Ben Nimmo

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I’m a saxophonist and producer from Birmingham. I run my own record label Readymeal Sound and put on gigs as well as making videos for various different companies and people.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I have always loved music and it has always been my greatest asset so I knew I had to continue pursuing it for as long as I possibly could. I had also heard a lot of great things about Leeds and really liked the idea of coming up north.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

I love composing and performing as it relaxes me and fills me with a sense of purpose like nothing else.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

The composition aspects of the course really opened my mind to what sound is and what it means to different people. Learning new ways to use and shape it has been amazing.

What would you say about the learning facilities in your School and at the University in general?

It’s a big place! There’s also a huge amount of resources to get involved with and enjoy throughout the libraries.

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

Lots of sport societies which are great.

Did you take a work placement or study abroad year? If so, how did you find this experience and what have you gained from it?

I spent the year editing company videos from corporate to charities. At the end of the year I did a huge amount of work for the feature documentary ‘501 Not Out’ which was distributed amongst some small cinemas which was amazing. I’ve learnt a huge amount, plus I get to leave uni with a year of work already under my belt which is very satisfying.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

Leeds is a great place and you will meet a lot of very great people – making new connections for the future is a huge part of the uni experience and has been brilliant in Leeds.

What do you plan to do now you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed at Leeds will help with these plans?

Continue on with my freelance sax playing and grow the record label as far as I can.