“I’ve enjoyed getting up for college as I’m doing something I enjoy,” said 17-year-old Shanieka Swazie who is studying for the Level 2 extended diploma in music technology.
Shanieka added: “I want to become a sound engineer and I knew school couldn’t cater for what I wanted, so college and this course was the best option for me.
“I’ve been learning about live sound, which is taught at the Slade Rooms – a live music venue in the city centre – as well as other skills such as keeping calm under pressure, working with others in the industry, using hand signals to communicate and how to produce music beats.
“And the course also covers music production too – creating music for artists, films or games, and how to plan, organise and book live gig – all of which will be helpful in my future career.
“Our work is assessed throughout the course and we have to do a final major project at the end, which is graded as a pass, merit or distinction.
“My confidence wasn’t the strongest at school but my tutors and peers have helped me develop since starting the course and you get more freedom, independence and flexibility than at school.
“After completing the course I plan to stay at college and progress to the HND in Performing Arts (Technical Arts – Live Sound and Events) – I never saw myself going to university so doing a higher education course is an alternative option – and then I want to get a job as a sound engineer.”
