Lindsey Williams
Creative Director - Cylent Beatz Productions
"Through the course I wrote and recorded my first original track which is now available on iTunes, Amazon and many other sites. I am also a member of the PRS for music which allows me to make money from the music I register with them. I also earn money through the PRS every time I perform original tracks in a live event.
I have gained many fans and music contacts through my own music social network sites such as: Reverbnation, LinkedIn, Youtube and Facebook. I have used these sites to promote and set up local gigs for myself.
Thanks to my tutors and the knowledge gained whilst studying a BTEC, I now have a clear career goal and I am well on my way to achieving it.''
Joseph Florence
Bassist - Tracy Island
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the BTEC music course. All subjects, from production to theory and musicology, were covered very thoroughly. It's been two years since I left the course and in that time I've formed a band called Tracy Island and we have been touring around South Wales and the UK."
Tracy Island - https://www.facebook.com/Tracyislandofficial/
Luke Evans
Film Composer
During my time on the BTEC Music Course I learnt the basics and advanced techniques in music theory and composition. The course helped me develop my performing techniques as well as the ability to learn different instruments. The course also taught me valuable knowledge on the business aspect of the music industry.
Since passing the BTEC course, I graduated at the University of South Wales with a BSc in Creative Industries (Popular Music Technology). I have also composed music for four short films and have more planned for the future.
Simon Griffiths
Music Teacher
Coming soon...
Gerwyn Adrian Evans
Music Teacher
Before joining I knew just a few chords and no theory, and had never played with other musicians, but within a few weeks I was having a blast performing as a group and learning everything from singing to music production. The BTEC National Diploma in Music really opened my ears and mind to how vast the world of music is, and it was through this course that I realised a passion for music had formed and I needed no encouragement to study for it. I continued to study music for another three years until earning my degree in Popular Music Technology at Cardiff Atrium.
I later returned to teach on the same course as part of my teacher training, at which time I gained a greater understanding of the time and effort the course tutors pour into their students. I gained invaluable experience during this time, and I feel proud to have played a part in the development of talented young musicians.
I still passionately study music and guitar alongside giving guitar and theory lessons. If not for joining the BTEC Music course, my guitar would likely be gathering dust or have been sold many years ago. I highly encourage musicians of any age or background to study the BTEC National Diploma in Music at Merthyr College, as it will cultivate their musical talents and awaken a life-long passion for their art.
Curtis Jones
Freelance Musician
My time on the BTEC course was essential to me as a musician and as a person in general, I've always been a shy person who lacked confidence but being on this course brought me out of my shell, it also helped me grow and gain valuable experience as a musician. As well as improving my guitar skills I became a bassist for a punk rock band and even learnt how to play the drums through this course which lead to me getting a summer job with a dance company called Artis Community where I performed as part of numerous shows in the Muni in Pontypridd. I also went on to join an originals rock band and performed at the Giants of Rock weekend at Butlins in Minehead with the likes of Procol Harum, Nazareth and Cockney Rebel. To say my time on the BTEC course was valuable is an understatement.
