Academic lectures
“I’ve invited Eddy to speak to both undergraduates and postgraduates at the RAM. His talks combine a deep seated practical knowledge of the world of music, alongside an honesty and positivity about how to get on, which our students have found both enlightening and encouraging.”
A promo video from a series of lectures given by Eddy to the business students of the ICMP
As a guest academic lecturer, Eddy is invited to speak on the topics of freelance portfolio careers and entrepreneurship within the creative industries. He has given lectures at higher education institutions including the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Leeds College of Music, Institute of Contemporary Music Performance and the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Huddersfield, Westminster, East London, Liverpool, Salford and Goldsmiths College.
He draws on his lived experience as a Director of The Lost Estate as well as a freelance performer to give students a ‘boots on the ground’ approach to building successful careers within the music industry. Within these lectures, he combines discussion on practical issues such as how to make first steps within the industry and networking skills with theoretical knowledge on financial, leadership, operations and other entrepreneurship skills, with the aim of encouraging students to use their creative voice in developing their careers. From survey data collected from lecture attendees, 89% of participants found this lecture useful to their future careers and 95% of participants would recommend the lecture to others.
Eddy holds a LRAM teaching qualification from the Royal Academy of Music.
An abstract to Eddy’s Creative Entrepreneurship for Musicians two-part lecture series is available to view below:
“Eddy is an articulate academic who is regularly invited to deliver lectures for students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He does a great job helping the students prepare for written assessments and acts as a figurehead for students here at the conservatoire. As a producer of critically acclaimed immersive mixed-discipline events, Eddy demonstrates keen powers of originality and the ability to design creative concepts that attract new and lucrative audiences at the cutting edge of culture. Indeed, for me and for the RCS, Eddy truly represents the 21st Century musician, who is equal-parts outstanding musician, academic and entrepreneur.”
“Eddy Hackett is an absolute role model for aspiring music professionals, generous, pragmatically ambitious, highly intelligent and an embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit. His learned experience from starting a classical arts organization for the masses is invaluable and his work is also likely to be one of the keys to “saving” art forms that so many dedicate their lives to honing and perfecting. Eddy’s ‘why not’ attitude allows The Lost Estate’s creativity to continue to excel, thrive and inspire even in uncertain times. As an educator and a mentor, Eddy is the perfect balance of intellectually critical and zealously encouraging. Very few accomplish what he has done in the same time frame and even fewer can articulate how to move from concept to production so simply and effectively. To have a mentor with the depth of understanding and real-world experience like Eddy’s is really exceptional. I have no doubt that Eddy will be a major mogul in the performing arts industry one day and I am eternally grateful for the time he has given to me.”
“The life of a percussionist and creative producer…”
By Eddy Hackett
“Eddy is a musician with a particular interest in young entrepreneurs who seek guidance in self-employment. Eddy has a wealth of experience that he expertly shared with our students, delivering an engaging and insightful masterclass to nearly 200. His preparation and focus made for an enthralling session detailing many areas including those of individual students. We will definitely be working with Eddy in the future. ”
“Not many people have such a thorough grasp of entrepreneurship in the creative industries as Eddy does. His advice was extremely insightful and he helped me flesh out what was initially a muddled creative project into a fully-fledged business opportunity. Thanks to his pragmatic approach, he enabled me to develop my ideas in a clear and concise format. This is a key asset not only for someone wanting to develop as an entrepreneur in the creative industries but also for artists, performers, and professionals in other fields too. Therefore, I can only recommend Eddy’s expertise in the highest terms.”
Percussion masterclasses
“Eddy is the best teacher I’ve ever had. Not only did he draw out potential that I failed to see in myself, but now I am a better learner in and outside of music. While I was working with him on an audition, we didn’t play the pieces often, but rather he taught me the best way to approach it so that I could take home the lessons from the day and apply it. I am honoured to have been his student and would recommend him to anyone of any skill level and any age”
With a student from the Tokushima Bunri University in Japan
“You gave so much energy and enthusiasm to our students - I have never seen them so happy!”
With the percussion students of the Katerina Gurska School of Music in Madrid
Eddy’s performance masterclasses focus on orchestral repertoire, solo/chamber music coaching and instrumental technique. He has delivered workshops at numberous higher education institutions across the UK, mainland Europe and the Far East including: the Universities of Glasgow, Aberdeen, St Andrews, Tokushima Bunri (Japan), Royal Air Force, Katerina Gurska School of Music (Madrid) and Feldkirch Conservatoire (Austria). Eddy has also given masterclasses at Bedford School, Lancing College and adjudicated competitions at the Perse School and for the Cherubim Music Trust.
His students have gained places at:
Royal Academy of Music
Royal College of Music
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Trinity Laban
NYU Steinhardt
With percusion students of the University of Aberdeen after London Percussion's masterclass and concert there
Some of Eddy’s students from a masterclass at Tokushima Bunri performing Trio Per Uno by Nebojša Jovan Živković
Leading a masterclass with the students from The Perse School during a recent visit
Music outreach projects
A video from a project for 15-19 year olds Eddy was part of with the London Philharmonic Orchestra called 'The Band' which we performed at the Royal Festival Hall
Training musicians from Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in the art of ‘instant songs’ as part of a a collaboration between TBK and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Photo: Jouji Suzuki / Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
Eddy is passionate about music outreach projects and has collaborated (as a lead animateur and supporting musician) with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Opera House, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and TAK Theatre Liechtenstein. He has worked alongside leading animateurs and creative practitioners such as Jason Rowlands, Sarah Freestone and Hugh Nankivell.
In Osaka, as part of a collaboration between Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Japan Century Symphony Orchestra and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. We were leading workshops for intergenerational groups and also for people with dementia.
“We’ve had the pleasure and fortune to work with Eddy Hackett at the Qatar Music Academy. What stands out about Eddy is his ability to effortlessly connect with students of all ages to inspire them and awaken a true joy of making music. He taught our son to feel and express his joy with remarkable sensitivity for playing delicate, gracefully and elegantly, with definition and dynamic - things that can seem rather abstract to a teenager. Eddy cares deeply for the success of his students, musically and as individuals. His competence as a musician and teacher along with his friendly and happy personality have earned him great respect and honour from his students. ”
Per Nik Barth, one of my former students performing a concerto with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
With students from the Qatar Music Academy's Senior Percussion Ensemble
“With no doubt I could say that Eddy has been an inspiring and effective percussion teacher. Being a new learner in percussion, Eddy started it well by telling my son not to aim for “no mistakes” but aim to do it right from the beginning and all the time!
His professionalism, skills, talent and personality have successfully ensured that his students enjoy learning and have fun during lessons and practices. He has full confidence in his students and encourages them to strive towards success. Being a beginner, my son learned 5 Solo pieces within 6 lessons! Eddy is definitely more than qualified to teach and nurture students. We are very blessed to have him teach my son and wish him all the best!”
In 2015, Eddy took on the position of Head of Percussion at the Qatar Music Academy in Doha, being responsible for 23 students (ranging from 5 - 30 years old), 3 percussion ensembles as well as coaching the youth orchestra and symphonic wind ensemble. In the summer 2015 ABRSM exams, 6 of his students gained a ‘Distinction’ grade and were all invited to participate in the ABRSM 'High Scorers' concert, which showcases the pupils who achieved the top 25 marks in the examination tour. One of Eddy’s students from QMA has subsequently been accepted to join the percussion programme at NYU Steinhardt.
Performing with the Qatar Music Academy's Senior Percussion Ensemble