CPIT to host expo for aspiring musicians

Aspiring musicians can keep pace with drummer Bobby Kennedy from OpShop, hone their song writing skills with L.A Mitchell and meet music industry professionals at the Chartfest Music Industry & Career Expo at CPIT on May 14.

CPIT Jazz School graduate L.A Mitchell (Fly My Pretties and Top 10 band The Dukes) said it is more important than ever to inspire young people. "I am really excited to be in Christchurch for this year’s Chartfest; it seems important that things continue to move forward and inspiration gets through to those who need a boost or some motivation.”

Mitchell will explore songwriting techniques during a programme of interactive clinics with leading Christchurch musicians. “I will be sharing some of my experiences, the pitfalls and the positives of honing the craft through performance, voice craft and how it helps your writing plus some tips I have learnt from the great writers I perform with. Being a graduate of CPIT Jazz School has enabled me to pursue a professional career as a performance musician, but I have also come to understand songwriting is a separate craft to performance and both have an interesting way of informing the other.”
 

Bobby Kennedy from OpShop will lead a drum clinic and CPIT Jazz School tutors Andy Genge (Oval Office) and Richie Pickard (Solaa, Oval Office) present a guitar and bass clinic followed by a live jam.
 

"The afternoon activities at Chartfest are about inspiring the city's young creatives. It's about getting them face to face with some of NZ's successful musicians and leading music industry reps who can help guide their futures," Chartfest organiser Jeff Fulton said.
 

The expo will connect students with industry representatives and training opportunities. “As a result of having a full day on the CPIT campus, attendees at Chartfest will get a taste of student life with a CPSA BBQ being planned, as well as the opportunity to meet with esteemed CPIT graduates, like LA Mitchell, and have a look at the different bridges between aspects of the music industry,” CPIT Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries Jane Gregg said.

Chartfest is Christchurch’s NZ Music Month celebration. This year Chartfest opens with a just-announced performance by The Feelers at 11.30am – 12.20pm, followed by the free, all-ages Music Industry & Career Expo at 1.30pm. The city’s best emerging musicians perform at the Band Search finals at 4pm and the Live Sessions showcase of leading South Island musicians (Lyttelton supergroup The Harbour Union, 1990s progressive art punk band Squirm, RDU98.5FM Dux de Lux RoundUp winners The Guest and others) kicks off at 7pm.
 

Chartfest is supported by CPIT, Christchurch City Council and Smokefree. See www.chartfest.co.nz for more details.