dBs Institute and New Century are delighted to announce the recipient of the prestigious New Century Live Sound Scholarship. This scholarship awards one deserving student full tuition for the BSc (Hons) Live Sound programme at dBs’ Manchester campus, starting in September 2024.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the iconic New Century building, the scholarship was launched last year to support aspiring sound engineers from the Greater Manchester Area. We are now thrilled to announce that the scholarship’s recipient is Owen McGregor. Owen will embark on his journey in the Live Sound degree programme this autumn at our Manchester campus, with his tuition fully covered for the duration of the course.
The BSc (Hons) Live Sound degree at dBs Institute is renowned for its hands-on approach and strong industry connections, with students working incredibly closely with industry professionals at venues, including New Century, and festivals across the country. With globally recognised acts regularly gracing the stage and some of the best sound engineers in the business working behind the desk, New Century is the perfect place to cut your teeth as a live sound engineer. Students will shadow New Century’s in-house sound engineer on rotation, so every student gets ample opportunity to practice in a real-world setting and under the tutelage of a seasoned pro.
For this scholarship, dBs Institute and New Century wanted to lift the barriers to access for people who have felt excluded from the opportunities that university can provide by encouraging those who may not have felt able to apply due to personal or financial reasons.
Owen McGregor said, “Thank you! I feel honoured to be awarded the New Century Scholarship. First, I want to say a massive thank you to the team at dBs Institute and New Century for giving me this opportunity that not only allows me to demonstrate my passion but provides me with invaluable support in pursuing my career aspirations and personal development. It is very much life-changing and I'm still on cloud nine from hearing the news!”
Abby Moore from New Century said: "We're delighted to be able to offer Owen the New Century Manchester Scholarship and can't wait to see how he progresses during his (BSc) Hons Live Sound degree at dBs Institute. This scholarship cements the link between New Century, dBs Institute and the student community being nurtured here.
That connection is a huge part of what makes New Century special, and this scholarship was designed to ensure that the education and career opportunities afforded to those already studying at dBs Institute remain open to everyone. Manchester has such a rich live music history and it's so exciting to be able to aid the next generation of engineers and technicians by giving them the tools and training they need, as well as a busy venue where they can cut their teeth."
Dom Kane from dBs Institute said: "It’s exciting to be able to offer such an industry-integrated Live Sound degree here at dBs Manchester, but to have the team at New Century show such dedication to the industry and community like this makes it all the more exciting. I’m really proud to be welcoming such a promising talent as Owen into the dBs community."
Clearing 2024 is now open! Explore our Clearing courses or call our Clearing Hotline on 0161 552 6467.