Introductory Blog
I have put a lot of thought into my career aspirations. I aspire to be a freelance producer/sound engineer with many trades in the music industry. but I feel this might be a side job as you cannot guarantee a steady reliable income from this.
So, whilst I am aiming for this, I have also thought long and hard about what I would like to do. And have decided that I would like to study acoustics as well as music technology. (See About Me Page for more information on why I have chosen to study acoustics and for more information about me)
This is what I will be aiming for. To achieve this, I will need 3 A-Levels including A-Level Mathematics, Physics, and also Psychology. I will need up to grade 8 qualification in music theory. In order to be accepted for Southampton university to study acoustics.
I also want to be a producer/sound engineer and be in a band, I wanted this initially to be my main career, however after lots of research I do believe you can get a more stable income and reliable job from the other career path I have chosen. I will be aiming to set myself up as a freelance, musician/producer over the next year. Part of this will be my personal music profile.
Skills Required to Progress –
In order to progress in production, I will need the following skills:
· Mixing
· Mastering
· Production
· Video Editing
· Recording
· Sampling
· Production
· Music Theory
· Communication
· Social skills
· Promotion
· Fan Engagement
creative flair
a love for music and a good working knowledge of the industry
the ability to network and build relationships with a wide variety of people in the industry to build up your profile
the ability to put artists at ease
self-motivation
strong communication skills and the ability to demonstrate and communicate your ideas to artists and other relevant people
technical understanding and ability, both musical and digital
organisation and planning skills
patience and resilience
the ability to cope well under pressure
adaptability and flexibility
drive and perseverance.
·
In order to progress in acoustics, I will need the following skills:
· B-TEC Level 3 Music Tech
· A level Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology
· Adaptability Skills
· A good understanding of sound and acoustics.
· An aptitude for maths and physics.
· An understanding of psychology
· Good technology skills for planning and testing designs.
· An organised approach to designing and planning projects.
a strong interest in, and curiosity about, the physics of sound
to be accurate and methodical
analytical and problem-solving skills
the ability to use a wide variety of technical equipment
writing skills to produce reports and make recommendations
good teamwork skills
· An understanding of environmental legislation and standards.
· Good project management and teamwork skills.
· Strong spoken and written communication skills.
Progression Routes
In order to progress in music technology/acoustics, I could continue the course I am currently on Music production Level 3 B-TEC, then apply for university to study a degree is music technology/production, or Continue the course I am currently doing, then sit A-Level Physics, Mathematics and Psychology then study acoustics in university, I could also choose to study Acoustics/Production to do both.
Progression Route University
Pros
The pros of this progression route are as long as you do well in university you will have a widely recognised qualification in that subject which you could get a decent job with, you will also meet people/network, and gain different contacts, and gain work opportunities you otherwise would not have known about. You will also make new friends, and have a good life experience which will. Help you later on in life.
Cons
The cons of this progression route would be that the costs of university are high, along with student accommodation which is very pricey (although you only pay back your student loan if you earn above a certain amount, so this is not much of a problem, and is worth taking this route)
Another con would be you would have to move away from home, this can be tricky, but also, I a good life experience with many valuable lessons to be learnt.
Another con, is that although you have a degree, that does not necessarily guarantee you a job after university, in the subject you have chosen, people that decided not to go to university may be working a slightly higher role than a person that’s come straight out of university although a university student would have an advantage.
progression route apprenticeship.
Many places including the BBC offer apprenticeship’s,
Pros
the pros of this progression route is that you can earn money whilst learning the subject.
Another pro is you will go straight into that sector and will start working your way up the ladder whilst completing your course, with work experience in the sector you want to work in straight away.
Con
This can also be a con as you might not know exactly what career path you want to take as soon as you leave school, with university you would be able to take many different routes from the course, where-as with apprenticeships, you will be working your way up the ladder for that specific career and may find it difficult to change careers down the line.
Progression Route Do It Yourself
Another Progression route is to do it yourself and set yourself up as a freelance producer/acoustician, for this route, I don’t think you could necessarily do acoustics as you wouldn’t have the necessary skills to do this correctly.
The pros
of this progression route are that it’s cheaper, there’s no student fees, or university fee’s although there will have to be a large amount of money to start yourself up.
Another pro would be you can start straight away, start networking/finding contacts and job opportunities, build up clientele whilst others are still studying in uni.
The cons
of this progression route are that although you may have a lot of knowledge in the subject, you don’t have the qualification’s necessary to back up your skills to display to higher end companies or large companies to prove you can do a good job, it would be strictly word of mouth, and how good your skills are.
Conclusion
In conclusion for me personally I would rather choose the progression route of going to university as I will have the necessary qualifications to be an acoustician/producer/sound engineer. It will give me a head start and will help me to progress my dream job. I think student loans are a good deal, and are worth the expense in the long run, you can study both acoustics/production in university which will give me an equal opportunity to try out both paths and decided down the line which one is right for me.
Short-Term Goals:
Research which university I want to study at.
Research what grades I need to get on A-Levels, and into university to make sure I meet the criteria
Book an open day(s) to see the university(s)
Medium- Term Goals:
Apply For A-Levels
Apply For University
Look into student accommodation
Apply for student loan
Long – Term Goals:
Apply for student accommodation
Move to where accommodation is.
Alongside these goals and development plan I will be able to achieve my dream career. I have also completed my PADI Open Water Diving Course which I will need to be a marine acoustician. Once I have completed these goals and have achieved my A-Levels I’ll be one step closer to my dream career, and I’ll be able to apply for university to develop my skills.
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