Katie, 19 years old and from Paisley, studies HNC Music Business at West College Scotland’s Greenock campus, and was on the bill as part of the Music for Youth Proms 2015, which are held each year in November. Music for Youth is a charity which invites young performers to play in front of young audiences across the country – a fantastic experience for all involved.

For Katie, it was the highlight of her career so far.

“I was asked by Music for Youth to perform at an event in Easterhouse, where I played a few songs to an audience of industry professionals and other young musicians. It was fun, but I had no idea I was in the running for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

What an amazing experience! There were a thousand other performers – orchestras, choirs, and solo artists like me. It was such an honour, especially when you think of all the great artists that have played there.

 "I think my performance went down well, but I’ll make up my mind when I see the DVD!”

Katie has written and performed music since she was little, but coming to the College in 2014 to study a HNC in Music gave her the confidence to really give it a go.

“I think I wrote my first song when I was 11, and I’ve been playing in bands since I was 13. When I left school I knew I wanted to develop this and the College seemed like a great place for it. The lecturers are fantastic, they have so much experience which they’re always happy to share, and they always have the time to help you improve. They’ve got great connections too, which is really important – I’ve organised a lot of gigs with their help.

“I completed a HNC in Music last year, I’m studying for a HNC in Music Business now, and hopefully I’ll continue that with a HND next year. I’m just trying to build up as much experience as I can, and try my best to make a career in the industry, either on stage or behind the scenes. It’s quite a cutthroat business, and you need a thick skin, but with the skills I’m developing I’m giving it my best shot.”

Katie’s career has really developed over the past few years. This year she has been featured on BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Jazz House’ programme, and competed in the Glasgow finals of ‘Holyrood Rocks’ – the Scottish Parliament’s political and musical engagement programme. Katie also regularly plays across Glasgow and the West, and is looking forward to a busy Christmas, and lots of exciting opportunities in the New Year.

“I’ve got a few shows around Christmas, and a few new recordings to release. Then after New Year I hope to organise my own full length show in one of the big Glasgow venues. That won’t be easy, but I want to keep pushing myself. It’ll be hard to beat playing at the Royal Albert Hall, but that might just do it.”

Images Courtesy/Copyright of Music for Youth / Alick Cotterill