Voices Magazine-Vol3-Issue-6-WEB

15 September - December 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica T he Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, UTech, Jamaica, which will offer the new Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Design and Production Technology, beginning in January 2021, hosted a career webinar via the Zoom online platform on October 14, 2020 to promote opportunities in sound and audio production technology, and to sensitize the community about the new course of study. The webinar was hosted in partnership with the Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production, Canada, an educational extension of the world-renowned Metalworks Studios, home to many of the world’s most successful artistes and music producers. The University 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. The well-attended career webinar was chaired by Professor Shermaine Barrett, Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, who indicated 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 noted that the global $20 billion music industry makes a significant contribution to the world economy, with the creative industry in Jamaica being the third largest contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), offering the opportunity for many diverse career paths. She emphasized that it was critical for the Faculty to showcase creative areas as viable career options to be pursued. Her Excellency Laurie Peters, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, who brought greetings at the webinar, praised the University and Metalworks Institute for forging a partnership that produced a course of study that will focus on providing opportunities for entrepreneurship, indicating “the combination of the innate human creativity, new and evolving technologies and entrepreneurial acumen is a winning combination for the future of Jamaica’s entertainment and creative arts industries.” The High Commissioner also offered special commendation to the University’s Dr. Claire Sutherland, Senior Director, Office of International and Institutional Linkages for initiating contact to establish this and other alliances. Director of Global Strategy & Innovation at Metalworks Institute, Mr. Craig McDonald, thanked the University for hosting the webinar, and for “helping to convey the opportunities available in the entertainment industry, both on stage and off stage.” In sharing his experiences, Mr. Jason Reynolds, audio engineer and tour and production manager, charted the course of his own journey from his youthful days in Jamaica to being one of the most successful and sought after audio engineers and tour and production managers in the industry. He emphasized his elation at having a recognized and accredited institution such as UTech, Jamaica providing opportunities to train audio engineers who will enhance Jamaica’s vibrant entertainment and creative brand. “Having a structured education system to train and develop audio engineers is the missing link I think to take our culture of reggae and dancehall music to that next level, to be an internationally recognized touring brand,” he noted. Programme Overview Dr. Everton Lewis, Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, provided a programme overview of the BSc. in Entertainment Design and Production Technology, indicating that it is designed to bridge the link between the Cultural and Creative Arts and Science and Technology, and 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 5 CXC 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. For further information on the BSc. in Entertainment Design and Production Technology, contact the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies at edpt.fels@utech.edu.jm or 876- 927-1612. Opportunities for Careers in Sound and Audio Production Technology Boosted by New Programme Offering Professor Shermaine Barrett, Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies