Ben Landshoff

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, or anything you think is relevant?

I've always been interested in DJing, and I've also been interested in learning about the history of the music industry. I studied Music at GCSE, so after Sixth Form I decided to take it further into a degree. I was looking for courses at UCAS when I found the Music Production degree here at the University Centre.

I'm originally from Cambridge and decided to make the move up to Newcastle -it was nerve-wracking, but totally worth it! When I found the course, I knew it was the right one for me.

Why did you choose to study a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

This course is specific to Newcastle College University Centre, and it’s one that is not offered at the other universities. I didn't want a very broad music degree because that includes stuff that I'm not particularly interested in, for example classical music.  The course is very specific and niche in that it applies to a certain group of people who are all interested in the same thing. When I saw that and I saw the course content, I knew that that was exactly what I wanted to apply for.

What are the facilities like at the University Centre for your course, and more broadly as a student?

Top quality! They have everything you need for the course like the studios and the production rooms – they’re great. I also know this isn't specific to my degree and other students here get access to amazing facilities too. During the course, I've seen a lot of other facilities like the dance studios and stages. I think that the University Centre has widely catered for every student.

There are not just facilities for the course, but for your everyday student life too. There’s a community feel on campus and there's a lot on offer for students such as the HE Hub and events. The HE Team is really good for support if you need it and it really helps you in becoming more involved and being more relaxed when you're on campus. Once you see what's on offer, it makes you feel a lot better about being away from home.

What do you enjoy the most about your degree?

It's very engaging and interesting to learn about things that I wouldn't have known if I didn't do the course. Even if you think you know a lot about music, there's way more that you can learn here, such as the techniques that they teach you. This really helps to boost your individual skill level. The fact that you get a lot of one-on-one time with the lecturers because of the smaller class sizes is also very appealing.

Can you tell us about how you have worked with industry whilst studying your degree?

One interesting experience I've had is when Patrick Topping came in for a visit. He's a Newcastle-based DJ and plays across the world. He’s super famous! He did a talk, and the live podcast was being filmed - we had the opportunity to go in and watch and engage with him one-on-one. That was a really great opportunity to talk to a professional.

Another opportunity that we had was in one of the modules we had for this we had to create an external event. We had to go out in town to multiple venues. I spoke with them, looked at dates to book and how to promote our event and we just got thrown right in the thick of it and I came out with a good grade! There are loads of industry opportunities on our doorstep and it's good that the course presented them to us right there and then.

Overall, there are so many opportunities for students within the University Centre because the lecturers know people, other students know people, and once you become friends with them, it's just like a big community that helps each other.

How do you think learning from industry-experienced tutors has benefitted you?

They've got a lot of experience to share as well as the course content that they teach. They're all very friendly as well and know how to get you to achieve your best. On a personal level, I've been through multiple issues throughout the years, and I have always been helped with what I've been going through whether it's regarding my studies or personal life.  I've been helped by them in every single way. So, not only have they got industry experience, but they've also got personal experience which is great.

How would you describe the staff at the University Centre?

I would say that they are very student-focused and help us by providing extracurricular activities and opportunities to excel within the University Centre. The Students’ Union and HE Team are also great; the staff are always really helpful. Any time I’ve visited the HE Hub, they're always eager to help.

Have you overcome any challenges either before or whilst studying for your degree?

When I joined, music wasn't just a hobby anymore - I was turning it into a profession. I found that quite tricky. I also faced multiple challenges like learning new techniques while producing and DJing, and that was quite daunting at first. With the help of the tutors and my course mates, it was easily overcome. Now I'm well on track to achieving what I want to achieve!

At one point I received a lot of support due to an injury. I got mitigation from my tutors who made sure that I wasn't going to miss out on anything as I could request coursework that I could do at home. They really supported me and made sure that I didn’t fall behind, which was great.

What has been the highlight of your time studying at Newcastle College University Centre?

The friends I've made. I'm pretty sure they are going to be friends for life and not just friends in university!

What’s Newcastle like as a student city, in your experience?

It's like a great experience if you want to go and make new friends, The atmosphere is brilliant - it's very friendly and lively. It's a great place if you want to be a social person or if you want to come out of your shell.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I think that going into the music industry would be very exciting because I’ve found my love for music here. Whether it's in a production studio, DJing for clubs, venues or events or working in promotion, it’s an industry that I'd like to full get in to.

All I know is that whatever job I go into, I will have a great boost because of my degree from Newcastle College University Centre.