Barrenjoey High School students interested in a career in live music have had the chance to “access all areas” through a program featuring professional sound engineers from the College of Creative Arts in Victoria.

During the Boost Mobile Rock The Schools tour workshop, Jeremey Cairns – an audio engineer with more than 20 years industry experience – gave the Year 9 students an insight into the technical side of the business and discussed the realities of a freelance career that depended on networking skills.

Students also received a workbook, Plan a career in music, with notes that complemented the workshop curriculum and helped link it to vocational education and training studies.

Melbourne band Dash and Will performed in the school hall, giving students the opportunity to see the lighting, sound mixing and stage management professionals in action.

English teacher Danielle Atkinson, who organised the visit, said the workshop provided an engaging medium for students to discuss auditory texts and also had particular relevance to the school’s strong music program.

To help support and develop musical talent within the local community, the school regularly organises and hosts the Barrenjoey Music Room.

One night each term the school hall transforms into a venue that provides “highquality live music for … the whole community”, from classical to jazz.

Guest artists have included former students Angus and Julie Stone, who have achieved critical acclaim in Australia and the United Kingdom.