"I am so grateful to have met such wonderful, like-minded people, and to be part of a team that really help to make things happen."
Elliot McCabe - FdA Music Production & BA (Hons) Music (Production)
Meet Elliot, a third-year student on our BA Hons Music (Production) course. He is president of the DJ society - a community of DJ's at Leeds Conservatoire - and is currently working on his first album.
After completing our FdA Music Production, Elliot bridged onto our BA (Hons) Music (Production) third-year.
What has been the most important thing you've learned at Leeds Conservatoire?
I was able to gain a lot of confidence and improve my team skills by organising and liaising with different types of artists for group recordings and setting up the DJ society. Through that, I have seen that hard work has its rewards.
What are you planning on doing after graduation?
Building on my brand and business relationships in all areas of the music industry, and expanding the areas I perform in.
I have also been working on my first album for a while and I’m really happy with the sound of it, so I’m hoping to start releasing singles over the summer.
Is there anything you've encountered over the last few years that has really made you push yourself as a musician or anything new that you had not tried before?
As president of the DJ society, I have had to step up in many areas and get out of my comfort zone, especially with regards to teamwork and organisational skills. I was running four stages during the weekend at Leeds festival and holding a workshop at Bop DJ for our new members, which are challenges I would never have seen myself being able to do before studying at Leeds Conservatoire.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given at Leeds Conservatoire?
“Being different in the music you make is really important if you want to stand out”
In my first year I did not think this was as important as I do now.
What has been the best project / opportunity you've had during your degree?
This has to be successfully running stages at Leeds Festival; it was a fantastic and rewarding experience, and I got the opportunity to see my colleagues grow over the course of the four days.
What has been the biggest challenge and how has this helped you develop?
Learning to work in teams to complete projects. Being a club DJ and solo producer does not give you many opportunities to learn as a team, so it was very different for me, and the experience has helped me develop my communication and teamwork skills.
What is your favourite Leeds Conservatoire Memory?
Building a community of DJ's within Leeds Conservatoire and having that showcased through things like our radio show, Livestream, Crosswire and Leeds Festival. I am so grateful to have met such wonderful, like-minded people and being part of a team that really help to make things happen.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to your course at Leeds Conservatoire?
You're only there for a short time, so put in the hours in the studio or the practice room. You might not get it at first but it will come in time. Also, attend and take advantage of as many of the events and gigs you can.
How would you describe your experience at Leeds Conservatoire in three words?
Realising my potential.
