South Thames College is offering budding DJs, producers, performers and musicians the opportunity to transform themselves from rough diamonds into the finished article.

Never before available as a course of study in the UK, Personal Branding for Musicians and Music Producers runs for six weeks from September and will teach the P Diddys and Gwen Stefanis of the future how to market themselves and their music using cutting-edge technologies involving mobile phones, handhelds (PDAs), video and the internet.

The Head of South Thames College’s Music Technology CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence), Tony Biola, said, “It’s an ever-changing industry, and simply having some talent and hoping for the best isn’t enough anymore. You have to be able to keep up with the business side of the ‘music business’ if you want to be heard. Our specialist staff have the technical knowledge, as well as the links with industry leaders such as Sony BMG and Apple that can transform your career.”

Through developing a better understanding of the latest technologies and the way the industry works, students will be able to gain and maintain a profile in a constantly changing music scene, whether as an artist, producer, songwriter, or promoter.

Other short courses with limited places still available include:

*Introduction to Pro Tools
*Music Technician’s Training Stage 1
*Introduction to Music Technology
*Music Business Essentials
*Getting to Grips with Music Downloads

Full time courses with limited places available include:

*Introductory Diploma in Music Technology (Level 1)
*BTEC First Diploma in Music Technology (Level 2)
*NCFE Music Technology in Music Technology (Level 2)
*BTEC National Award in Music Production with Business Skills (Level 3)
*BTEC National Award in Music Practice (Level 3)
*BTEC National Certificate in Music Technology (Level 3)
*BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology (Level 3)
*Foundation Degree in conjunction with Thames Valley University (Level 4)
*BTEC Professional Diploma in Music Management (Level 4)

Students in South Thames College’s Music Technology CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence), will, from next year, have an opportunity to take the lead role in the piloting of the CoVE Training & Awards Scheme. Billed as a kind of cross between an urban style X-Factor, Pop Idol and Making the Band, the scheme will see specialist students from areas such as music technology, fashion, media, art, design, and hair and beauty working together supporting artists and performers to present a showcase full of grown-up glamour and next-generation glitz.

The Music Technology and Health and Social Care departments have been awarded exclusive Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status. The Music Technology CoVE is the only one of its kind in the country, and the department has produced artistes of the calibre of DJ Femme Fatale, the first DJ to be signed to present her own show on BBC 1Xtra as well as winner of ‘Best Radio/Club DJ’ at the Underground Music Awards.