Michael Walker
DJ
Michael’s career in music began at the age of sixteen as a DJ. Having observed professional DJs and listening to mix tapes, Michael became fascinated with the creative ability to interact and reshape music using technology. Beginning with Vinyl Turntables, advancing to CD and now Computer based DJing his extensive knowledge and creative technical skills in operation of players, mixers and effects have developed to professional standards during a sixteen year career.
During the mid nineties Michael progressed to play and organise many music events within the northeast of England. Michael continues to play regularly and finds great reward in sharing knowledge and developing the skills of both new and experienced DJ’s.
Music Producer / Engineer / Atrist
In 1999 Michael enrolled at Newcastle College studying a HND in Music Production and Technology, graduating in 2002.
Along with creating his own music, he has worked as a successful producer and engineer for many bands and artists in genres from dance to folk, receiving praise and recommendation due to the quality of recordings, friendly nature, knowledge and professionalism and the ability to get ‘that sound’. Recognised by many industry professionals, Michael’s expertise is often requested for guidance, production assistance and project development. Still as busy as ever, his love of producing and recording music for artists is equaled only to creating, experimenting and performing his own music.
Teacher / Facilitator / Consultant / Project Manager
Teaching was never considered as an option at the beginning of Michael’s professional career. Looking back he feels the impact and reward experienced during his time working in education is by far the strongest to date.
Michael launched a DJ skills course at Wolsingham School and Community College in 2004, helping young people and adults in the community to engage in music and music technology. The success of the course led to full time employment as a creative technology specialist, providing facilitation and teaching support with music and media technology. Working with staff, Michael designed innovative, creative projects in practically every subject area, using cutting edge digital media technology captivating the minds of both teachers and students.
On achieving Performing Arts Specialist Status the school entrusted Michael to act as project manager in the build of a state of the art music and media recording studio. Specific design and budget management, through to construction supervision, installation and commissioning ensured the school got the best value for money and a full operational studio designed for use with every subject.
The school now offers AS and A2 Music Technology which is taught by Michael aside friend and colleague Andrew Fowler (Head of Music).
Choosing to peruse his career as an independent practitioner, Michael returned to study at Newcastle graduating in 2009 with a BSC Honors Degree in Music Enterprise. Having observed a rapid shift in youth culture and their adoption of digital media technology, Michael chose to research the impact and implications of Digital Media Technology in modern education.
