New partnership will help make UHI Perth music students’ industry-ready

UHI Perth and the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) are working in partnership to help maximise the employability of music degree programme graduates.

A collaboration agreement will see SMIA provide accreditation and endorsement of BA Hons Popular Music and BA Hons Music Business programmes.

Part of the new agreement involves offering students new opportunities for work experience, training and mentoring to best equip them with skills that meet the music industry’s needs.

Richard Smernicki, who leads the Music Business course explained: “We established a partnership with SMIA in 2019 which enabled the two organisations to build a strong relationship. We have now refreshed and strengthened our partnership, which is great news for students and for UHI Perth itself. It’s a priority that our graduates leave us with high quality, relevant skills that are needed by the music industry. Previous students have benefited greatly from work experience at The Scottish Album of the Year Awards, Scotland’s national music prize which celebrates the cultural impact and contribution of outstanding Scottish albums.

“We’re looking forward to working with SMIA over the coming three years to offer student fantastic opportunities for work experience, training and mentoring with industry experts; helping them understand what working in the music business entails and ensuring they are ready to take up employment.”

The SMIA is a membership organisation which aims to grow, strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry in the UK and internationally.

The SMIA’s Chief Executive Officer Ronnie Gurr added: “We’re very pleased to be working with staff and students from UHI’s high quality Music and Music Business programmes. This partnership will increase opportunities for mutual collaboration with education partners and helps ensure the quality and relevance of graduate skills in meeting industry needs.”