Big Ideas new role model, Gill Taylor, visited Gower College Swansea recently, as part of the Welsh Government’s initiative, to give inspirational advice to Music Technology students. The visit was orgainsed by Enterprise Officer, Lucy Turtle, who said: “It was a great opportunity for students to seek advice from one of our top class role models”.
Gill Taylor is a veteran of the music industry, with a career spanning 38 years. She worked at Motown Records, Chrysalis Records (both in the US and UK) and Tasco Sound, before returning to Wales and becoming the first female booking agent in the country.
Among those with whom she has worked are such diverse artists as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Jethro Tull, Frank Zappa, Deep Purple, Blondie, Meat Loaf and Art Garfunkel, to name a few. Her experience encompasses areas of the industry including A&R, management, tour booking and tour management.
Gill has worked with Elvis Costello for the past 23 years and she remains responsible for overseeing all aspects of his career on an international level. In addition, she has recently returned to her roots to work with new, emerging talent. She is helping to guide careers, fully utilising her extensive experience and range of contacts in what has become a very challenging, yet still exciting industry.
Simon Protheroe, Curriculum leader for Music Technology, was thrilled with the outcome: “It was exciting for the students to receive a real insight into band management and A&R companies. Feedback from the students was excellent and we would like to invite Gill back in September."
For more information on the Big Ideas role models please contact Enterprise Officer Lucy Turtle lucy.turtle@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk