Speakers: Gareth Whitehead [University of the Highlands & Islands] & Aja Garrod-Prance [General Manager - SMIA]
As part of their ongoing educational partnership, UHI Perth's Music Business department and the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) will conduct a drop-in session at this year’s Resonate conference. This session will focus on discussing career opportunities and pathways within the music industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in personalised discussions with staff from UHI Perth and SMIA, focusing on their career objectives and receiving customised advice on appropriate educational and professional pathways.
Gareth Whitehead [University of the Highlands & Islands]
Gareth Whitehead is a lecturer in the fields of music business, electronic music composition, and sound production. Emphasising the importance of experiential learning and understanding industry career paths, Gareth has distinguished himself through his approach to curriculum design and the cultivation of student-led projects during his tenure as a lecturer.
He currently serves as a Music Business lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands whereby his approach to teaching prioritises the creation of learning environments that enable students to actively engage with and apply the theoretical concepts covered in the classroom. By designing curricula that foster hands-on experiences and self-directed projects, he aims to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, empowering his students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the dynamic landscape of the music industry.
Aja Garrod-Prance [General Manager - SMIA]
Aja joined the SMIA in 2024 as General Manager. Their role involves the day-to-day management of the SMIA’s business operations, including overseeing the successful delivery of our annual programme of services, projects and events; supporting the work of the wider executive team. They also work with our partners across SMIA projects and programmes, building effective relationships to support the SMIA’s strategic objectives.
Originally from the South of England, Aja has worked in a number of roles across the creative industries including operations, event programming and production, and funding. For the last four years, their career has focussed on talent development, funding support for grassroots music organisations and emerging music creators through roles at the PRS Foundation and Youth Music. They relocated from London to Glasgow in 2023.