated to a very special guest lecture by one of the UK’s top entrepreneurs.

Ultimo boss Michelle Mone paid a visit to the college earlier this month. As part of the music course, the students not only record and perform within bands as part of assessment but they have to study the business side of the music industry.

As well as giving advice in marketing a brand, networking and seeking funding for arts projects, Michelle gave the students business advice on the individual music projects which are currently being assessed.

And she spoke in detail about how to market a product online through social media, how to network at corporate events and manage a budget whilst dealing with overheads.

Course lecturer Scott Cowie said: “We are absolutely delighted that entrepreneurs such as Michelle Mone take the time out of their busy schedules to talk to our music students.

“We can give our students their music education but there is nothing to beat hearing directly on how to succeed, from the big names in business and the music industries.”

Michelle Mone is one of many well-known people to deliver a guest lecture to the music course students. Others include T in the Park promoters Dave McGheachan and Dave Corbitt, top music journalist Billy Sloan, and Wet Wet Wet’s Graeme Clarke.

The college music courses have a strong partnership with the Foundry Music Lab in which most of the practical and recording sides of the course are delivered.

The Motherwell-based professional recording and rehearsal facility was founded by Graeme Duffin (guitarist with Wet Wet Wet), Ted Blakeway and Sandy Jones. The college has worked with the Foundry since 2006.