Bachelor of Music offers new pathways for top trumpeter

_{Sam Powell working on composition as part of his Ara study}

Sam Powell didn’t exactly know what he was letting himself in for when he started his Bachelor of Music with a Music Creation pathway at Ara Institute of Canterbury.

But the top performer and full-time member of the world-renowned New Zealand Army Band knew he wanted to take his lifetime love of trumpet playing in new directions.

He said his decision to study at Ara has extended his repertoire of music skills and opened new doors.

_{Sam juggled study and work with the NZ Army Band before going full time on his degree}

“I’ve learnt so much at Ara, like how to write and arrange music for different instruments and ensembles and being able to deliver music in a variety of ways, from notated sheet music to recorded finished works.

“I've found myself writing music for films, along with creating recorded music that blends electronic and acoustic instruments. A musical journey I never imagined.”

One of the first students to sign up to the specialisation of Music Creation, Powell started studying part-time and long distance. He said Ara staff supported him through the challenges, but this year he decided to have a break from work and commit full-time.

“A real highlight or me was being able to be absorbed fully in study this year. I didn't properly feel part of Ara until I was here on campus. I love full-time study, it's like a break for me from work,” said Powell.

The degree has led him to discover a passion for new genres as well as arranging and writing music.

“Before coming to Ara my musical experience had only been with brass playing, which involved mostly classical music and some jazz. Since being at Ara I've been introduced to writing music electronically, either with synthesizers or computers, along with arranging music and writing for films and games.”

Looking to graduate next year, Powell is putting together a collection of all the music he has created as his final project. He’s thrilled to have has been able to include a portfolio of music he arranged for a recent NZ Army Band trip to Singapore and Switzerland.

_{Sam on duty in the Pacific with the NZ Army Band}

His collection also includes film music, game music, ambient and neo classical music.

“The tutors really give you a lot of creative license and they’re open to whatever direction you want to take your work,” said Powell.

The icing on the cake of Powell’s Ara experience was receiving an Ara Foundation Grant which all students and staff can apply for. He purchased electronic synthesizers which have quickly become a key to his creative outputs.

“There’s a large financial barrier to using this equipment and it’s difficult for beginners to enter the world. The grant has allowed me to purchase equipment that I can take forward into my future creative pursuits, along with further study.”

A new round of grants will open to staff and students at Ara in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Powell is keen to encourage more of his work colleagues and other music lovers to study through Ara.

“If you’re someone who’s creative and interested in writing music and someone who enjoys a broad range of genres of music and is keen to explore new ones, then just come to Ara with an open mind,” he said. “It’s opened up a new world in music for me.”