Angela Ricchiuto.

Seeing Spirit Studios for the first time changed everything. I came to record a song in the studios with my band and I fell in love with the place. Everyone is so nice, and the facilities make you feel like you’re in a professional recording studio every day.

Argentina to Manchester

I’ve always loved music. Ever since I picked up a guitar when I was 14. I used to organise some music events in Buenos Aires but left with my partner for a fresh start. The first time we came to Manchester – it felt right. The city was alive. Everything was close. The music culture is iconic, from Oasis to The Smiths to Joy Division. When we moved here my partner started studying at Spirit. He managed to arrange for our band to record in the studios. I hadn’t seen anything like it anywhere. It was like stepping into a world I’d been watching all my life. It made me see I could have a career in music. The course was exactly what I wanted. Everything clicked.

Community Spirit

Other study places I visited felt cold and overwhelming. I just didn’t feel the same connection. Spirit felt like home. It’s not just students listening to tutors. Everyone’s on the same level. This makes it easier to get to know and collaborate with other students. My tutors are also very supportive and responsive. They genuinely care about me. Experts in the field who actively work in the music industry, they pass on their experience to us. Their connections are great too. It means we have some brilliant guest lectures and get to go out and visit different venues and studios.

A professional environment

Here there are many recording studios packed full of industry-standard software and equipment you can use. Other places I visited only had one studio that students could book out. At Spirit, there are mastering and editing suites, DJ booths, and digital and analog consoles. You don’t even need your own computer. The Mac suites have everything. It’s all there. There’s also a live music venue where you can set up events, run sound and play gigs. It’s given me much more confidence as a musician.

At Spirit Studios it feels like I’m already in the music industry – living the life I want.

Manchester felt like home straightaway

I love Manchester. There’s so much to do here. The music scene is so varied. And everything’s nearby. When I finish my studies, I’m only a short walk away from a bar or gig. In Argentina, it took me an hour to get to the city centre! I feel safer here than I did in London. The people are more open-minded and patient, especially with my English. Manchester is a bit smaller in a good way. It’s easier to make connections and get to know people. There are so many music venues, events and opportunities. It’s perfect for my career. My favourite places are The Peer Hat, Night & Day Café and the Eagle Inn. I’ve seen some bands who I’m sure are going to make it big!

A city full of opportunities

Outside of my studies I’ve gained all kinds of music experience. There are lots of volunteering opportunities. I’ve worked as a photographer at Manchester Punk Fest and Manchester Psych Fest. I’ve also been invited to volunteer at the Manchester International Festival. I’ve made a couple of music videos for local bands. I also play gigs with my band ‘Ancient Good Stuff’ and help to organise events and recordings for other artists. I’m certainly busy. But I’m enjoying it. The flexibility of my course means I can balance all my interests with my studies and a part-time job. These experiences outside of the classroom make your learning more focused. You know what you need help with.

A career in music

I’m not sure where the future is going to take me. But I’m confident I’ll have the skills I need. The great thing is that everything I learn in class I can apply to my professional projects. I’ve grown my networking and marketing skills. I’ve found the legal bits super-interesting. And I’m learning how to manage artists, record instruments and set up live venues. One day, I’d love to start my own record label. Spirit and Manchester have really welcomed me and shown me that I can make it in the music industry.