Kierian Turner's track record is a tour de force, exhibiting a consistent pattern of ambitious achievements. His drive and passion for his programme of study and the student experience are matched by his pursuit of professional opportunities in the fields of music and the digital audio arts.
Having a student like Kierian Turner, with sheer determination and ambition, is what every instructor hopes for – a student who is destined to surpass expectations and at the same time, a student who is open to new avenues of acquiring knowledge and skill
~Dr. D. Andrew Stewart, faculty, Digital Audio Arts.
Kierian was an engaged student involved in numerous councils, clubs, associations and on campus volunteer and employment opportunities, all while maintaining the highest academic standings, taking on research and teaching assistant roles in both music and liberal education courses. Kierian worked for the University of Lethbridge Student Union and University Advancement proving to be an excellent team member and talented asset.
We asked Kierian about his uLethbridge experience:
What is your most memorable uLethbridge experience?
It is tough to pinpoint my most memorable experience since there are so many different categories. Academically, the research I conducted and took part in were amazing opportunities. Having the opportunity to travel to NYC to present on my research was one of the coolest things I have ever done! In terms of extra-curricular experiences, the opportunity to be an executive member in several clubs and be involved in initiatives like Fresh Fest were extremely practical and fun.
Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your time at uLethbridge?
There are so many people who have had an enormous impact on my experience at the university. Carter Potts became a close friend in our first year, supporting me throughout my time at university, but we also got the opportunity to work together in many professional settings, planning Audio Engineering Society trips, concerts, and events together. We created an augmented drum kit together under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Stewart which was funded through the Joyce & Ron Sakamoto Prize for Research & Development in DAA.
Dr. Andrew Stewart and Dr. Amandine Pras also had a profound impact on my experience, creating opportunities for me to get involved in their research, and supporting me as I conducted my own. Without their guidance, leadership, and support, I know I would not have been able to accomplish a lot of what I have.
Riley Miller is someone who I cannot skip over, since he has been a great mentor and friend since we met. Riley and I worked on two Fresh Fest's and one Last Class Bash together. He taught me a significant amount about music festival coordination, backstage management, production coordination, and performance contracts.
The last person I would like to mention is Lyndsay Montina, who has been my boss in Alumni Relations for the last year. Lyndsay has helped me develop my leadership skills, develop confidence in my abilities, and has fostered a work environment that encourages creative and innovative approaches to solving problems and accomplishing goals.
What is the most important lesson you learned?
I learned that you need to be open minded and engaged. There are so many opportunities that will pass by if you don't take the initiative. I also learned that you need to work at overcoming your fears since trying new things can come with a lot of fear and worry. Many of the things I have done as a senior student, I never would have had the confidence to try in my first couple of years, so it is important to approach the task with the right mindset.
What are your hopes/plans for the future?
I hope to start working in the music industry this fall (Covid-pending). I am interested in opportunities in tour management, artist management, talent booking, and development. Given how much of an impact Covid-19 has had on the music industry, I will have to adapt my skills to new temporary forms of delivery for the arts community.
What advice would you give to students who are about to being their post-secondary journeys?
Come into university with an open mind. Be open to opportunities and new ideas. Learn to become a better listener, and learn to ask deep questions. Develop relationships with those around you and create a supportive environment that will help you thrive throughout your time at university.