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).
Students of The Oxfordshire Creative Academy were given just one week ...
The Government’s latest National Achievement Rates Tables (NARTs), rel...
A group of musicians who have toured the world with internationally re...
Abingdon & Witney College are in the running to win two national award...
Over 150 students, staff, friends, and family attended the recent 2019...
Explore the latest stories, insights and press releases from across the College.
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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!
Jamie feels likes he never left education, having gone straight from school to college to university. After achieving a degree in Music Technology, he began teaching BTEC (Music) at a college in Wales and worked part-time as a live sound engineer.
Having moved to Abingdon & Witney College in 2007, he predominantly taught BTEC Music Technology Level 2 and Level 3 courses but now has experience in teaching performing arts, computing and media too.
“Exploring topics and sharing curiosity and passion for a subject with students and staff is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. However, for me the best aspect of teaching at this college is the support available to staff. It plays an instrumental role in assisting staff to inspire learners to exceed their goals. The Teaching Skills Academy is one of the most unique tools available for support at college and students benefit from the good practice that teachers share through this.
One of the most important benefits for students at the College is that we focus as much on the next steps for progression as we do on achievement for students. Over my time, I have seen many students achieve the seemingly impossible dream of making a career for themselves in tough industries. Students develop a deeper understanding of industries in which they are interested in working and are fully supported in progressing into the next steps for that career.”
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.
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.
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.
Previous school:
Fitzharrys School
I originally studied Hair & Beauty at the Abingdon campus but I've come back to retrain and gain knowledge in Music Technology and this course is right for my career path.
The studios here are great and give me the industry experience I need. There’s lots of practice time and the teachers are really knowledgeable - they know what we need to know to do well.
Once I finish the Level 3 course, I might look into staying on to study the Level 4 RSL Diploma.
Music Artist
Backstage Producer
Event Manager
Music Journalist
Music Producer
Sound Recorder/Engineer
Tour Manager
School Leaver PFWM106P
Equipped to industry-standard, our Music Technology Suite at Witney campus is the ideal place to take your skills to the next level. The teaching and technician team are highly-skilled professionals who encourage our students to develop both their te...
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