Sophie Ekins is not only a Music Business student at our Liverpool campus but also leads local rock band, Red Coven.
The band were one of the highlights at our stage at this year’s Sound City and we recently caught up with Sophie to learn more about her studies with us.
Read on to hear more about Sophie’s take on SAE’s community and collaborative spirit. Get in touch to find out more about our courses.
How did your passion for music begin?
My passion for music began when I was around 12, playing instruments and listening to music. It developed over the years as I joined different bands and performed.
When it was time to go to university, I realised it was a valuable skill to understand the business side of music, which would help my own music career and open up job opportunities in the industry.
Why did you choose to study at SAE Liverpool?
I chose SAE as I liked the small, intimate university setting here in Liverpool. It’s not one of those massive universities with huge lecture halls.
My class has only seven people, which creates a real sense of community and personal connection. I feel like a valued student, not just a number in a large group.
What has your experience been like at SAE Liverpool so far?
I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve had opportunities to collaborate with other students, network, and get involved in the community. I’ve even participated in extracurricular events like the BBC Film Event, where I met new people and collaborated with students from other courses. It’s been a truly immersive experience beyond just
lectures and assignments.
How would you describe the community at SAE Liverpool?
The SAE community feels like home – everyone is friendly and welcoming, with no sense of judgment. There are no cliques; it’s an environment where everyone supports each other, which creates a really safe space for students to be themselves.
Why did you decide to study in Liverpool?
Liverpool was a natural choice for me. I’m from the Wirral, so I’m close enough to commute and save on living costs. But more than that, Liverpool has such a rich musical history and culture. There’s a unique music scene here that fosters collaboration and a sense of community you don’t find in bigger cities like London.
What do you appreciate about your lecturers?
Our lecturers, Duncan and Jack, bring invaluable industry experience. Duncan has done it all – tour managing, band management – and his stories make everything he teaches so relevant.
Jack, who studied at SAE himself, offers another perspective, and focuses on cultural and historical contexts within the music industry.
Their diverse backgrounds help us understand both the practical and cultural aspects of music business.
What has been your favourite part of the course so far?
My favourite part is the module I’m doing now, where we get to organise our own event. Last year, we learned about promotion, publishing, and event management. Now, we’re putting that into action, from picking a venue to finding bands. It’s a real-life gig, and we get graded on it, making it an incredible hands-on learning experience.
Have there been any moments of inspiration during your studies?
Learning about synchronisation in music was a big moment for me. I didn’t know you could make a career out of finding the perfect song for media, like ads or films. I came here for music, but now the business side has opened up so many career avenues I hadn’t considered before.
Can you share an example of collaboration with other courses?
Within our module, we collaborated with Audio Production students, bringing in a band, recording, mixing, and promoting them. I’ve also worked with Film Production students on a short film, where I acted and played music. SAE has everything under one roof – studios, green screen rooms – and it’s easy to find collaborators for any creative project.
Do you have any advice for prospective SAE students?
My advice would be to make connections with students from other courses. You’ll find incredible opportunities for collaboration, and everyone’s looking to build their portfolios, so it’s mutually beneficial.
Also, make the most of your time here – immerse yourself in
the community, connect with tutors, and try to see SAE as more than just lectures.
Build those relationships and take advantage of everything the university offers.
Study at SAE liverpool
Whether you want to work in Film Production, Audio Production or more, there are many different opportunities to elevate your career in the creative industries at SAE Liverpool.
Our degrees will provide you with the skills, experience and knowledge to succeed at the highest level.
