From Norfolk to Staffs
For Steven Coltart, Staffordshire University wasn’t just a place to study, it was where his passion for scoring took off. Drawn to the University for its media reputation, the Stafford location close to the countryside, and friendly lecturing team.
“The staff really took the time to get to know us”
The excellent facilities and strong ties to the film & game industries allowed him to explore and refine his skills, shaping the foundations of his career.
While studying Music Technology, Steven’s willingness to get involved led to collaborations with students across creative fields like film, game and performance. This sense of creative community, where students worked together to bring their ideas to life played a key part to his development.
From Music Student to Game Audio Leader
In his first year, an internal Staffs composer advert was placed from a film student to score short film ‘Autumn Heart’. Steven rose to the challenge and delivered the soundtrack for the film. This willingness to learn alongside his passion for collaboration served him well in his degree, as well as making a connection in 2002 that still holds strong today.
“I learnt so much at Staffordshire that went well beyond course content,” Steven recalls. “It was about collaborating, seizing opportunities and constantly growing”.
His communication and networking skills, developed during his time at Staffs played an important part in his future career. Steven says “class presentations gave me public speaking confidence.”
A standout moment from when Steven was a student, was receiving an award for his score and sound design, after cross course collaborating on student film “Quondam”. He reflects fondly on the showcase event, where the cast, crew, and audience came together to celebrate the work – a tradition which still exists to this day for students studying Film.
“It was a team celebration, and for me the first time I had heard my music in a cinema, it inspired me to go further. I will also always be very grateful to then film professor Ray Johnson for his advice, encouragement and giving me opportunities to practice my scoring skills on numerous student projects including Christmas Truce 1914."
Steven’s career has taken him through a variety of creative, technical and mentorship audio roles. From composing and implementing the Unreal Engine score for Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier to Audio Lead/ Composer on TIGA 2024 nominated VR/ MR game Infinite Inside using WWise, as well as production music albums with ongoing TV sync.
Looking Ahead and Sharing the Journey
Steven is the full time Head of Audio for Maze Theory (part of Saltwater Games) overseeing music, sound design and dialogue pipelines across the studio, as well as the in-house composer/ technical music designer. A hybrid role between London and Norfolk. Steven has also developed and delivered game audio pathways for University courses, making them more industry-relevant with his graduates working with him and in studios around the world.
His advice to current students is simple: “It’s not just about grades. Take the time to explore, network, and make those connections. Build the portfolio. You’ll be amazed where these opportunities can take you!”.
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