Facilities to match your musical ambition
Our purpose-built studios and recording suites at the Witney campus are a hive of creative and technical activity, and are full of the latest digital tools offering you a unique opportunity to study your passion.
Tuning up your career prospects
Our courses have led to real-life success stories, including Lewis Watson (signed by Warner Records), Ellie Fletcher, aka KYIKI (solo artist and singer for Crystal Fighters), and Jamie McKivitt (backline technician for Bring Me The Horizon and owner of Witney Music Studios).
For you, music is more than listening to your favourite playlists and going to gigs...
It's about discovering how music can be created and manipulated by technology, and how the latest software and hardware can be used to process music into unique and exciting forms.
Practical skills will develop by rotating between three key areas – performing with a wide range of instruments, studio recording, and editing in the Mac suites.
We also focus on coaching softer skills alongside technical skills, providing a resilience toolkit to help build your confidence, experience and grit that’s required to make it as a freelancer or with a company.
Many students start the course with one idea of what they want to do, and then discover different specialisms, but whatever inspires you, the opportunities are there!
Staff Profile: John Wright
After playing Guitar/Bass in bands for several years, John studied Music Technology at Gateway (Kingston University) and worked as a Studio Engineer in Maidenhead & Coventry.
Whilst working as a Studio Engineer, he was asked to run a training course in Recording, and subsequently began teaching Music Technology for several Colleges in the area"
John now works at our Witney Campus as an Instructor/Technician, sharing with his students his knowledge of Live Sound and Recording.
“We have dedicated Soundproof Studios for delivering Music Tech which allow us to record and produce music without worrying about any noise complaints!
We also have a variety of equipment which enables us to explore different aspects of the Music Industry and provide opportunities to our students for essential practical experience.
We provide a variety of sessions for learners of different abilities and with different intended career paths.
At the College, students are able to work towards gaining skills for a particular role within Industry. This means that they have the potential to be Sound Engineers, Performers, Producers, DJs, etc.
We work hard to maintain the quality and content of our Music course and it is always great to hear of the success of our students as they begin their career in the industry, and how they valued the time they spent with us right at the very beginning.”
Staff Profile: Paddy Collett
Paddy studied Music Production & Sound Engineering BA (Hons) at Point Blank Music School in London, before moving to Oxford Brookes University where he completed a PGCE, specialising in Music Technology.
He has always been fascinated by electronic dance music. Since turning 18, he has been involved in numerous underground music events across Oxford and London, holding multiple DJ residencies and getting involved in the running, marketing and promoting of such events.
While studying for his undergraduate degree, Paddy was fortunate enough to gain experience working across different music studios and venues across London, spending time honing and developing his skill sets whilst also learning about how different sectors of the music industry are managed and operated.
Paddy now shares his knowledge and passion through his role as the Study Programme Lead and Lecturer for Music Technology.
“When I ask my students what they like the most about the course and college, nearly always, there is the same answer; freedom of choice.
What college offers is freedom for all students to pursue a qualification in a specialism they are passionate about, providing all with various opportunities to help support and guide their practice, ensuring that they are best prepared for work within their chosen industry.”
“Something that I would say to all those joining the course or currently studying on one; take every opportunity you are given to ensure your success!
Two years may seem like a long time, but it will fly by, so take all the support and guidance you are given to maximise your chance of getting the job you want or that the university offers you worked so hard for.
Within music technology, we are always on hand to help support your practice in whatever way we can; we want you to succeed, so all you've got to do is ask."
Staff Profile: Liam Kerrane
Liam studied Music Production and Sound Engineering BA (Hons) at Oxford SAE institute. Here, he gained the opportunity to work in a freelance based studio where he could work with artists from a range of genres such as Pop, Rock, Indie, Metal and many more. He then went on to Oxford Brookes University for his PGCE Post – Compulsory, specialising in teaching music technology.
“From an early age I have always been fascinated with music, in particular the different cultures and roles who make up all areas of music production. As a progress coach, I deliver core sessions for music, media, and games students. I cover a range of topics surrounding PSHE as well as offering support for my learners.
When I’m lecturing, a lot of my sessions revolve around recording and mixing music. I teach a mix of vocal lessons, core sessions and workshops. For me this is the dream job, and the structure of our courses works great for me with some topics in the morning, and practical engagement sessions in the afternoon.”
“The facilities and equipment provided to us at the College are nothing short of extraordinary. Because the music industry is constantly evolving and ever changing, we always keep up to date with the latest software, Plugins, recording and mixing techniques. There are also trips and activities for students to take part in. One of my personal favourites is the live lounge event where students can either perform, live mix and or be an equipment technician.
The most exciting part of the department is the collaborative element, and the best bit of my job is working alongside unique and individual creatives who strive for perfection in their productions. Because music can be subjective to people, having the opportunity to work with people who you want to make the same form of music is always an exciting experience. On the rare occasion when you get to work with others who you wouldn't typically work with, is just extraordinary.
One of the most unique aspects of college culture is that it's more tailored to working within the music industry. Students have deadlines/briefs to meet, collaborative projects and outside experiences in professional recording studios. College for me was when I truly understood what I could and want to achieve out of life. As a former student of Abingdon and Witney college, I can say that I have in fact the dream job."
Staff Profile: Nicholas Blake
Nick has been in Further Education for over 20 years, starting his career at Reading College, moving over to Henley College teaching vocational and A Level Music Technology.
Before joining Abingdon & Witney College, he taught at a Boys Comprehensive School in Maidenhead. He has a Cert. Ed in Adult and Further Education teaching, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Music Education, Diploma of Sound Engineering at the School of Audio Engineering.
At our college, he teaches across both levels of our Vocational Music and Music Technology subjects. He teaches music theory, music production, sound recording, contextual and academic studies.
“I have been a Musician/Sound engineer for nearly 30 years, starting at learning the Piano at age 11, studying Music at school and attending private colleges whilst working and living in Australia in Sound Engineering.
I produce my own recorded material and have my own band website on Bandcamp, where I promote my music. I have performed with many other musicians in bands throughout the years both as a Vocalist and Keyboard player.
The best bit about my job is being able to impart my knowledge and experience of both Music and Music Technology to a new generation of keen and willing individuals hoping to make a career for themselves within the Creative Arts Industry.
The team I work with at the College are all helpful and highly cooperative on development of new ideas and ways forward to improve the learning experience for students studying Music Production courses.
Our resources for Music and Music Technology students are abundant and we are always updating and improving them each year. We are always here for our students well-being and strive to maintain they work up to professional standards to give them the required skills necessary to enter the workforce.”
Did you know?
Iona
Previous school:
King Alfred's Academy
I travel on two buses to get here, because nowhere else can teach this course, it's very specialist! If you want to find a route into music, this is the place to hone your craft.
The equipment's great, and I really like how I can collaborate with other artists, from a mix of different genres, and form a community of like-minded, creative people.
At the moment I'm working in a music shop in Wantage alongside my studies, and I'm gradually setting up my own home studio to record in.
Joey
Previous school:
Cherwell School
I’ve always been fascinated with the mechanics of sound, the power of music and the philosophy that surrounds creative thought. As a result, this course seemed an appropriate choice as it addresses these interests.
Being here, I mostly enjoy the creative sessions that take place in the Mac suite and live room/studio.
I like the community feel and the personal approach to teaching. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by creative energy too.
We’re treated with an initial level of respect that’s rare in school. The general idea is to treat students with the respect that the tutors/teachers expect from you and vise-versa.
I was recommended by a friend who attends my course, but I was swayed by the college’s facilities, which are very good.
Sam
Previous school:
Bartholomew School
After searching for music courses I could do after school, the College came up and I went along to an open day – I was really impressed after seeing the studios and I decided then to apply online.
Everyone looks forward to getting into the studio. There's no shortage of opportunites to collobarate with other musicians, bringing your specialities and the genres you're passionate about to influence other works.
The best part of the course is where we work on our personal projects. You can use your creative input more and it emphasises the course that we do, creatively using your own style to produce music.
Your future career
Music Artist
Backstage Producer
Event Manager
Music Journalist
Music Producer
Sound Recorder/Engineer
Tour Manager
