Academic and practical combine

Michael Franklin-Browne (left) and David Griffith are running the UCOL Certificate in Music course. PICTURE / MARCO PERRY

I have always though that the best music teachers are those who perform regularly and are still involved with their original aims for achievement, intuitively challenging and passing knowledge on to students not only academically, but through an invisible creative thread.
Michael Franklin-Browne and David Griffith are responsible for delivering a quality UCOL Music Certificate programme in Whanganui and what better credentials do you need from teachers? Still playing in some of New Zealand's most successful bands, including session and studio work with local and international acts as well as being involved with music education for the last 20+ years, here and overseas ... all the while being top blokes! These guys would be snapped up for their expertise in any global city.
The future vision of many major societies has identified skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration as paramount, eventuating in a "creative class" driving future growth. Funny how these elements are all necessary components for producing high quality music and in turn affecting the flow of life, lifestyle, family and network.
Although a qualification in music is not essential it certainly puts things into the right mode and perspective when chasing dreams of becoming a sought after musician or a quality member of that creative class.
Music colleges and polytechnics differ from traditional university-based music study with more focus on performance certificates, diplomas and detailed emphasis on practical skills.
While also offering specialist courses of music technology and core values such as business, planning and reflection, Mike and Dave reiterate how important this course of study reflects within our city and the many different cultures of personal and family growth. Interestingly these guys have both lived and worked in large bustling cities and now feel a sense of pride in local support and achievement especially the idea of creating a new "you" through appropriate education.
In a market worth trillions of dollars how often have you heard this story from a recently famous Berklee College of Music graduate? "I always tried playing many different musical instruments, starting out on a neglected dusty piano playing Chopsticks before graduating to Dad's old guitar which sat unused in the garage. I started a duo band with a mate down the street who had access to a drum kit and from there I taught myself how to play drums. I learned how to play bass guitar so I could play along with the drums and to teach my sister to play in the band. Then I got lost, nowhere to play and no-one to teach me to play any better ... lost in countless free gigs at mates' parties, performing our three chords and all the while wanting to learn more, never going anywhere."
This scenario is familiar for musicians from many different backgrounds. Considering the struggle with learning disengagement at secondary school, accessing and negotiating irrelevant or low-quality courses, insurmountable costs and student debt, it's easy to see the failure rate.
Mike and Dave are talking about a lifestyle attitude within a Music Certification programme. They tell of the many different demographics involved with auditions and exiting a carefully designed Certificate of Music course and entering a Diploma level or Degree-based regime with a perfect understanding of the process.
Dave and Mike's mission is to raise awareness and understanding of the role that music education can play in Whanganui culture, and to promote the benefits of music education, achieving full musical potential, removing economic barriers to participation and stimulating personal and educational growth through music and creating a safe place to introspect and find personal meaning.
UCOL Certificate in Music Course starts June 7.
¦ For auditions call Michael Franklin-Browne 021-2497773.