Martin is a second year HND Sound Production student at Stow College who volunteers as a Teaching Assistant with S3 and S4 pupils for one day per week.  He supports the learning of twelve school pupils, demonstrating techniques and skills that enable them to record their own music.  His volunteering has benefited teachers and students alike and has enhanced the pupils’ experience of the formal music curriculum.

When Eastwood High School in East Renfrewshire approached Stow College looking for someone to assist them with the music technology aspect of their Standard Grade music course, Martin quickly volunteered to help them out.  This led to major benefits for the school, the pupils and for Martin himself.

Martin was surprised to discover that music technology is a relatively recent introduction into the curriculum.  Indeed, many teachers who do not have a background in music technology feel that they have been struggling with this aspect of the course.

By utilising the knowledge gained from his course at Stow College, Martin has been able to help both teachers and pupils by recommending software and equipment they did not know about and showing them how to use it.  He has also been able to assist in the delivery of the music technology elements of the Standard Grade course.  This has given the pupils a better overall experience and helped them feel more confident about passing their Standard Grade.

David Hughes, Head of the Music and Creative Industries Department at Stow College, readily suggests that Martin has provided a great example of how work based volunteering can contribute to college course work and states that “Volunteering has helped Martin to expand his knowledge of sound production and he has had to learn new aspects of technology to be able to teach the class”.

Martin is also very clear about how his volunteering has supported and enhanced his own learning.  “My volunteering has not only boosted my confidence and problem solving skills but has also improved my employability.   Working with school pupils has helped me to learn the importance of clear communication and I recognize the importance of timekeeping, smart appearance and being organised.  I have also realized through this work that by motivating students at an early age this can influence their own career paths and this has improved my own self-esteem”.

Martin is planning to move to London in the future but volunteering is definitely something that he will continue to be involved in.  As he says, “It does pay off when you put in the time.  I would definitely recommend volunteering to any other student at college.”

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Learning by Volunteering Awards 2011: The judges’ comments included “Martin has provided a great example of how work-based volunteering can contribute to college course work.  By utilizing the knowledge gained from his course, in a situation outwith his comfort zone, he has supported others and helped develop the school’s choice of equipment and software.  His explanation of how volunteering has enhanced his learning is clear and well structured and shows that he has developed his technical/IT skills, core skills, confidence and self-esteem.”