Corey Gee works full-time in the music industry following the completion of a TAFE NSW course. Photo: Lachlan Callendar.
If you attend a live music event at La La La’s, Towradgi Beach Hotel or the UniBar, and you spot a guy playing with a bunch of faders behind the sound desk and zipping about with an iPad and an expression of intense focus, there’s a good chance it’s Corey Gee.
The Wollongong lad quit his day job as a hardware store salesperson to chase his dream of working in the music industry and, after studying a Certificate IV in Music (Sound Production) at TAFE NSW, went on to become one of the most sought-after live sound producers in the Illawarra.
The live engineer audio operator, who has worked for the likes of You Am I, Regurgitator, Art vs Science and Thirsty Merc, is a regular at some of the Gong’s most popular live music establishments.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be working full-time as a live sound engineer. I’m working in an industry I’m passionate about and in a job I love – where I can use my skills to bring magic to the lives of others and contribute to a thriving Illawarra music scene,” he says.
“I feel like I’ve made myself a good reputation within the Wollongong music scene. I’m known by a lot of local bands and they’re always happy to see me, and that’s a hard feeling to describe.”
Corey, who has mixed sound for artists such as Grinspoon singer Phil Jamieson, Ben Lee, Skegss and Jen Cloher, says it’s a good time for anyone with an interest in a career on the live music scene to go for it.
“The Wollongong music scene is one of the greatest and most unique music scenes in all of Australia, and I’m so proud to be a part of it. There are so many bands both established and up-and-coming, and everyone in the local ecosystem supports each other.
“There’s a real hunger for local music in the city, which is reflected in the great bands coming out of here. I’m glad to play a part in helping elevate their prominence, all thanks to the skills and insights I’ve gained by studying at TAFE NSW.”
Corey says it’s a privilege to work in an industry he’s passionate about. Photo: Chris Frape.
According to Sound NSW’s first State of the Scene Report, the live music industry employs more than 14,000 people in NSW and has an economic output of $5.5 billion each year.
Supporting this industry are musicians and technical professionals, including sound engineers, record producers and composers.
TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of workers to the sector through the music and production courses it offers, including at TAFE NSW Wollongong.
TAFE NSW Media, Arts, Design, and Entertainment Head Teacher John Kilbey says the music courses provide students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to start working in the industry.
“By studying music here, students have access to teachers with significant experience and connections in the industry, as well as high-quality equipment to enhance their learning and ready them for the workforce.
“Our courses provide students with the opportunity to develop practical skills that will see them hit the ground running when they begin working professionally – whether that be as musicians or in technical and sound production roles.”
Loading ...
