Andy Harris

Biography

Andy Harris is a lecturer on the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance and BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Production degree courses and has been teaching at Solent University since 2015, initially as an Associate Lecturer for the Music Business courses. Andy primarily teaches on music performance modules but has a broad skillset developed both through his industry experience and his 15 years of teaching popular music at FE and HE.

Throughout his early career Andy focussed greatly on original music projects and was a founding member of internationally acclaimed ensemble The Irrepressibles. With subsequent acts Andy has been involved in numerous commercial releases and performed across the UK, at festivals, in Europe and the US. Through his band Haunted Stereo, Andy got involved with local label Sotones, eventually becoming and spending the best part of a decade as managing director. During this time developing a deep understanding of the independent music industry, commercial release logistics and accruing a wealth of knowledge in areas such as copyright.

Andy is a true believer in the value of an open mind and building up a broad skillset; having undertaken numerous other roles in his career such as producer, promoter, functions musician, guitar teacher, session musician, band leader, web editor and rehearsal studio supervisor, Andy now leads the Music Portfolio Careers module - guiding the next generation of music professionals to recognise and cultivate their abilities in order to capitalise on varied income streams. 

Andy continues to perform regularly and is undertaking master's degree study.