Live music is making a return in venues across NSW and TAFE NSW Newcastle music students have hit the stage at the Gallipoli Club Hamilton to record a live set for international Make Music Day 2020. 

Make Music Day is a free celebration of music around the world on 21 June. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries. The recordings were made with the support of the From a Distance Sessions (FAD Sessions) initiative keeping performance alive.  

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Music and Creative Media, Teresa Conicella said Make Music Day is a great opportunity for students to refine their skills in music production and live performance and ready themselves for live public performances as venues start to re-open. 

“Playing a show is more than rehearsing the songs,” Ms Conicella said. “Partnering with FAD Sessions allowed the students to recreate a professional gig and perform a set as if direct to a live audience.  

“Recording for Make Music Day was an opportunity to assess the student’s skills in preparing a program, technical knowledge of equipment and stage set up as well as instrumental and vocal techniques, skills that are essential in the music industry.” 

Singers Amy Norman and Angela Matla are studying Certificate IV in Music Industry (Performance) and performed together to put in practice the performance skills they have learnt. 

“We have been practicing our performance skills, learning new songs, collaborating with other people and it is awesome to end up on stage,” Angela said.  

“With TAFE NSW I learnt different skills such music business, networking with other musicians and venues to branch out more in my music.  Getting on stage is like a reward for all the hard work,” she said. 

Amy said studying at TAFE NSW gave her the knowledge and skills to improve her performance work. 

“I would love to have a full-time role in music,” Amy said. “With TAFE NSW I’ve learnt how to work with other artists and performers, to sing with them to be able to put on a good performance. 

The videos will now be edited for upload onto the Make Music Day 2020 website in preparation for the world to view on June 21. 

For more information on courses in Music, Live Production, Screen and Media at TAFE NSW, visit tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Andrew Woodcock, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0409 324 379.