After graduating from West College Scotland with a HND this year, Jordan has now secured a place at the Conservatoire to study Classical Guitar.

“I was so keen to study Music that I applied to as many colleges as I could find. West College Scotland gave me an audition first, so I went along. It went really well, it seemed like a great place to learn, and I heard it was the best college for music. So even though I stayed pretty far away, when they offered me a place I said yes straight away.”

Though studying in Greenock meant a long journey from Kilbarchan, for Jordan, the knowledge and enthusiasm of his lecturers made it worthwhile.

“The lecturers were ridiculously knowledgeable – they knew everything and helped me learn so much."

"I made sure to ask them questions all the time, on everything and anything to do with music – I ended up with pages full of info. That’s what made the course so special – not only did I get taught the core requirements, but every lecturer took the time and had the patience to help me learn anything else I was interested in. They really helped me progress not just in class, but as a musician.

“For me, college was a lot better than school. It was more engaging, more beneficial, and more enjoyable, and a far better stepping stone to higher education. I enjoyed almost every module; music theory and live performance were highlights.” 

Though Jordan enjoyed his course, he admits it had its difficulties, but that this was an important part of his education.

“It wasn’t always easy. Some aspects of the course were challenging, but in a way I liked that, it prepares you for work in the industry. Things outside of College were difficult too, and at times this made studying harder, but my lecturers were so enthusiastic, I always gave my best.”

For Jordan’s lecturers it is no surprise that he is doing so well. Andrea McHugh, Curriculum Quality Leader, says Jordan always had the drive to succeed.

“Jordan has done incredibly well, it is very difficult to get into the Conservatoire, and the Classical Guitar course is particularly competitive."

"This has been Jordan’s dream since coming to the College as an NC student and we’re delighted for him. He’s had some difficulties outside of College along the way, but this never affected his drive or ambition, and I know he’ll go onto great things.”

Jordan couldn’t be happier, and is looking forward to lots more hard work.

“I’ve just been accepted to study Classical Guitar at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, in Glasgow. It’s amazing, I’ve been dreaming of this since before I even came to college. I know my qualification and the extra experience that I gained while at West College Scotland were key to being accepted onto the course.

“The hard work isn’t over now. If you want to make a life out of playing music then you need to be dedicated to practising and continual improvement and learning. It might mean playing things over and over again until you’re sick of them; it might mean playing music that you hate; but having the drive to play professionally means I always want to work at my best. Watching amazing musicians and the things they can do is always encouragement to keep going – sometimes envy can be a good thing!

“Finding regular work in the industry can be a job in itself, but there are a lot of opportunities out there, with so many different routes. I’ve got here with the help of my lecturers, now it’s up to me to make the most of it.”