CAO Countdown: "There is life after the Leaving Cert!"

Sam Martin, Music Management & Production, Ballyfermot College of Further Education

The notion of deciding a career for the rest of your life through a CAO form at the tender age of 18 was petrifying. It was the first leap of adulthood, and who in their right mind wants to be a grown-up? Little did I know, there is life after the Leaving Cert!

Like a lot of people, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself. Playing the drums was the only thing I enjoyed. Despite the discouragement of my school guidance counselor, who pressed for me to do a degree in accountancy or business, I applied for a music course.

I walked into BCFE’s Contemporary Music Performance diploma not knowing what to expect, but to this day, it was the best thing I ever did. I met some of the most fascinating people from all walks of life, most of whom I will never forget. The creativity was flowing through the walls of BCFE. Performing with an array of musicians on stage throughout the two years brought my musicianship to another level.

Deciding that I needed to manage myself musically, I went on to study Music Management & Production . The classes consisted of life lessons and advice passed down by the legendary Pete Holidai. I was learning the tricks of the trade and all the ins-and-outs of the “music game”.

I just couldn’t get enough of BCFE – so now I’m now in the middle of a degree in Media Production Management. It’s an ideal course for anyone who is looking to find a career in the music industry, or any media industry. It’s a hard grind, but I know that it will definitely be worth it in the future.

Overall, a fraction of the learning is done in the classroom but the rest is done by going out into the big bad world and applying yourself to what you love to do. You have to have that drive to succeed. Education may not be for everyone, but it’s never too late to learn.