Music technology lecturer teaching Dubstep, DnB, EDM production, Master’s degree, 10+ years experience

Find out more about Christian

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I can still vividly remember being 8 years old when my cousins showed me the film ‘School of Rock’ and I was totally bowled over. The drummer, Freddie, was by far the coolest person I’d ever seen. After begging my mum for months, she eventually let me get drum lessons and now I’m 20+ years deep. Although I sadly don’t play drums as much as I’d like to, my passion for music & music production is still there, everyday.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Well, every tune I make I listen to on a loop without it making me crazy….My wife would disagree, however! But in all seriousness, I could listen to Skrillex or even just bass music (dubstep, dnb, garage, house) generally all day without getting sick of it.

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  The advantage of having me as your tutor is I have actually done “the thing”. I’ve released on labels, played the shows, had management, been messed about with money, as well as losing all those things at one time or another (out of no fault of my own!!!). I can mentor someone from beginner through to being successful entirely off their own merit. The most difficult lesson and part of doing that though, is having a student realise, I can show you how to do it, but I can’t do it for you.

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Piano, it’s the one instrument I’ve always strived to start and practice, and would easily be the most helpful, but never had the discipline or time to really give it a go!

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  First, define success to yourself. For example, is it ‘making a living from music’ or is it simply ‘make it for fun to show my friends’. Once you know what the goal is, you’ll become successful much quicker than you think is possible.

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Haha! I love that question! First one is no surprise but Skrillex, I’d pick his brain about sound design and songwriting, but also he seems like a nice guy! Then, I’d have to say meet Fred Again… He comes across as the most genuine, lovely person with such a cool approach to writing music with no boundaries. Finally, Rick Rubin, I read his book ‘The Creative Act’ and honestly, I think an hour with him would be the most enlightenment a creative person could have.

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  When doing my Masters degree, my dissertation subject was on the value assigned to AI-generated ideas vs human-generated. After creating a body of work and interviewing multiple producers, the conclusion was that the more effort something takes, the more value we assign to it as creatives. It can be tempting to take shortcuts or the easy routes, and sometimes it’s a necessary evil. But for a fulfilled, long, creative endeavour, doing things the old fashioned way will find you the most joy and take you further.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  The mentoring doesn’t stop when our session is up. I’m now your mentor, your friend, your confidant. I’ve given you mixdown advice in the session? Send me the latest version when it’s ready, not when our next session is booked! You have a question about something we discussed? Drop me a message and I’ll re-explain. As your mentor, I’m fighting your corner with you, I want you to succeed just as badly as you want it!