Polytechnic recognises MAINZ tutor

31 July 2014

Polytechnic recognises MAINZ tutor

The winner of Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s (TPP) top teaching accolade for 2013 says helping students find a place in the audio industry is the best reward for his work.

Matt Scott, Programme Leader for the Christchurch-based MAINZ Diploma in Audio Engineering and Music Production, was yesterday presented with the 2013 TPP Pounamu Award for Teaching Excellence by the TPP Council Chair, Graeme McNally. The award is given to tutors who have been recognised by their peers and students as going above and beyond to deliver academic programmes for TPP.

Matt says it is a great compliment to be chosen for this year’s award. “It is really great to get that recognition; there are a lot of people at Tai Poutini Polytechnic who work hard and go beyond the call of duty so this award really means a lot to me.”

Matt completed his training through MAINZ in 2001 and worked in the commercial audio industry until taking a teaching position at TPP almost six years ago. “I love teaching – I get to share my passion and see the students flourish. For me, working with the students one-on-one and helping them with a mix or to compose piece of music: that’s where the magic is.

“TPP has given me some fantastic opportunities. I was fresh out of working in small rooms with no windows for 10 years when I came home to Christchurch to take a position with TPP. Since then I have been given the chance to develop my skills as well as the programmes we offer here at MAINZ.”

Matt says one of his most satisfying initiatives was to introduce a guest speaker programme to his students. He says bringing in Oscar winners, people working on commercial smart phone apps or organising a live-cross to a former student working in post-production for The Hobbit gives students an idea of the opportunities out there.

Zed Brookes, MAINZ HOD Audio Department, says Matt has consistently received high praise from students and is their highest-rated tutor. “Students recognise Matt’s passion for the field and appreciate his teaching style. He has the respect of his colleagues and is always a considerate and proactive staff member.”

The annual winner of the TPP Pounamu Award for Teaching Excellence is chosen from the winners of the each of the institution’s Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards. Matt will receive a pounamu trophy and certificate and a $3000 professional development prize.

ENDS

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