Sea and Sound Waves: Islands of the North Atlantic and the Challenges of On-Line Music Collaboration in a New Scottish University

The University of the Highlands and Islands has introduced a new BA in Applied Music designed to equip music students to work effectively in the contemporary market place, and within the unique and remote geography of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. 'Remote digital music collaboration' is a key class in the pedagogical strategy for student development, which is delivered on-line and by video conference, and teaches audio engineering skills to musicians. Our paper examines these modes of delivery. Data provided by students and staff is used to highlight specific successes and challenges encountered when using technology to collaborate musically over long distances.