Music production is something he loves to do and there’s nothing better than doing something you love
What’s your child’s name and age?
Oliver, 19.
What course is Oliver studying and where?
A course in Music Production at Point Blank Music College, in Hoxton, London.
What type of studies had Oliver previously followed?
He took 'A' levels in Art and Music in Barnet, North London.
What are your feelings about Oliver taking this particular course?Oliver didn’t have enough points to do a degree, so initially he thought a Foundation degree might be the answer. But he’s more results-driven than academic, so the music production course is ideal for him. I’m hugely enthusiastic about him doing this course; I’d love him to make it. Music production is something he loves to do and there’s nothing better than doing something you love.
How did you help Oliver choose the right creative course?
We spent hours and hours online researching various courses. We found out about Point Blank, went to see the studio and Oliver liked it. It was a very exciting environment for someone who wants to do music – seeing all the equipment and watching people actually making music.
What were the most helpful sources of information to help make this choice?
Definitely the internet. But every college describes ‘music production’ courses in a different way, and we discovered that there were huge variations. Some said they were about music production but were actually about music management, DJ courses or even music therapy. It was great when we found a site that told us clearly what the course covered and essential stuff like where the campus was based. It would be easy to go horribly wrong looking for a course on the internet; I can understand why some students find they have to change course after six months, as they’ve been misled by the initial information they read.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.
What are the cost implications of the course?
Huge! If Oliver had done a Foundation course, he’d have taken out a student loan. As it is, I’m footing the bill over the two years of the course. Oliver is in a privileged position because I can pay for the course, but a lot of the guys there are older and are working part-time to cover the costs.
What are your feelings about your child going into the creative industries?
The creative industries are thriving and it’s a great area to work in – they’re the new steel industry. I think it’s the right environment for Oliver. There’s a relaxed atmosphere, a lack of rigidity and pragmatism rules.
What’s your job title?
I’m a Senior Partner at The Team, a London brand and marketing communications agency.
How does your work / career path affect your feelings about your child going into the creative industries?
I did graphics at art school and made my way in the creative industries and have done fairly well. So I’m happy for Oliver to work in the creative industries.
How do you think Oliver's career will pan out in terms of earning potential / satisfaction / promotion?
It depends how hard he works. He’s talented, but music production is a hugely difficult field to break into. But the whole family is behind him: me, his mum, his stepfather and stepmother, his step brothers and sisters.
If you could have any job in the creative industries, what would it be?I’d like the job that Oliver’s shooting at! I’d love to work in the music industry. I dabbled when I was young but with very little focus or drive; I love the mixture of craft and creative skills that music offers.