Panel addresses the strains of music biz
Some of Scotland’s top musicians and songwriters came to Perth last week, in a bid to help students get into the music industry.
The panel event was held at Perth College UHI on Thursday, February 1 to discuss the support networks available to musicians across Scotland.
The discussion at the Goodlyburn campus was part of a series of events to mark the launch of the charity Help Musicians UK’s Scottish operation, Help Musicians Scotland.
Panellists included songwriter Jamie McGeechan, musician Ross Wilson, Kirsty Freeland from Help Musicians UK, and Maryah Itani, moderator and music business student at Perth College UHI.
Jamie McGeechan, who is originally from Ayrshire, was able to speak to a range of students, staff and visitors about his own experience of working as a musician.
This included trouble with alcohol abuse, which he has now overcome with support from Help Musicians UK.
Andrew Dyce, music business lecturer at Perth College UHI, said he hoped it would boost students’ confidence in talking about mental health.
He said: “Help Musicians UK opening in Scotland is great news for musicians and music industry professionals at any stage of their career.
“The charity does life-changing and inspiring work.
“Jamie’s experience, receiving advice and financial support from HMUK, is just one example of the work the charity is engaged in.
“Both Jamie and Ross were incredibly open talking about mental health issues they have experienced working in music.
“We hope their stories will give our students the confidence to talk about their mental health and ask for help.” Songwriter Jamie McGeechan, moderator Maryah Itani, Strongside Podcast’s Ross Wilson and Help Musicians UK’s Kirsty Freeland