Durham College (DC) alumnus, Cody Partridge, has been recognized for his success in music management at the 2022 Canadian Sync Awards. Launched in 2019, the Canadian Sync Awards celebrate music supervision in filmed Canadian media. On June 9, Partridge took home four of the 14 awards, including:

• Best Sync – Sports Program or Sports Promo
• Best Sync – Soundtrack, Original Film or Episodic Series for Streaming
• Best Sync – Scene, Feature Film or Documentary Film
• Best Sync – Soundtrack, Episodic Series

“I am very honoured and humbled,” says Partridge. “It has been a dream of mine to become a music supervisor ever since watching The OC and wondering who gets to put music in TV. Flash forward 11 years, and now I’m being honoured with four awards for achievement in my field. I say it all the time, but I really am living the dream.”

Partridge, who graduated from DC’s Music Business program in 2011, began his professional journey as an intern with Katalyst Licensing & Promotions Inc., which he landed with the help of his professor, Tony Sutherland, during the program’s field placement course in his third year. This led to a music supervisor position with Supersonic, later renamed Supergroup, providing him with the skills and confidence to eventually launch his own company, Pear Tree Music Supervision, in 2020.

“DC was an incredible kickstart to my career. I learned a lot about different aspects of the industry, some that interested me and some that didn’t,” says Partridge. “I find a lot of the success I’ve had until now has come from networking and building relationships. Most of the opportunities I’ve had are from being connected by a colleague or professor, which led to more opportunities and relationships. Without my education, the first door to the industry wouldn’t have been open to me, nor would I have the skills I need to thrive in my field.”

When asked what advice Partridge can offer current and future music business students, he stresses the importance of hard work.

“Don’t be afraid to grind. For three years, I worked three jobs, interned for free and built my reputation. I proved my work ethic, reliability and drive,” Partridge adds. “Take people in your desired position out for coffee. Find out what they do not like to do in their role and get really good at that aspect. Embrace it, and you’ll make yourself irreplaceable.”

Congratulations to Cody on his incredible success at the Canadian Sync Awards!