Hi Everyone.....

I'm not sure if there are people on this forum that will be in the Music Technology industry, but hopefully there will be someone who can point me in the right direction....

I have a pupil who is an adult, 26, and who wants to change direction. He is currently in a job that he doesn't like, but he has always wanted to work in Music Technology. He is the kind of bloke that is what you call an audiophile (?), he is into all the latest speakers and music equipment, whether it be Bose, B&W, KEF, etc etc (I'm sure those of you that are into this kind of thing will know what I mean, I'm just plucking names out of the air!). He is really keen to make this passion his line of work, but he doesn't know how. He has studied classical music before, he used to play the trumpet when he was really very young, and he has taken his GCSE Music. He was never really an academic though and he has never taken A Levels or been to University.

He has been talking about becoming a sound engineer for quite some time now, as it gives him a chance to work with things he loves best, which is technology and equipment. But he doesn't know how to get into the industry, and doesn't have the right qualifications to go straight into University and start from a high qualification, if you see what I mean.

Does anyone have any advice on how he should proceed, taking into account his age and experience? At the moment I'm only teaching him theory and music appreciation but he is really keen to change careers into this field. He has a very busy full-time job but he is willing to change it and fund his own studies.

Any ideas?

I think the OU offers music technology courses, so maybe that can be a good starting point?

Quite a few colleges offer the Btec National Diploma in Music Technology - it works out at about 3 days a week, and is equivalent of 3 A levels. Most degree courses accept this, so it might be worth looking into.

I'd suggest taking a look at TVU, (London Music College) which runs a specialist music tech course, and sounds just up his street. Although they have the usual A-level entry criteria, they will in reality have a separate procedure for assessing non-traditional students. (A portfolio of work can be submitted etc). They have a contact e-mail on their website, so he could fire off a quick e-mail expressing his interest while making it clear that he is asking for advice as a non trad student. I'm sure he'll get a very positive response.

There are other places also offering this sort of course and keen to attract non-trad students. I really don't think he'll find it a huge problem finding a place, as long as his skills/interest are up to scratch. If not, he'll be able to ask for advice with a view to trying again at later date.

Might also be worth having a hunt for locally based Foundation Degrees (either FSc of FA degrees). These last 2 years, are generally vocational in style, and would hopefully have the industry connections required...

Goldsmiths run a few music technology courses as part of their community education programme. I don't believe formal qualifications are needed and admission will be by interview.

http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/pace/music-technology.php

Yes - the OU course is TA212. It is extremely thorough but quite hard-going. However, it could be a very good course for your student if he already has some background knowledge in technology. This is not a requirement for registration but I would suggest some experience advisable, and most of all bags of enthusiasm.

I know one of the managers of Access To Music, and judging by what he's said to me about their courses, I think that it'd be just right for your pupil. Unfortunately, I don't have any first hand knowledge of the course, but I can probably find out for you, if you like?

City of Westminster College has traditionally had a very good reputation for sound engineering and music technology. You can check out their courses here.

It would be a good idea for your student to talk to a careers adviser (ok - so, I'm a careers adviser I would say that!) But, seriously, there are people who specialise in giving advice to adults and they can help see what funding there might be towards the cost of any courses. He can speak to an adviser on 0800 100 900 or check out the learndirect website.

Good luck, I hope your student finds something that works for him.

Lis

Lots of good ideas there, it's also worth looking in Floodlight magazine for ideas in the London area.

What do Jehovah's Witnesses have to do with Music Technology?!