Katie Rogers

What attracted you to studying at Kent?

I live in Kent so I can commute to uni. I do really like the Medway campus though, if I hadn’t, I would have gone somewhere else! It's quite small so you get to know a lot of people and it has a real community feel.

Why did you choose to study music?

I've been playing the piano since I was seven and I was very involved in music events at school. Originally, I applied to do Computer Science but I decided to switch because I just couldn't see myself enjoying anything as much as music. The University made it very easy for me to change course.

Were you attracted to your course because of the ‘technology’ element?

Yes, it's so cool. I had taken instrument exams and studied music genres and its history but I didn’t know a lot about the technical side or the music industry. They were areas I was very interested in learning more about.

How would you describe your lecturers?

They all have experience of working in the music industry. They specialise in different areas, so there’s always someone you can talk to whatever you’re working on and they’re all very helpful.

There is other support too. Recently someone from the Student Learning Advisory Service spoke to us about how they can help us. It's good to know that the support is there if you need it.

What module have you enjoyed the most and why?

That’s hard, I’ve done so many! Last year I took a module that focused on post-production sound for TV and film, including sound and other audio effects; it was so interesting. I also took a module about taking music into the community. As part of that I worked with Year 10 students in a local school. I hadn’t done anything like it before and really enjoyed it. I feel it has opened up new opportunities for me in areas I hadn’t considered before.

I’ve also started work on my dissertation. I’m looking at record labels in the digital age and whether having a deal with a major label is still key to being successful in the industry and comparing that to what it’s like to be an independent artist. There’s lots to think about and I’m in the process of narrowing the focus down at the moment.

Have you enjoyed learning the new technical skills?

Yes. I’ve found the challenge of combining my traditional music skills with the technical side really interesting. The transition was quite hard at first but the support has been very good.

What about your fellow students?

One of the best things about studying music is that everyone is passionate about the subject and we all have different interests. Some of us specialise in performance while others are more focused on the technical side. There are lots of opportunities to work collaboratively because everybody has different areas that they're good at. It’s really cool.

Describe the facilities?

The facilities were a big draw for me. There are recording studios, rehearsal rooms, and an equipment store so that you can book out the items you need. You get training too and take a proficiency test, once you’ve passed that you can use the mixing desks and book the studios. The library is great too.

What about the social life at Medway?

It's good. In my year, there were more people commuting than I expected, it’s good to be with people in the same situation as me as well as the people who live at uni. I live locally anyway so it’s easy for me to be a part of everything.

Have you joined any societies?

I’m part of the Music Society and go along to the open mic nights they run every week at the Deep End on campus. I’ve made lots of friends; we all get together to practice and then perform at the events. I wasn’t always keen on performing but the more I do it the more I enjoy it.

What else do you get up to?

I’m a student ambassador, so talk to people thinking of coming to Kent at Open Days. I also work in a school a few hours a week helping out with music classes. It’s good experience and I get paid, which is great.

Do you know what career you hope to follow?

I'm still working that out! I’ve been able to learn so many skills and explore different areas, so I have lots of options. I'm just thinking about which area I want to specialise in.

Any advice for somebody thinking of coming to Kent to study music?

Someone said to me that with music the more you put into it the more you get out and I think that’s true. The facilities are great so make the most of them and also use your lecturers’ experience. Work and collaborate with your peers, but be prepared to work independently too.