"I found out about some of the amazing musicians and industry professionals I could meet at the Conservatoire and it just really felt like the place I wanted to be for a career in the music industry."
Meet ambitious student Jess Porteous, who is currently in her third year on our BA (Hons) Music Business degree.
When she isn't at the Conservatoire, Jess is busy managing artists and doing branding and design for musicians too.
We caught up with Jess about her time at Leeds Conservatoire so far, and she shared her advice for prospective students.
Hi Jess - What made you choose Leeds Conservatoire?
I originally moved to Leeds as I had heard about the reputation the Leeds music scene has and all the opportunities that could be available to me. Before I came to the Conservatoire, I studied Events Management at a different Leeds university but it wasn’t for me as it was not very music based. I found out about some of the amazing musicians and industry professionals I could meet at the Conservatoire and it just really felt like the place I wanted to be for a career in the music industry.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve had since starting at Leeds Conservatoire?
Get yourself known and network! At first networking can feel super awkward and hard to get into but once you become a bit more comfortable with it it really helps to give you a big push forward in your career.
What do you get up to outside of studying?
Outside of studying I manage Jazz Fusion band Plantfood, and Alternative RnB artist Sunkissed Child. I also did a little bit of branding and design for musicians too!
How did the opportunity arise to manage Plantfood and Sunkissed Child?
I first started managing Plantfood as I was friends with the band members and needed to work with a band looking to release new music for a uni assignment and they were happy to have me help out. Once I submitted my assignment they asked me to stick around and keep helping out and over time I took on more roles for the band.
I met Sunkissed Child through Plantfood as they have done a few collaborations together and she had been made aware of the work I had been doing with Plantfood and asked me to help out with the release of her debut single. Then the same thing happened again, she asked me to stick around.
Have you picked up any knowledge or skills from your course that has helped being an artist manager?
The business course really helped me to know where to start with the career path I wanted to go down. I’ve also learned a lot about the industry and how things and people have to work in the industry to make a name of themselves. Being at the Conservatoire has also really helped with my confidence with myself and with dealing with other industry professionals.
What advice would you give to a prospective student thinking of applying to your course?
Just go for it. Go for every opportunity that comes your way. Being at uni is the perfect time for trial and error and to help you find your footing in your career path.
How would you describe your experience at Leeds Conservatoire so far in three words?
Full of opportunities.
Do you want to be featured in a student profile? Email marketing@lcm.ac.uk for more information.
