UHI music students selected for SHIFT 2026 programme
Two University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) students have secured places on the highly regarded SHIFT 2026 programme, recognising their potential as emerging creative professionals.
Dagmar Pesta and Michael Wintle-Brown, who are both studying the BA (Hons) Applied Music degree online with UHI North, West and Hebrides, were selected for the programme following a competitive application process.
Taking place online from 31 August to 4 September 2026, SHIFT will bring students and recent graduates together with creative practitioners, entrepreneurs and industry experts through a programme of workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Established in 2019 and led by The Glasgow School of Art, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Queen Margaret University, the programme supports participants to develop the professional, entrepreneurial and business skills they need to build sustainable careers in the creative industries.
Dagmar, who lives in Germany, said:
“I am delighted and honoured to have been selected for the SHIFT 2026 programme. This is a special recognition and a wonderful opportunity to continue developing both personally and professionally.
“After almost 20 years as a teacher, I took the step into self-employment and now work full-time as a bagpiper and bagpipe teacher. Through my applied music studies at UHI, I am combining my experience in teaching with new creative and musical perspectives
“I am excited by the opportunity to bring together music, technology and innovative approaches to teaching. I hope that the programme will give me new perspectives, the opportunity to exchange ideas with committed participants from a wide range of disciplines, and inspiration that I can bring into both my artistic work and my teaching. I look forward to building new connections, learning from others, and continuing to grow alongside them.”
Michael Wintle-Brown, who lives in Carradale, Argyll, said:
“I felt very surprised and privileged to be selected for the 2026 SHIFT programme, especially as a mature student! It is a unique and immersive opportunity that I know will complement and help me make the most of my studies at UHI.
“I am hoping that attending SHIFT will help me consolidate and articulate my creative work and goals as a modular synth artist and musician into an actionable, proactive plan for a sustainable, professional career. I am also looking forward to the opportunity to exchange ideas, engage with practitioners across a wide range of creative disciplines, broaden my network and maybe even lead to exciting collaboration opportunities in the future.
“The BA (Hons) Applied Music course at UHI has given me the confidence to challenge myself, embrace new opportunities, such as the SHIFT programme, and begin to see myself as a creative with something worthwhile to say.”
Darlene Russell, Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Manager at UHI, said:
“Dagmar and Michael's selection for SHIFT is a fantastic achievement and reflects both their creativity and commitment to developing sustainable careers in the creative industries.
"At UHI, we encourage our students to make the most of opportunities that help them build professional networks, develop entrepreneurial skills and gain confidence beyond the classroom. Programmes like SHIFT play an important role in helping emerging creatives turn their ideas and talents into successful careers, and we are delighted to see our students representing UHI."