Loren Forscutt is taking her passion for music and turning it into a career.
By Sarah Schwager
AT JUST 18 years old, a Cranbourne woman is already achieving her dreams.
Despite only graduating from high school last year, Loren Forscutt’s aspirations of working in event management are fast becoming a reality.
She has already worked for the Big Day Out and is now helping put together the Melbourne Grand Prix.
Loren, 18, who shares her time between her mother’s place in Cranbourne and her father’s in Tooradin, began studying for an Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Business) at North Melbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT) in Fairfield this year.
“I was always interested in managing bands. Now I’m really into event management, particularly music events,” she said.
“I love everything about music and I love being behind the scenes. I’m just not a performer.”
Loren started volunteering with Freeza through the City of Casey while she was studying at Eumemmerring College’s Hallam Campus last year.
She learnt about all aspects of event management and helped organise the Fringe Fest Youth Music Festival, Live and Loud Youth Music Festival, Battle of the Bands and Straight Outta Melbourne event.
When it came to applying for a tertiary course, after lots of research, she decided the Advanced Diploma was best suited to her interests.
“It takes me two hours to get there and an hour and a half back and it drives me crazy, but I love it,” Loren said.
She said the course had thrown her into the deep end.
“It’s very full on but I’m managing it. I’m really enjoying it.”
After a host of voluntary work, including with The Muso Network at the City of Greater Dandenong, Hallam charity event organiser Taylor Made Events, and the Melbourne Big Day Out, Loren finally felt ready to apply for some paid event management work.
She was recently selected as corporate hostess of the VIP area with the event management team for the Melbourne Grand Prix and is busy preparing for the massive event.
She also manages four-piece rock band Skys of Scarlet and has put together a special event at her old high school.
On 20 March, the band will play for 30 minutes during lunchtime, with a barbecue also organised for students.
Loren plans to keep looking for work experience throughout her two-year course and is looking at volunteering at BluesFest – the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival in Byron Bay in April.
Loren encouraged those considering a career in event management to work hard and get lots of experience.
“Just remember it’s not all glitz and glamour. Stay focused on your goal and keep working hard.”
For more information on a career in the music business, contact NMIT on 9269 8941 or the City of Casey on 9705 5200.
