NSCC music business students going to Newfoundland for East Coast Music Week

A class of excited students is getting prepared to mingle with members from the east coast music industry that they one day hope to be a part of.

Since last September, the NSCC class of music business students at the Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth has been fundraising to pay for flights to St. John's, Newfoundland so they can volunteer at this year's East Coast Music Week (ECMW), which runs from April 8 to 12.

Students will get the chance to learn skills from industry professionals, as well as meet potential employers and talent.

When this year's class was faced with the dilemma of getting 22 students to Newfoundland, a grassroots approach to solving the problem was taken.

Using the skills they learned in school, the class was able to book and promote shows to help reach their goal of getting to music week, says student Gabrielle Archer.

The class's enthusiasm and drive to get to this year's event is a good sign of the type of industry being fostered in the Maritimes, says teacher Craig Mercer.

"This year's students went above and beyond my expectations by raising over $10,000 to cover the costs of attending the ECMAs in St. John's. They put on some amazing shows and got really creative with ways to reach their goal and I am really proud of them for having accomplished it. If this group is any indication, the future of the music industry is in great hands."

Real-life experience

Student Kristin Cameron says this week will be important for the students' futures.

"The music industry in Canada, especially on the east coast, is all about who you know. ECMW is an event that will allow me to network and make the connections that can help me in my future career," she said.

Student Szeren Domokos says she's hoping to get real-life experience out of their week on the island.

"I hope to be able to gain more knowledge on different aspects of the industry. We've learned about these things through the program, but it definitely makes a difference to actually be able to go and apply it in a real-life scenario," she said.

On Sunday, April 12, CBC News will have an update from the students about their most memorable moments of volunteering for the week.