Music technology student wins AKG Scholarship of Sound award

Issue date: 26 July 2010

University of the West of England student Josh Ward was chosen as one of only ten would-be music producers and engineers in Europe to be awarded an AKG Scholarship of Sound in Berlin.

Josh, who has just completed his final year at UWE studying Audio and Music technology, was selected for the week-long summer scholarship having shown a strong passion for sound in his application. He was also judged on the quality of the audio examples submitted.

He set off on 31 July on an expenses-paid trip to the buzzing city of Berlin where he benefited from tutoring sessions with acclaimed audio engineers, mentoring sessions with successful DJs and producers and workshops hosted in partnership with music technology companies.

Speaking about his experience Josh said, “I left the AKG Scholarship of Sound with invaluable experience of professional audio discipline. To be tutored by top industry experts allowed me to discover how the real world operates, especially regarding attention to detail. I have taken away a strong desire to better myself in my own practices, not to cut corners and to really listen to what I produce, create and distribute.

“Berlin provided the resources and entertainment that allowed the scholarship to work so well. The music software manufacturer Ableton and the incredible synthesiser outlet Schneider's Laden happily opened their doors for workshops.

“Places for working within the music and audio industry are limited and students need something to stand out amongst the crowd. A scholarship with such a prestigious company as AKG cannot be overlooked by any employer within this industry. Coupled with my first honours degree in Audio and Music Technology from UWE, I feel in a strong position to target employers such as media post-production houses, studios and broadcasting companies.”

A sample of his work can be heard at soundcloud.com/resinate-1.

The organisers from AKG said, “We have selected ten very talented people to take part in the 2010 AKG Scholarship of Sound. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside highly respected music producers and music professionals, to develop a greater understanding of sound, music production, audio engineering and how to best develop a career based around your passion for sound and music.

“The quality of applications we received from across Europe was outstanding, and our panel of experts deliberated long into the night to select the final ten. All of these talented people have already displayed a huge passion for sound and music, and we are excited about how the Scholarship Of Sound will help them further develop.”

AKG manufactures high performance studio, broadcast and live sound equipment, and has set up the Scholarship of Sound to support talented young European artists and students by sharing the knowledge of industry pioneers and innovators and drawing inspiration from one of Europe's most culturally diverse cities.

The Judging Panel assessed contestants and their mixes based on the level of knowledge and skill, innovation and creativity and professionalism demonstrated by the contestant as well as their musical direction.

For more information on UWE's music and sound courses visit, Music Technology