The Learning Zone

The extraordinary and unprecedented proliferation of television and radio stations, the growth in newspapers, magazines and the Internet, the upswing in the music and film industries, indeed the healthy state of the Arts and culture throughout the island, have collectively prompted a parallel escalation in interest in careers in those same areas.As a consequence, there is now a valuable network of courses and colleges which can help you plot your direction towards one of the numerous desirable careers on offer. But that welcome development has in turn brought a further complication for the would-be student. Which course is the right one for you? Can you afford it? Will you get a job after it or will you have to go on to do further study? What qualifications do you need for entry?Employers are becoming increasingly selective with regard to the calibre of staff they recruit and while, yes, there are more careers than ever before, there is also a greater competition for a finite number of places. Anyone who simply does not want to bother competing on the qualifications front according to the changing rules of the game must accept the fact that he or she is losing ground to those who do.Making the right decision now may save you years of frustration, not to mention the money spent and opportunities lost. Choosing the right course will also bring you into valuable contact with like-minded people, lecturers as well as fellow students, and you will benefit enormously from the vibrancy of a positive learning environment. Your course may even help you meet industry professionals from whom you will not only get a real grasp of the day-to-day challenges of your chosen career, but they may give you tips on where the jobs might be and how best to chase them.Aristotle was once asked if he thought the educated were superior to those uneducated. "As much," he replied, "as the living are from the dead." An exaggeration maybe, and a little lacking in modern political correctness, but I'm sure you get the point.While you ponder that, you can check out the better career options detailed in this brief overview. And remember, it could be the most important decision you'll make for a long time.Open Learning On RTÉStudying a subject while watching television at the same time seems a most attractive proposition, and one that RTÉ are developing with an increasing commitment.The station's Open Learning programmes began last September on Network 2, offering an attractive selection of programmes on topics as diverse as Child Development, Psychology and Astronomy.Other programmes with a decidedly educational bent are Frank Clarke's Simply Painting series which has now been exported successfully to stations in Britain and the USA, the hugely popular E Z Guitar with the accomplished Gwen Moore and What A Picture, a series on photography presented by Podge Kelly.ABC Of ISL is produced by the Irish Deaf Society and teaches sign language, while Living Body looks at how and why the body does what it does.As John McMahon, editor of Educational TV at RTÉ, points out: "The Open Learning schedule is a significant aspect of RTÉ's programming. It is anticipated that this area will grow in the coming years and we are getting a lot of positive feedback."For further details on RTÉ's Open Learning programme, check the current issue of the RTÉ Guide or contact John McMahon/Lorna Roche, Educational TV, Annex 3, RTÉ, Dublin 4 or Joan Newman, RTÉ Press and Information Office. Phone: 01-2082287.National College Of Art And DesignThe National College Of Art And Design offers a Master's Degree in Multimedia, intended to address the question of what it might mean to be visually literate in the 21st century. Among the questions raised by this very thought-provoking course: Are we moving towards a world of visual representation in which traditional distinctions between art and design will no longer apply and where distinctions between high art and popular culture blur? What are the limitations of computer-aided design programmes? Can we empower students to drive the technology rather than the opposite? Can we negotiate a place between what the technology can do and what we can do with it? Are the new worlds of cyberspace and virtual realities just more of the same—only faster? Can they offer alternatives and what would the alternatives be? How can we learn to understand the nature of such alternatives? Can anything new be said here, using video, sound, photography and information technology?The course at the National College Of Art And Design aims to stimulate such research and to teach the essential skills for the task.For further information contact: Professor Noel Sheridan, Director, National College Of Art and Design. Phone: 01-6364260 or 01-6364200.Ballyfermot Senior College (Rock School)Under the astute guidance of former Moving Hearts drummer Matt Kelleghan, the music courses at the Ballyfermot Senior College (affectionately known as the Rock School) are by now well-known for their hands-on approach to teaching students the nuts and bolts of music and the Music Industry. The RPM Rock School Popular Music Performance course creates a working environment in which participants can develop skills in self-expression, musical composition, presentation and performance. They gain a detailed knowledge of the workings of the industry and an opportunity to work together in performance and through collaborative composition, and to enhance their stage and presentation techniques. Facilities include rehearsal and 4-track studio, demo and video recording, backline amps, professional PA and instruments, 24-track recording, DAT mastering and computers.Entry requirements include the Leaving Certificate and applicants should submit a standard cassette demo of their instrumental, compositional or vocal skills. The course is equally applicable across all popular musical genres, and much can be learned about the industry itself from lectures and question-and-answer sessions with visiting industry luminaries.Other courses include: PTF Certificate in Progressive Traditional and Folk Music Performance; a Higher National Diploma In Music Technology: Sound Operations And Audio Production; and a similar degree in Music Management And Production.For further information contact: Senior College, Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. Phone: 01-6269421 or fax: 01-6266754.Dún Laoghaire College Of Art And DesignA wide range of courses in the media and communications area, from certificate and diploma level right up to degree standard, is available from the Dún Laoghaire College Of Art And Design. Students eager to develop operational, inter-personal, conceptual, analytical and administrative skills in the methodology relevant to television and video production should seriously consider the National Certificate In Humanities In Television Production. If you enrol for this course you'll get creative experience in single and multi-camera situations both in-studio and outside broadcast. Completing the course should mean being skilled in at least two of the following career disciplines: Camera Director, Floor Manager, Lighting, Production Assistant, Producer, Researcher, Sound and Vision Mixer and VTP Operator.The two-year National Certificate In Radio Broadcasting aims to give the student a solid grounding in the basics of radio broadcasting up to the level of Producer. The course covers Radio Broadcasting, Communications, Theory, Sound Techniques, Scriptwriting, Sound Recording, Editing, Sound Effects, Radio Journalism, Music, Commercials, Radio Drama, Features, Documentary, Current Affairs Production and Administration.The degree programme includes the Bachelor Of Design In Interactive Media which gives participants who have reached diploma level an opportunity to enhance their specialisation at undergraduate level. Topics covered include Digital, Publishing, CD-ROM, Internet and World Wide Web Information Design and kiosk-based systems.The National Degree In Film/Video And Production Design offers diploma-level students the chance to specialise in such areas as: Screenwriting, Production, Direction, Cinematography and Editing.Other courses at the Dún Laoghaire College Of Art And Design include the National Certificate In Make-up For Film, TV and Theatre and the National Certificate In Model Making and Special Effects.For further information contact: Dún Laoghaire College of Art and Design, Carriglea Park, Kill Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Phone: 01-2801138. Sound Training CentreFor over a decade now the Sound Training Centre located in the Temple Bar area of Dublin has been offering a range of attractive courses for those seeking a career in the music, sound and entertainment industries. Courses include training in sound engineering, lighting and other technologies relevant to music-related studio and live work.Research shows that an average of around 70% of students graduating from the STC have found relevant employment within six months. As a further bonus, along with the copious amounts of hands-on experience gained on the courses, at least three weeks' work-placement is guaranteed.The syllabus responds to the perpetual changes in the music industry and is designed with input from potential employers and industry professionals. That policy means that the skills on offer are more likely to be in line with what the industry needs at a given time rather than being merely academic. The course lecturers are professionally involved in the industry and this brings a much needed practical aspect to the courses.According to Course Co-Ordinator Eithne Mooney the application procedure is simple: "Interested students can apply direct to us via application forms supplied with our prospectus, or they can simply contact us direct at any time to arrange an informal career advice session."Prospective students are advised to make a preliminary visit to the centre to see the facilities and to discuss their individual needs. The ability to operate technical equipment is useful, but not essential, but an interest in music most certainly is.For further information contact: Eithne Mooney, Sound Training Centre, Temple Bar Music Centre, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Phone: 01-6709033.Coláiste Stíofáin NaofaBased in Cork, Coláiste Stíofáin Naofa runs a Music Management and Sound course designed especially for those who want to seek a career in the music industry. Indeed, Sinéad Lohan, currently wowing them all around the globe, is a former graduate.It's a one-year full-time course, with the option for a second year, and, according to course co-ordinator Chris Ahern, the main purpose of the course is to familiarise students with all aspects of the industry."It's really a post-Leaving Cert course," he says, "but there are people who come to us who already have degrees and others who actually work in the business but feel they need to top up their knowledge of some aspects of it."One part of the three-part course covers Musicianship during which students are taught how to play an instrument and read music. The second section focuses on Sound Engineering, aided by the school's own 8-track studio with full MIDI sequencing. The third section covers Management, including aspects of marketing and promotion and contracts for recording, management and publishing. Training in lighting, electronics and voice production are also encompassed in this wide-ranging course.Ahern believes in letting his students meet key industry figures: professionals of the calibre of producers PJ Curtis and Declan Sinnott, and Liam Ó Maonlaí, have shared their experiences with his course participants.But Ahern offers a few honest words of caution: "There's no magic wand, but the prospects are good for those who put their backs into it and there are increasing opportunities for the students on the course."For further information contact: Coláiste Stíofáin Naofa, Tramore Road, Cork. Phone: 021-961020.Sound AccessThe Sound Access programme provides access to training and education about the music industry for the disabled. It was introduced initially as a pilot project two years ago.Sound Link is a 16-month course accredited by the National Council for Vocational Awards, level two, Music-Performing Arts.The following modules are included: Music Industry Studies, Sound Engineering, Radio, Communications, Event Production, Social Studies and Work Experience.Practical experience on the course includes the promotion, selection, engineering and manufacturing of a forthcoming 4-track CD featuring unsigned Irish artists followed by the promotion and staging of a showcase gig.There is also a shorter course called Sound Step which will commence in the autumn. That course will include workshops and lectures which focus on a variety of musical styles (rock, pop, jazz, classical, trad, folk and dance), sound engineering and songwriting workshops.For further information contact: Finola McTernan, or Jody Ackland, Sound Access Programme, Clarence House, Clarence Street, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Phone or fax: 01-2301303. E-mail: [email protected] College Theatre StudiesTrinity College Dublin, through the Samuel Beckett Centre for Drama and Theatre Studies, now offers a three-year programme in actor training for a Bachelor in Theatre Studies. It's a wide-ranging, full-time course which aims to provide intensive preparation for those whose intention it is to carve out a professional career in the theatre.In order to satisfy the entrance criteria, potential applicants must have a university matriculation and also have to pass an audition, although there may be exemptions from those criteria under certain circumstances. Mature students of 23 years and upwards from countries within the European Union can be considered for admission even when they don't possess the aforementioned matriculation qualification.Furthermore, in certain special situations, students who possess qualifications of a comparable standard, or who can demonstrate evidence of exceptional acting promise, may also be granted admission.Ideally, applications for this prestigious Trinity College course should come from those in the 18–30 age range. The closing date is 1st April, although submissions from appropriately-qualified applicants received after the closing date may also be accepted if there are unallocated places remaining on the course.For further information and application forms contact The Admissions Office, West Theatre, Trinity College, Dublin 2. Phone: 01-6081072 or 01-6082003.FÁS TraleeFÁS in Tralee runs a Multimedia Production course, the purpose of which is to give students the appropriate skills and information which will enable them to carry out the many practical tasks they will be faced with in the early phase of their employment in the video and multimedia industries.The course lasts 48 weeks, with four of those weeks being comprised of in-company training. Tuition is offered over a wide range of topics, including Multimedia Fundamentals, Scripting, Authoring, Desktop Publishing, Image Capture and Manipulation, Computers, Animation, Video Editing and Production.The course stresses project and practical field work. Those who successfully complete the course will have earned a recognised City and Guilds qualification.Recruitment is by interview. Entry is open to the over 18s who have achieved intermediate level at least. Other sought-after attributes include a keen eye for colour and manual dexterity. They must have a portfolio of their work or a record of relevant achievements through hobby work or practical work experience.Applicants need to be highly motivated, outgoing and determined to be employed in the multimedia, print, design or video industries.For further information contact any FÁS office.Newpark Music CentreThe Access Course at the Newpark Music Centre is a one-year part-time course designed to prepare students to audition for the Centre's own Professional Musician Training Course. The Access Course costs £600 and includes an hour's instrument-based tuition each week as well as classes in reading skills and ear training. Entry is by audition.The Professional Musician Training Course is now in its fourth year and costs £1,400. This one-year full-time practical course is intended specifically to prepare participants for careers as professional musicians. It's a certificate qualification, on completion of one year. It's also a foundation year for the LGSM (Licentiate Of Guildhall School Of Music, London) diploma in jazz studies. Auditions for potential participants are held in May.As fellow members of the International Association Of Schools Of Jazz, the LGSM and the Newpark Music Centre offer a licentiate diploma course in jazz studies. This is an internationally recognised diploma qualification and covers instrumental tuition, jazz improvisation, ear training, harmony and chord voicings, arranging and jazz history. The diploma is awarded after examinations in June. Admission is through audition or on successfully completing the aforementioned certificate course.The diploma course can be done over one or two years, depending on the student's knowledge and ability. The two-year course features an Intermediate year (cost £700), followed by the diploma year (£1,650 including exam fee).Interested parties are invited to an Open Day on 9th March, including an introductory talk at 10 am, followed by a visit to classes and workshops. At noon there's a question and answer session regarding the courses.For further information contact: Hilda Milner, Newpark Music Centre, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01-2883740. Fax: 01-2883989.Coláiste DhúlaighIf you missed the Coláiste Dhúlaigh open day this week, which included a stimulating seminar on careers for women in engineering, science and technology in the next millennium, you can still arrange to call in for a mini-tour and a chat with the students.The college has three important media-related courses, the most significant of which is their three-year Media Production course, now in its fourteenth year. The first two years cover television, sound and photography, and in the third year students specialise in one of those subjects.After three years, students qualify for a diploma, but they also have the option of going on for a degree in an English college, Wolverhampton and Luton being popular options with Irish students. Past graduates from this course include Bianca Luycx who contributes to Network 2's 2TV programme.The college also offers a two-year Multimedia course which is comparatively new and geared towards skills relating to the increased use of computers throughout the media. There's also a one-year course in Community Media which is primarily aimed at the unemployed and those who wish to return to education.All of the above are full-time, five-days-a-week courses, with work experience an essential part of all three.For further information contact Jackie Nunan, Head of the Communications Department, Coláiste Dhúlaigh, Dublin 17. Phone: 01-8474399. Fax: 01-8474294.Kylemore CollegeThe overall purpose of the Sound Technology course in Kylemore College is to prepare students for a range of career opportunities in the audio industry and related areas. It's a response to the expansion in career outlets in radio, television, sound production and studio work, since these industries and employers all need qualified and competent personnel.As Deirdre Costello, a director of Westland Studios, has pointed out: "The course in Kylemore College enables the student to gain a broad and thorough knowledge of the foundations of sound engineering and related areas."Modules for the one-year full-time course include Audio Engineering, Media Analysis, Audio Technology, Communications, Work Practice, Music Theory, Electronics, Computer Applications and Information Technology.Facilities include recording and mixing consoles, mastering equipment, sequencing, mics and samplers. Successful candidates receive an NCVA level 2 award in Media Engineering, and applicants should have a Leaving Certificate or equivalent. Admission to this highly-respected course is limited and subject to all applicants being interviewed.For further information contact: Terry Hackett, Kylemore College, Kylemore Road, Dublin 10. Phone: 01-6265901 or Fax: 01-6234780.