Education is the key to success.

We have our finger on the creative learning pulse...

For 6 years now Si Gordon has been working for FE colleges within Cornwall and his closer community to delver high quality courses in Music technology, Sound Engineering, DJ Skills and Music Business. On this page we detail his current courses, the qualification bodies, the organizations he works for and most importantly how you could enroll and change your future.

Cornwall Adult Education Service is a community-based organization which makes use of over 350 venues across Cornwall to reflect its commitment to make learning as accessible as possible. The service seeks to provide a learning program which enables all adults in Cornwall to develop their skills, knowledge, judgement, interests and creativity, whatever their particular needs.

In 2005 Digiplay Studios and Simon joined forces with a local provider of education, the Cornwall Adult Education Service (CAES) to plan and deliver a selection of courses for learners wishing to break into the music industry. In 2011 Simon then began to work with the highly acclaimed dBs Music whom deliver a variety of courses in both FE & HE pathways. You could join one of these courses or take ‘one to one’ sessions with Simon at Digiplay.

The college courses are hand picked from 3 national qualification bodies, the NCFE , City & Guilds. and Edexcel. Simon now delivers a C&G Level 1 Music Technology (entry level), an NCFE Level 2 Music Technology (inc DJ Skills) and  Level 3 90 credit / Extended Diplomas in DJ & Electronic Music Production.

Adult Education

NCFE is a national awarding organization.  Awarding organizations design and award qualifications which recognize the skills, knowledge and understanding achieved by a learner at a particular level and in a particular subject. NCFE is recognized as an awarding organization by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

NCFE

The City and Guilds of London Institute (City & Guilds) is a leading United Kingdom vocational education organization. City & Guilds offers more than 500 qualifications over the whole range of industry sectors through 8500 colleges and training providers in 81 countries worldwide. Two million people every year start City & Guilds qualifications, which span all levels from basic skills to the highest standards of professional achievement (Honors, Master and Doctorate levels equivalent)

City & Guilds

The Courses..

CITY & GUILDS Level 1 Award in Sound & Music Technology (7603) / SEPTEMBER- JANUARY

VENUE: Bodmin Adult Education Centre (Mon/Weds Evenings 6pm - 9pm)

This course is for candidates who are absolute beginners in this subject area and are interested in the production and engineering of music. Develop & practice your skills using a variety of sound equipment and software. Using audio & midi to create compositions is the main focus of the course and the candidates also get live studio recording time.

NCFE Level 2 Extended Certificate in Music Technology / JANUARY - JULY

VENUE: Bodmin Adult Education Centre (Tues/Weds Evenings 6pm - 9pm)

This course is an extension of the Level 1 and is for candidates who are more able in the subject and wish to develop & practice their skills using a variety of sound equipment and software. Using audio & midi to create compositions is the main focus of the course and the candidates also get live studio recording time. The course also explores the types of employment available within the music industry and prepares the candidate for employment and or self-employment, a candidate will gain an awareness of business practice and employment skills.

BTEC 90 Credit Level 3 Diploma in DJ & Electronic Music Production / SEPTEMBER - JULY

VENUES: dBs Music (Cornwall / Plymouth) (Weekdays 9am - 4.30pm)

This qualification is ideal for learners wishing to develop their understanding of the DJ and electronic music production business. The flexible qualification and unit combinations allow the learner to develop skills and knowledge in the areas of technology that will benefit most, ranging from performance skills, freelance promotion through to sequencing and recording techniques. Learners will be given the opportunity to explore the types of technology available within the industry, look at differences between marketing and promotion and the marketing and promotional devices commonly used in the industry. Learners will have the opportunity to apply their understanding of performance, technology and promotion in practice and understand the key processes involved in these areas.

How to Enroll (Adult Education)

You should enroll for your course at least one week before the start date, but it is advised to enroll at least 3 weeks before to guarantee a place.  There are a number of ways in which you can enroll:

1. •    Online.  At www.cornwall.gov.uk/adultlearning
   

1. •    By phone.  Call 0300 123 1117 or ring your local centre.  You will need to make payment by credit or debit card.
   

1. •    In person.  Call in at your local centre.  You can make payment by credit card, debit card, cheque or cash.
   

What if I can’t afford some, or any, of the costs of this course?

It is recognized that some learners will only be able to take part in Adult Education if they receive assistance towards the costs of tuition, exam fees, travel, books, materials or childcare.  The Skills Funding Agency has allocated some funding to provide financial assistance to these learners.  Please contact your local centre for information and advice on how to apply for this support.

What if I have specific requirements which might affect how I access this course?

Please let us know at enrollment, or contact Learner Services at learnerservices@cornwall-acl.ac.uk

Getting the most out of your course

Please consider what you would ideally like to get out of the course and discuss your goals with your tutor.

External links

www.cornwall-acl.ac.uk.  CAES own website for tutors and learners.

www.direct.gov.uk.  A useful source of information on education and funding.

www.nextstep.org.uk.  Access to information, careers advice and resources.

dBs Music (Cornwall / Plymouth / Bristol / Berlin)

dBs Music is renowned for delivering industry standard qualifications in FE & HE on industry standard gear that is quite simply state of the art. Every Lecturer is an industry professional and dBs prides itself on the amount of time students get to spend on the equipment. To truly learn your trade you need time to master the tools and techniques, time on your own with support if and when YOU need it, dBs Music provides exactly that in abundance.

Edexcel

For over 25 years, Edexcel have championed work-related learning through BTECs and other vocational qualifications. Over a million learners registered for BTECs and other vocational qualifications last year, including more than 200,000 school students taking BTEC Firsts and Nationals – GCSE and A level equivalents. They are also leading the way in delivering the Diploma in England, which is offered in schools and colleges alike and sits alongside or encompasses BTECs and GCE/GCSE learning.

BTEC Extended Level 3 Diploma in DJ & Electronic Music Production / SEPTEMBER - JULY

VENUES: dBs Music (Cornwall / Plymouth) (Weekdays 9am - 4.30pm)

There are many varied roles for individuals within the music industry, including singing, performing, editing and music management. Rewards for those who reach the top of their profession can be great, but this is a very competitive environment. The BTEC Level 3 Diplomas in Music and Music Technology offer a range of specialisms, including DJ technology and composing Career opportunities for people working, or wishing to work, in the music industry are wide and varied. Careers in the sector range from singing with a pop band to music publishing with many different options in between. This specification aims to give learners the opportunity to gain understanding and practical skill in a variety of areas of this complex industry. The specification includes units about the industry, which will enable learners to see the different roles and options that are available to them. There is also the opportunity for learners to gain an understanding of the different working patterns within the industry, especially working as a freelancer.

How to Enroll (dBs Music)

You should enroll for your course at least 6 months before the start date. There are a number of ways in which you can enroll:

1. •    Online.  At www.dbsmusic.co.uk
   

1. •    By phone.  Call 01209 240640 (Cornwall) / 01752 210801 (Plymouth) 
   

1. •    In person.  Call in at your local centre. (see dBs website for address information)
   

What if I can’t afford some, or any, of the costs of this course?

It is recognized that some learners will only be able to take part in college courses if they receive assistance towards the costs for tuition, exam fees, travel, books, materials or childcare.  The Skills Funding Agency has allocated some funding to provide financial assistance to these learners.  Please contact your local centre for information and advice on how to apply for this support.

What if I have specific requirements which might affect how I access this course?

Please let us know at enrollment, or contact Student Support at dBs Music

Getting the most out of your course

Please consider what you would ideally like to get out of the course and discuss your goals with your tutor / interviewer