Graduate Interview Catherine Theocari

Futureworks is the UK’s foremost higher education provider for people seeking a career in the creative industries. Our continuing series of graduate interviews focuses on our BA (Hons) Music Production degree and how it can help you develop self-discipline and the ability to follow a project through from beginning to end.

Music has played a significant role in Catherine Theochari’s life since she was six when her mother enrolled her in piano lessons. Born and raised in Greece, Catherine set her sights on the UK. With its renowned music industry, she felt it was the best location to learn music production and launch her career.

Catherine recently received a First-Class Honours degree in Music Production from Futureworks. We chatted about her time with us and her future hopes and aspirations.

Catherine, is it safe to say that music is your life?
“Definitely, yes. Being a musician, I’ve always wanted a music career, but I realised that I needed to learn the technical side of the business, Music Production, to expand my knowledge of the industry. I’ve been playing instruments, mainly keyboards since I was six, but I needed to learn more about creating music commercially. I love all music, but I especially love soul music, RnB, funk and boogey; my favourite artist is Michael Jackson; I grew up with all his music.”

So, why did you choose Futureworks?
“I did a foundation year at the School of Electronic Music in Manchester and wanted to continue my education with a degree course. I’d returned to Greece and was searching online and discovered the Futureworks website; it was nicely presented. It was clear what was on offer, what they promised to teach you on the course and what you would get out of it. Plus, I really liked the look of the studios, they played a big part in persuading me to apply for the course!”

What did you get out of the course?
“Apart from all the technical skills I learnt, which was a lot, the main thing for me was learning to follow a project through. It’s an important skill, being able to complete a full body of work from start to finish, and Futureworks teaches you how to do that and how to learn that self-discipline.”

You mentioned that the studios appealed to you in your application. Did they live up to your expectations?
“Oh, yes, I really like the studios! It’s difficult to choose a favourite, there’s so many. When I started the course, I fell in love with the SSL Studio (our Futureworks Studio, built around a Solid State Logic Console). I like how music sounds in the SSL, especially drums; for me it’s the most powerful live room in the building. Later, once I’d grown in confidence and learnt how to manage the desk, I grew to love the Big Neve 51 Studio (built around a classic Neve console; it’s a popular choice for music producers because it delivers a detailed and recognisable, classic sound.) All the studios are amazing, and you can book them any time you want for coursework and independent projects.”

What do you consider to be your standout projects?
“My Honours Project, definitely. As I mentioned earlier, Futureworks taught me how to create something from start to finish, and that’s what I enjoyed the most about this project; it was so complete. I just loved the whole process, and I learned so much.”

“I gathered a group of musician friends and released a four-track EP ‘These Days’, under my stage name Aikaterini. I promoted the EP across social media on Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. This was me as an individual artist; they were songs I’d written when I was younger, and it was a great opportunity to present them as a complete body of work in an album, an EP. Together with the musicians I worked with, we’ve formed a band called Panmetron.”

How did you get along with your tutors?
“They were all nice and friendly, very easy to approach and contact, either face-to-face or by email. Their feedback was always constructive every time. They were very helpful and there for you. Their industry experience was important, especially concerning the music industry itself. Pete Jenkinson (Futureworks’ Lecturer and Industry Coordinator) was especially helpful and provided me with so many opportunities to play live. For example, at the Eagle Inn in Salford, Panmetron has played a few gigs arranged by Pete and 1043 Recordings (Futureworks’ own music production company). I’m Panmetron’s vocalist and keyboard player. We’re a funk, soul and RnB-inspired pop band.”

What’s next for you now you’ve graduated?
“Lots of things, really. I’m playing keyboards for another band that’s backing an artist named Jess Edie. Our first gig was down in London, and she’s building some great momentum, which is motivating for me as a musician. I’m producing more of my own music using a catalogue of songs I’ve written over the last few years. I’m busy producing a track for a Greek artist Thenia Sismandou, which is due for release in a few weeks. We recorded instruments and vocals in Greece, and I’m producing the track in my studio at home in the UK.”

“I’ve got lots of plates spinning, which is important when you’re a freelance Music Producer; you have to be doing lots of things, seeking lots of opportunities to stay ahead in the industry. I’d also like to do more touring as a session musician or with Jess Edie, or my band, Panmetron. Land more gigs, perform more open mic sessions and record some performances for YouTube. Ultimately, I’d love to produce more music for myself and other artists and build a business out of music and music production.”

How would you encourage someone to study music production at Futureworks?
“I’d mention what was the best for me as a musician. Apart from everything I’ve mentioned, one of the key factors for me was being able to book studio sessions whenever I needed them, especially during the holidays when Futureworks is closed for teaching. The studios remain open, you can book sessions, and it’s less busy. You can record songs and create tracks, Eps, and albums; all the resources are right there; it’s awesome. All you need are songs, musicians, and instruments, and you’re ready to go. You can tell it was definitely the facilities that won me over; they do that to anyone who’s thinking of applying; they’re incredible.”

You can listen to Catherine’s music and her EP, ‘These Days,’ on Spotify. You can also follow her on Instagram and YouTube along with her band, Panmetron, and contact her via email: [email protected]

If Catherine’s story has inspired you to learn Music Production, why not attend a Futureworks Open Day?

During a Futureworks Open Day, you’ll meet the tutors who inspired and mentored Catherine. You’ll get a tour of our facilities and hands-on with studio equipment, watch studio demos, hear more students’ work and learn first-hand about our BA (Hons) in Music Production, the course modules and how to apply. You’ll also have a chance to meet our students, hear what they say, and discover why Futureworks is the UK’s foremost provider of creative degree courses for individuals seeking a worthwhile and rewarding career in Music and Music Production.

We’re excited and looking forward to meeting you!

Read more about our School of Sound & Music Production on our website.