Last month, our Music students received an insightful guest lecture about the History of Lighting Control from industry professional, Mike Halstead. This showed our students interested in production about the development of stage lighting and gave them a deeper understanding into how advanced studio lighting technology has improved throughout history.

Within our Music courses, there is a blend of students who wish to perform, and others who prefer the production aspect, ensuring events run smoothly and the sound and lighting is executed seamlessly. Learning about the history of lighting through demonstrations and a display of vintage lighting equipment allowed our students to gain a practical understanding of how far technology has advanced to improve the efficiency of stage lighting and the modernised technical systems used to control them.

During the session, Mike discussed his career within the industry, his first-hand experience of the progression from manual control desks to modern technology, and the different types of lights including the challenges that may accompany them for different situations. This knowledge equips students with a broader skillset and a more holistic view of production, enhancing both their technical competence and creative decision-making.

This insight into the technical and creative evolution behind live performances and studio environments is invaluable to our students who aim to be the future of the industry. By exploring the development from early manual control boards where operators physically adjusted dimmers and switches, to modern digital systems, students gain a deeper appreciation for how precision and flexibility in lighting have transformed production quality.

A huge thank you to Mike Halstead for taking the time to visit our students, share your extensive knowledge on lighting control, and giving them the opportunity to see vintage lighting equipment and its progression up close.

This workshop forms part of the Music Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.