UTech to offer degree in sound and audio-production technology
Published:Sunday | October 25, 2020 | 12:11 AM
The Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, will offer a new Bachelor of Science in entertainment design and production technology, beginning in January 2021.
The university recently hosted a career webinar in partnership with the Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production in Canada, home to many of the world’s most successful artistes and music producers.
UTech and Metalworks Institute signed a memorandum of understanding in August 2020 to facilitate the education of the next generation of music-industry professionals who will meet the increasingly complex and technical needs of the global entertainment industry. The five-year agreement will encompass collaboration in academic development, enriching student experience, and developing a technical context for the rise of more artistic talents.
VIABLE OPTION
The Zoom career webinar was chaired by Professor Shermaine Barrett, dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies. She noted that the occasion was an opportunity for UTech, Jamaica and Metalworks Institute to showcase “the field of sound and audio engineering as a viable option for persons to pursue while promoting the entertainment design and production technology course of study”.
Professor Barrett said that the global $20 billion music industry makes a significant contribution to the world economy, with the creative sector in Jamaica being the third-largest contributor to gross domestic product (GDP), offering the opportunity for many diverse career paths. She emphasised that it was critical for the faculty to showcase creative areas as viable career options to be pursued.
Successful Metalworks Institute graduate Jason Reynolds, an audio engineer and tour and production manager, who has worked with international superstars Shaggy, Koffee, the Marley Brothers, and acclaimed church choirs, shared his thoughts on attaining a rewarding career in the creative industry.
Reynolds charted a course of his own, from his early days in Jamaica, to become one of the most sought-after audio engineers and tour and production managers in the industry.
Like many Jamaicans, his first introduction to music was in church. But it was his discovery of reggae, through Buju Banton’s 1994 album Til Shiloh, that stoked his passion and led him to seek opportunities that would eventually lead to his enrolment at Metalworks Institute.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
The Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Design and Production Technology will provide accredited training and education in set design, lighting, sound and audio technology, visual effects, and stage and broadcast management at international standards. The interdisciplinary four-year course of study is a unique offering among local tertiary institutions and focuses on “experiential, hands-on learning” to foster artistic thinking.
Matriculation requirements are five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, including mathematics and English or an associate degree or diploma in a related field from an accredited institution. Special admission is also facilitated through prior learning assessments and industry experience.