For 22-year-old Dan Shelley, the skills he learnt as a music student at the college have led to a job as a music education ambassador for Wolverhampton Music School, where he’ll be advising on how to develop what it offers to better engage with young people in the city.
Dan, who completed the Level 2 diploma in music technology before progressing to the Level 3 UAL diploma, said: “I’ve always had a passion for music and, as a musician myself I wanted to learn techniques for recording myself and others in all forms – be it traditional recordings, Foley work, soundtrack compostion etc – and gain knowledge about studio practices and techniques.
“I learned many studio techniques which I still use today in my own work when I am recording myself and others in my home studio, and I also gained valuable knowledge of live sound and events, which I’ve used when I worked at live shows and festivals.
“Throughout the course the tutors were amazing! They have a plethora of knowledge of the industry and I could always count on their support for issues outside the curriculum – such as technical hitches while sound engineering at external events, support regarding music software and hardware, or advising on the best way to record or mic something up – as well as being supportive on matters regarding physical and mental health.
“What I learned has helped me to open doors in the industry and build links with like-minded people. The friendships I made at college – with students and tutors alike – are some that I cherish the most and have been extremely valuable to where I am today.
To anyone thinking about applying for this course I’d say do it! Whether you’re a budding musician, studio engineer or live sound engineer, this is a great opportunity for you – and, from my experience, having a UAL qualification will turn a few heads!
