Jamie Brewster Named Student of the Year

Jamie Brewster has been chosen as the recipient of the Student of the Year Award for the RNCM Foundation Degree in Popular Music Practice (Session Musician) at this year’s Access to Music National Music Student Awards.

The event, which takes place at the Liverpool Echo Arena on 17 May, celebrates the achievements of students from across the UK and will be hosted by BBC Radio 1’s Edith Bowman as part of Liverpool Sound City 2012.

Course Director Andy Stott said: ‘Jamie has performed at a consistently high level across all areas of the course and has proven to be an outstanding student, musician, and role model. He has also made a valuable contribution to the development of the programme through his role as Student Representative on both the Programme Management Committee and the Undergraduate Programme Board, and has been an excellent ambassador in external promotional work.’

Jamie came to the RNCM after completing a degree in Media Studies and then working as a careers advisor for seven years. In 2010, he made the bold decision to leave his job to immerse himself in a conservatoire environment in order to further his career as a professional musician. His highlights during his time at the RNCM include performing in the début concert given by the RNCM Session Orchestra, recording on the new EZ Rollers Album, collaborating with singer songwriter Jen Hughes and appearing on stage with fellow students at Bass Day UK.

Jamie said: ‘To be selected for this award is a great honour. It has been a challenging two years, not just in terms of the content of the course but also the balancing of work and study. However, I now feel certain that I have succeeded in shifting the focus of my life. I would like to thank all the staff and students who have made this experience so fulfilling.’

31 March 2012