Student Spotlight - Ian Schouten
Our diverse Audio Engineering curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills needed to succeed across a range of audio fields ⬇️
✔️ Music Production
✔️ Game Audio
✔️ Sound Design
✔️ Live Sound
All taught by experienced industry professionals in our state-of-the-art recording studios.
Now in his final year of the course, Ian talked us through his time at UHI Perth.
Can you introduce yourself?
Ian Schouten and I am on the BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering course.
What were you doing before the course and why did you choose it?
I came from a musical background, making music, playing in bands, and working on self‑produced bits and pieces, but I wanted to take that to a more professional level. I signed a record deal, which pushed me to produce my music at a commercial standard. Since studying at UHI Perth, I’ve continued with that while also taking on client and student projects, as well as live audio. A lot of my work now is live.
What have you studied on the course?
Magnus runs the studio class, and we’ll critically analyse mixes and consider mixing concepts and techniques. Previously, I had no experience with ‘micing up’ and recording drums, and it's arguably one of the most important parts of producing a record after vocals.
Learning different microphone techniques and placements, the results they create, and the reasons behind using them — so recording decisions can be more deliberate.
How have you got on with your classmates on the course?
My classmates are great, but we also have really inspiring academics who push the bar, raise the bar higher all the time, and get me thinking outside of the box. I've had great collaborations with people in my course, and people on the Popular Music and Music Business courses, so there's a really healthy crossover between these courses.
Have you found anything challenging whilst you have been here?
The most challenging part of the course is probably just managing workloads and deadlines, which is the same with most courses really. But as the years have gone on - and now that I’m in fourth year - I’m also actively working as a practitioner. I’m doing live sound as well as studio work. I’ve got my own home studio where I do mixes and produce for clients, and most weeks I’m also working live sound in Dundee, Glasgow, or wherever the work is at the time. So, between that, the course, and other commitments, the biggest challenge is really just keeping all those plates spinning!
How have the lecturers supported you on the course?
All of the lecturers have supported me endlessly and provided me with just incredible support and information. I'm very highly motivated and they pick up on that, and it's immediately reciprocated. Any kind of passion you put in, they give straight back. They help you develop into a professional in the industry and thinking like them has been absolutely invaluable.
Has the course prepared you for when you finish and enter the workforce?
I think the course has fully prepared me because alongside the theory and concepts that you're learning in audio engineering, there have also been so many opportunities out with the college. I've met other musicians who I wouldn't have met, there's opportunities that have come my way that I simply wouldn't have had otherwise. It’s those opportunities that have given me the experience to become confident and professional in what I'm doing.
What advice would you give to someone if they're coming to university for the first time?
I would think if you're coming into college for the first time - go in with the right intention, goal and focus, and stick to that. I think that's the way to do it. At the start of any year, the motivation is quite high, and the ambition is quite high, but then as the time goes on and the workload continues, you know that can weigh you down a little bit. If you remember what motivated you in the first place, and if you if you have that in your mind, that will get you through.
