If you are considering a change of career, you might be interested in the advice Mathew Ashment, an ex-Welsh Guardsman, has to offer, as he successfully made the change into classroom teaching at Cardiff Metropolitan University

After many years as a musician in the Welsh Guards, I decided on a change of career direction and studying at Cardiff Met on the BA Secondary Education Music (with QTS) was the perfect choice for me. One of the aspects that I enjoyed most about the course was the combination of the diverse range of areas of music that we got to study as well as the practical / hands on elements.

I found that all the teaching staff and technicians were always available to help with any problems I had as a student. In my opinion, if you want to go into teaching and are in a position to enrol onto the ‘fast track’ 2 year course, there is no better way to achieve a degree and QTS.

Towards the end of my time at Cardiff Met I was lucky enough to get an interview in a local and very well respected school in Cardiff. I successfully got the job and since September 2016, I have been working full time at Bishop of Llandaff School, teaching music to 11 – 18 year olds.

To be successful on the course you firstly need to have a passion for music, be proficient on at least one instrument, and have a genuine interest in the education of pupils, as these are the core foci of the course. As education evolves in Wales, so does the course, so you need to have an open mind and be ready for change. Make sure you manage your time well and enjoy what Cardiff has to offer.

In my spare time I am also a member of the Army Reserves and part of the Royal Welsh Band as a percussionist and pianist. I also continue teaching music privately.

Cardiff is an exciting, energetic and evolving city that caters for everybody. It is a great place to work and meet new people.

If you are interested in finding out more about the BA Secondary Music with QTS programme at Cardiff Metropolitan University, we’d love to hear from you.

More information is available here