Module: Practical Management
Music, Theatre and Entertainment Management students take the Practical Management module in both the First and Second year of their studies.
The Brief
The Level 2 Practical Management Project Module, and the Level 1 Management Project Module, enables students in both the First and Second years of the Music, Theatre and Entertainment Management course to work together on a variety of different projects through the year. They are assessed on their practical contributions to the assignment and on their evaluation of their contribution and development throughout the module.
First year students are allocated at random to different projects. This is done deliberately so that they do not restrict themselves to a preconceived career path. Second year students may apply for up to two projects from a list which is provided to them by their tutors. This projects can change each year. They have to write a letter of application and provide a CV, and are selected for projects according to the strength of their application.
Some students choose to work on external stand-alone projects. such as Groove on the Green and the Charity Gala; others collaborate with other LIPA departments on projects such as the Third Degree Music Festival, the Acting and Dance Season, the Community Drama projects, and LIPA Radio.
What happened next?
LIPA students Jennifer Corrigan and Karl Connor decided to put on a Charity Variety performance at St. George Hall in Liverpool for their second year project.
Jenny takes up the story. “I worked with another student and put forward an idea for a Charity Variety Performance which was accepted. After months of hard work, the show took place at St Georges Hall in Liverpool on 17th May 2009. The night was a huge success with acts like Austin Drage and Strike performing along with local talent. Over £1000 was raised for Alder Hey Hospital’s “Imagine” Appeal. We were offered our Arts Manager placement with Industry Music Group, official agents for the X Factor and have started our own business, Fierce Management, with Imagine 2010 booked for the end of the year!”
Another MTEM student, Dan Thomas, took on the role of conference manager for the CIAM conference 2009 as his second year Practical Management Project. This involved organising the venue, managing a budget, gathering the technical needs of the speakers and making sure, they had all they needed. It also involved scheduling speakers, organising the conference brochure and arranging the venue and equipment.
“The Practical Management module sets you up really well for your future career,” says Dan. “You’re running a professional project but within the comfort of LIPA, so you can always ask for help and advice. It’s great preparation for the world of work.”
Tutor Comment
Jeremy Grice: “The Management project modules are an excellent opportunity for students to develop and improve their management skills, putting into practice the knowledge they have gained in other modules.”
Student Comment
Jennifer Corrigan: “I loved every second of this module. I really enjoyed the responsibility of it being my event and not being restricted with ideas. The contacts I made were invaluable and the feeling of everything coming together successfully was absolutely brilliant!”