13 different countries now have AMS Online Students
Since becoming a global music educator, we reflect on the diversifying effect of online study, and the benefits a flexible degree can have for working musicians or practitioners.
We are now officially an internationally reaching resource - with students studying AMS Online courses in 13 countries including Nepal, China, Thailand, Spain, Australia, and Nigeria, as well as Philadelphia and New York in the States! The universality and accessibility of our courses has been a really attractive option for many students who want the benefits of a UK led university course, with international and global access and possibilities. You can take a degree (literally) anywhere in the world, with the hope it can take you wherever you need to be in your career as well.
It is exciting to have watched AMS Online become a global resource and community, connecting passionate musicians everywhere through an education platform which is specially designed to be flexible and fit around busy working or touring lifestyle. Being able to study through AMS Online wherever you are in the world, at whatever time or pace suits your existing commitments, means that we have become a digitally diverse community, comprised of like-minded, self motivated musicians from all corners of the globe.
Online study is becoming more and more popular, and perhaps even more vital in a time where cuts to music and arts is stifling creative education in the UK mainstream. "It’s intriguing to think of the barrier-breaking impact it may have on seemingly ‘specialist’ arts subjects like classical music" says the BBC of the rising trend in online learning. It seems digital study has its part to play in diversifying education and providing access to what might otherwise be limited or exclusive academic arenas - to the masses.
Our students can really benefit from a flexible approach to study, and the ability to learn, communicate and practice anywhere in the world, means working or touring can be done alongside working towards a degree.
Kiran Shahi is is drummer of Rock, Jazz, and Latin and Fusion styles who is based in and studying in Nepal via the AMS Online resource. In a recent interview he did for us, Kiran talks about how he got involved with AMS study online, "I was actively involved in the music industry for so my years but my academics were always left behind since there aren’t many music colleges in Nepal but after I found out about AMS Online course I was very excited to continue my studies since it was very flexible and that’s exactly what I was looking for." You can read the full interview here.
“The course was, without a word of a lie, the most important thing I have done in my life! It’s made a real difference to how I regard myself as a creative professional"
Jena Thomson, former student
James Gordon, a UK-based AMS masters student talked to us about how "flexi-study" meant he could teach guitar and tour with his band on the side, whilst working towards his degree at his own pace. "Learning through performing, and learning while performing" he states. While fitting both passion and study into your lifestyle is important, this also means that real gigging experience can feed back into and provide case studies or experience to degree work.“The course was, without a word of a lie, the most important thing I have done in my life! It’s made a real difference to how I regard myself as a creative professional" - Jena Thomson, former student
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James Gordon | Akoostica -
Drew Lowe | Temple of One
Easy access to course modules and real-time communication with course tutors and staffs means that musical and creative projects can operate alongside academic study. In fact, they can positively impact learning. Our students are great at keeping us in the loop with what they're up to in addition to their degree. Drew Lowe chatted to us recently regarding his part-time study and how he fits this into a busy touring schedule with both his band and the musical Rock of Ages - you can read the full interview on our blog and check out his band Temple of One's debut single here. And you can read our full interview with James Gordon on our news page. He chatted to us about his band Akoosticka who have been very busy, and his solo projects he has got in the works.
25/04/2019
Words: Izzy Trott
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Digital Education: Vital in the Modern Music Industry
If you are a musician or producer already making a name for yourself in the industry and seeking the opportunity to expand your industry-savvy skill set, then digital learning can prove to be a powerful asset. The modern music industry can be a challenging ground to navigate and juggling your musical aspirations amongst life’s other commitments can be a struggle. Digital learning is becoming a vital and popular model of education and is an attractive alternative to traditionally taught practices for musicians who want to work, gig, tour and travel alongside learning and developing new skills.
AMS Online brings this opportunity straight to you, affording you the flexibility to learn when and how you want to. With online mentoring from world-class Industry professionals, offering gold standard tutoring which is personally directed to you and designed to enhance your learning experience to its maximum potential.
In a time-starved world, where cuts to music and arts funding is worrying, it is understandable that working musicians are keen to spend their time gigging and performing as much as possible. Online learning gives you the chance to work and study at your own pace, perhaps even gain a new perspective on the industry you are already part of, learn more about the business of your craft or develop new technical and production skills.
Just because you’re studying online, it doesn’t mean you’re limited to work only from home. You can study from anywhere around the world (we have a wide global student base, including America, Australia, China, Nigeria, Thailand and many more). If you are based in the UK, you also have access to the facilities at your closest AMS centre – so you can have the best of practical independent learning, on your terms and even attend a graduation ceremony when you finish your course, if you wish to!
What’s more, if you’re already an industry professional, with 5+ years of experience, you could be eligible for ‘Fast Track’ straight to the final year of our BA (Hons) program. Through what is known as a recognition of prior learning (RPL), we are able to reward you for your graft in the industry and give you the chance to hone-in and develop the vital skills you’ve attained in the real world.
Our degrees are validated by established and respected universities, so your qualification will be recognized world- wide. AMS Online is at the forefront of the online music education industry and is the leading UK Distance Learning provider with excellent pass rates, so your education is in safe hands.
Find out more about what AMS Online courses have to offer here and about our flexible entry points and part-time options designed to fit around your demands.
For enquiries please contact: Tel: 0843 224 9300 email: [email protected]
Words: Izzy Trott
