Keith Beattie

Keith Beattie works as a music education officer at the Scottish Music Centre in Glasgow. He is involved in the centre's educational programme, including working on the website, updating a database of musicians and music related organisations, taking enquiries and planning musical projects and workshops. Young Scot asked him how he got where he is today...

When did you first start to take an interest in music?

I first had an interest in music as a child, coming from a family where instruments were always around the house it was easy to pick up my Dad’s guitar and make a sound with it. There was always music playing somewhere at home and I began playing guitar in secondary school.

What instruments do you play?

I play guitar, mandolin, drums, bass guitar, piano.

Is there anyone who has really influenced or inspired you?

I have had loads of inspiring people over the years, my own family and friends have played a huge part, instrumental teachers, famous instrumentalists. I feel that any instrumentalists or bands that you play with will someway shape you as a musician or someone involved in music, so the important thing for me is never to close the door on a style of music or opportunity to learn.

What made you decide to pursue a career in the music industry?

I left school after 6th year and decided to go to university to study a BSc in Social Science. After around 6/7 months I began having doubts that it was for me and decided to look around for something that would make me a bit happier, I always remember someone telling me that if you find a job that you love – you’ll never work a day in your life. So I chose Music. I studied for 2 years HND Music & Audio Technology at Stow College in Glasgow and then for 1 year BA Commercial Music at University of Paisley’s Ayr Campus (now University of the West of Scotland).

How did you get your job?

I worked for the Scottish Music Centre as a volunteer after I left university and began tutoring on Music Technology workshops for children, this led me to working with young adults on a number of different music education projects.

What training have you done?

I have been to various workshop training days, including an Autism awareness workshops and a music leader training day led by Tim Steiner.

Was it the job that you originally set out to do?

I thought that I’d leave University and be a pro tools engineer in some recording studio but now the idea of that would bore me completely. I love the fact that my job is different every day, every week and every year.

What are the challenges of your work and what do you love about it?

My job requires a great deal of patience, organisation, and the ability to think on your feet a lot of the time. Sometimes in a workshop setting – a lesson plan is just not going to plan and you have to completely change the way you are working – you have to be fluid. The best thing about my job is the aspect of creativity – every day I can return home to know that I have created something new or helped someone else create something.

Would you recommend working in the music business to others?

Yes, if you enjoy passing on knowledge and love working with people who are passionate about their music or other art form. If you want a secure 9 to 5 job then music is not for you.

What advice would you give to young people interested in pursuing a career in music?

I would say that you should try everything from management, education, performance, and promotion. Never turn down an offer to take a voluntary placement. Start looking for a job before you finish university because as soon as you finish there will be a class full of people on the same boat.

Anything else to add?

The Scottish Music Centre is a good place to start looking for information.