Andrew Mackey standing onstage with LCM staff at the Arts in Conversation event
Andrew Mackey standing onstage with LCM staff at the Arts in Conversation event

Olivier-nominated composer Andrew T Mackay advises music student workshops and gives public lecture at the University of West London

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Film and theatre composer Andrew T Mackay visited the University of West London (UWL) recently to inspire the next generation of music composers in dedicated workshops. He also took part in a free Arts in Conversation event for the Ealing community, part of a UWL public lecture series.

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Andrew, whose work on the theatrical adaptation of Life of Pi was honoured with a 2022 Olivier Awards nomination, is an alumnus of UWL’s London College of Music (LCM), having studied piano and clarinet there from 1982-1985.

In the afternoon, Andrew took part in workshops with Head of Composition Dr Simone Spagnolo and Composition students, listening to their short pieces, giving them feedback and answering their questions.

Film Composition student Daniel said:

Andrew was encouraging and positive about my piece, which was so validating.”

LCM students, staff members and public sat in the audience at UWL's Arts in Conversation event

In the evening, Andrew took part in UWL’s public lecture. The event began with a showreel of his creative work including clips from theatre productions Life of Pi and Henry V and feature films Hamid and Ballad of Rustom. He was joined on stage by LCM Composition lecturer Dr Litha Efthymiou, who chaired the conversation.

Andrew is a brilliant role model for our students. His positive comments about their music have elevated them and given them confidence,”

said Dr Efthymiou.

The audience, many of whom were LCM students, asked Andrew questions on topics including composing for films and theatre, his inspiration, software, rights and licenses, AI, music libraries and his time at LCM.

Andrew Mackay speaking at the Arts in Conversation event

When asked how to establish yourself as a film composer, Andrew advised:

Start with short films. Go to film festivals and meet directors. It is about dedication and patience. There are a lot of opportunities, but you need to be resilient and focused.”

He also gave tips on working with directors:

The director has a vision that they have lived with for many years. You have got to be amenable and open to changing your mindset. You are serving and supporting the story.”

PhD student Leon said of the event:

Andrew was a great speaker: confident, assured and humble. The music industry is daunting, and he gave us lots of useful and practical advice.”

Director of LCM Professor Nicholas Mackay said:

It has been great to have Andrew here to inspire our students. He is so impressed by them and is looking forward to supporting them further in the future.”

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