"Leeds is an entrepreneur's paradise - there is opportunity everywhere!"
Nathan Sharratt - BA (Hons) Music (Business)
Nathan Sharratt is a second year Music Business student at Leeds Conservatoire. He is currently working on his own content marketing business for the music industry, AMN, and working hard to make some great industry contacts for his future career.
Has your approach to music changed at all since your first year?
My approach to business, collaboration and work has changed drastically since first year due to the vast amount of knowledge gained and lessons learned! I have become more patient, yet at the same time more confident and persistent when dealing with work and people. The business course pushes students to collaborate and learn lessons when working with other people - sometimes collaborations do not go as planned but the project still must be finished. It is in these kinds of situations when you learn about patience and leadership.
Is there anything new that you have learned which you had not tried before?
Before my first year at Leeds Conservatoire, I had never learned how to use software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro - but now I couldn't imagine myself without these skills. There is no need to buy the software, as Leeds Conservatoire already provides them for you in the library or other computers around the building.
The lecturers have also made me push myself by taking us to networking events and setting challenges on who can make the most contacts! This kind of confidence has helped me hugely.
What sort of accommodation are you living in? What advice would you give to new students about accommodation?
In first year I lived in Joseph Stones House (right next to Leeds Conservatoire) and now I live in a house 20 minutes away. Joseph Stones was great in my first year as it's right next to Leeds Conservatoire, it's in the centre of Leeds and it also allows you to meet and collaborate with new people from your year group! You never know what value you could provide to somebody!
What has been the most interesting project you have worked on so far?
My current project Arealm Music Network is really exciting me due to the endless possibilities it presents. AMN allows me to develop my skills in content creation and marketing whilst simultaneously creating a business in the form of digital media. The project aims to provide optimistic modern news, advice and fun, cutting through the crowded world of Instagram to demonstrate the combination of music and business culture. The team behind it features myself and three others who all believe in the need to create an environment where providing value is the norm. I can't wait to see how far I can take it!
Have you been involved in the SU / societies or other Leeds Conservatoire activities?
In first year I decided to try my hand at being a student rep for the Music Business course. I absolutely loved the responsibility the role gave me and allowed me to see an insight into how the conservatoire is run. Now in my second year, I am a proud Leeds Conservatoire Digimentor (a team of students who support their peers with the conservatoire's digital platforms) and I have applied to be a student ambassador too! Digimentors are literally the best!
What is the best thing about living and studying in Leeds?
Leeds is a musicians' and an entrepreneur's paradise - there is opportunity everywhere! The city centre is very close together, making it easy to travel around. There are also a variety of events on every week, meaning you can never get bored. The whole community seems to be open to work with students from Leeds Conservatoire.
What advice would you give to a prospective student thinking of applying to your course?
The music industry is lacking young, innovative, confident, business minded people and that's what the Music Business course at Leeds Conservatoire is creating! If you breathe business, creativity, music and work, then this is the course for you!
How would you describe your experience at Leeds Conservatoire so far in three words?
Learning every day
Find out more about Music Business at Leeds Conservatoire.
Find out more about Nathan's business, AMN.
