Hi, tell us who you are and what course you’re presently undertaking.
Well my name is Joseph Buhagiar and I’m currently undertaking the Certificate IV in Music at NCAT
What attracted you to the course?
Well I spent my VCE years at NCAT, so I kind of knew what I was getting into. I was more than ecstatic to extend my time with my favourite teachers, also having the added benefit of continuing the pathway I wanted to go down. I’m a performer, and I can’t think of anything better for that then continuing with a course based heavily on performing and mastering the craft.
What have you learned taking part in a course as unique as this one?
Well, firstly, you always think you know what it’s going to be like, but until you deal with the crowds, the late night gigs and the losing of your voice every morning, you have no idea. I think it’s the most professional way to learn these skills, you don’t see many places offer the real deal in its entirety. It was a little tough but that doesn’t mean I didn’t love every second of it.
What are some of the responsibilities of the students throughout the course?
Well I think it’s important to not always be reliant on people, there’s always a point in any musicians life were they have to jump in the deep end by themselves, but having the supervision of the right people is important too. Some of the things that I needed to do on my own would have potentially stopped me in my tracks had I not had the people I had with me. They helped me get my busking license, but now I busked on my own. I was taught to write music, but I had to write my own music. I learnt how to act with a crowd so I could do my own gigs on the weekends, it’s a nice balance.
What do you see as the main benefits of working in such a hands on learning environment?
In my opinion, you never know until you do, and we certainly do in our class. I feel like myself and a lot of others would learn the same way, by doing. I always felt school before NCAT was a drag, and I realised it’s because I’d never seen what I was learning about, it’s a blessing to be part of such a contemporary learning model, those opportunities are worth their weight in gold, and they’re twice as rare.
What have been some of the highlights of the experience so far?
Meeting all the musicians that are actively working in the field during our Monday guest speaker session was certainly a highlight. I met some top folks, learnt a lot and always had fun.
They teaching staff is another highlight. I feel bad talking to people who aren’t in my position when it comes to their teachers, such sad stories of clashes, loneliness and even prejudice, I almost feel like I don’t understand being where I’ve been for so long, having what I’ve got is special, looking forward to school every morning is a great feeling.
I also really appreciate the sense of value I feel for myself as a result of the course. Being taught the things I have been, knowing that I can gig with a band, knowing that I can write music and work with others and knowing that I can go to university with the confidence that I’m what they’re looking for..
I love my school and I don’t think I’ll be able to pay them back for all the things I’ve learnt, I dread where I would be without my teachers and mentors, proud is an understatement and I can’t wait for the future now. As glad as I am to have done it, I’m equally as sad to be leaving, but at least I can leave saying I not only know what the future holds, but have had a taste of what’s to come.
