Music to the ears
EVER thought what lies behind the scenes of show business and entertainment, and how are songs recorded and produced?
Who puts a concert tour on the road and what are the mechanics behind music streaming and digital download that ensure income to the artiste?
While the singer, musician or the band is the highlight of a performance, there are people working in numerous jobs to bring the stage to life. These people have successful careers in the multibillion dollar enterprise called the music industry. Their achievements are evidence that a career in this field is a direction to seriously pursue.
International College of Music (ICOM) offers two diploma programmes, the Diploma in Business (Music Industry) and the Diploma in Sound Production. Both are two years in duration and conducted at ICOM. Taught by industry professionals and qualified lecturers, students learn digital audio, recording techniques and post production in the sound production stream, and learn music publishing, artiste and event management, and record company operations in the music business stream.
Students have exclusive privileges to attend master classes led by industry professionals and visiting lecturers from ICOM’s international partners. Other vital measures incorporated into the programme include field trips and networking, participation in competitions, internship, career counselling, guaranteed job placement, and degree top-up programmes abroad.
ICOM’s head of diploma programmes Angelina Chong said these value-added initiatives would drive learning competencies among the students. It is a component that develops social, leadership, organising and communication skills among learners and build the students’ affiliation with the music industry. It also cultivates maturity in character and personality, encouraging confidence and self-esteem.
She added that these attributes were significant building blocks in teaching and learning.
Every ICOM graduate is trained for immediate employment in either studio and live sound recording, or in concert management, artiste management, music copyright and licensing, public relations and communications, and sales and marketing, to name a few.
According to the Economic Impact of the Malaysian Music Industry 2016 by PwC for the Recording Industry Association of Malaysia, the music industry is associated with 12 core industries, including telecommunication and infrastructure, public relations and branding.
Together, these industries have a booming 80% economic impact on Malaysia’s GDP and employment.
Chong stressed that the music industry is in need of graduates in the music business and sound production – these sectors establish successful career pathways for graduates.
ICOM offers tailored programmes to help students navigate 21st century practices in the music industry. ICOM will have an Open Day tomorrow (Nov 17) from 3pm to 5pm, followed by the ICOM Friday Performance from 5pm onwards. You can discover how its diploma programmes lead you to a rewarding career.
■ Parents and students interested in these programmes can call ICOM admissions counsellors at 03-4023 6000, e-mail admissions@icom.edu.my, visit www.icom.edu.my or walk-in to ICOM at Lot 126, Section 85A, Lorong Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, on weekdays from 9am to 6pm.