The Piece Hall Academy and Calderdale College launch course to boost talent pipeline for music and live events industry

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A major new partnership between The Piece Hall Academy and Calderdale College is set to create a direct pipeline of talent into the UK’s growing live events industry. 

The new Level 3 course launches in September 2026, offering people aged 19+ a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in live events and music production, with fully funded places available for eligible learners. 

The Piece Hall Academy was established to train, support and develop the next generation of creatives through short courses, long-term mentoring, industry experience days and work placements. The new programme builds on this work, creating a clear progression route into the live events and music industries. 

The Piece Hall has generated an estimated £680 million for the economy over the past decade, with projections of around £90 million annually - highlighting its growing role as a driver of regional growth, tourism and cultural activity. This new course is designed to ensure local people can access the opportunities created by that success.

Students will choose between two specialist pathways on the Level 3 one-year course, including Live Event Production, focusing on staging, lighting, sound and event delivery and Music Technology and Production, centred on studio recording, sound design and music creation.

A special feature of the programme is the chance to work on real events at The Piece Hall, supporting its busy programme of seasonal markets and major live shows. The venue continues to attract audiences from across the UK, this year hosting global artists including CMAT, Bastille, Royal Otis, The Ks and Turnstile and many more.

The Piece Hall Academy Director Aaron Casserly Stewart said: “These two incredible Level 3 qualifications are a huge step forward for Academy. 

“The courses in partnership with Calderdale college and accredited by the University of Arts London offer a genuine pathway into a creative career in the North with world class tuition, mentoring and support from globally renowned artists.

“It's part of our commitment to creating real opportunities for young people in the borough, tackling inequality and increasing inclusion by encouraging participation from those currently underrepresented in the fields. 

It may be the start of a journey that sees people working on our flagship summer series, or even, one day taking centre stage as a headliner for Live at The Piece Hall!”

Students will develop practical, industry-relevant skills while working as part of a professional production team and be supported by mentors selected from an impressive lineup, including BBC 6 Music’s early morning presenter, Chris Hawkins, Gary Powel (Drummer for The Libertines), Erik “Blu2th” Griggs (Producer at Dr Dre’s Aftermath), Jerry Barnes (Bass player for Nile Rodgers & CHIC), Martyn Ware (Heaven 17 and The Human League) and Carl James Hunter (director, film maker and bass player with The Farm) Morris Hayes (Music director and band lead of Prince’s New Power Generation), Malcolm Joseph (Bass player for Grace Jones) and Mark Walker (Music Director for Beverley Knight).

David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “This partnership brings together education and industry in a way that directly benefits our community. The Piece Hall is not only a world-class venue, but a major driver of economic growth in the region. By working together, we are ensuring local people can develop skills, experience and confidence to be part of that success – both now and in the future.”

The course is fully funded for students across West Yorkshire who do not already hold a Level 3 qualification or hold a level 3 qualification but are unemployed, self-employed or earning less than £25,750 per annum. It provides an accessible route into careers in the creative industries, including live events, music performance and production or further study. 

By combining classroom learning with real-world experience in a nationally recognised venue, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing talent, supporting the local economy and strengthening Calderdale’s reputation as a cultural destination.

Applications are now open for September 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.thepiecehall.co.uk/learn/academy/ 

For more information on The Piece Hall Academy please contact alice.bailey@thepiecehall.co.uk or trisha.merrington@thepiecehall.co.uk 

For more information on Calderdale College please contact: emma.lister@calderdale.ac.uk or ella.howarth@calderdale.ac.uk