TEMA Music Students Learn From Industry Professionals ( Published: 13/03/2026)

The academy’s music department took several Year 9 and 10 students to the Co-op Live Arena for the Mic Drop sessions. These sessions were developed to help young people get access to the experience of industry professionals and was organised by MasterCard.

The Year 9 and 10 musicians of TEMA were back on the road again, with a visit to their local Co-op Arena, for the Mic Drop sessions. The students were welcomed by Millie May Forrest, a music campaign manager at Co-op Live, with over five years’ experience across consumer publicity, social media and paid media. Millie has delivered high-impact campaigns for major live events, cultural institutions, brands and artists. Her notable projects include AIM’s Independent Music Awards, Shambala Festival, The British Library, and Sani Resort and Festival.

During the talk, Millie was able to give our students key insights and tips of how to succeed within the music industry. The students also had the opportunity to ask questions about her career.

The session was also led by Katie Thistleton, BBC Radio 1 presenter and previously CBBC. A big thank you from Mr Hatton and all the students goes out to Co-op Live, Mastercard, The Academy PR and most importantly, One Education, for helping to set up the opportunity.

It was an inspiring event to participate in, learning about different jobs role within the music industry! I also enjoyed seeing the Co-op Live Arena for the first time.
Pedro, Year 9 Student