A “modern approach and excellent tutors” in the BA (Hons) Music allowed Wayne to thrive in his career as a musician and work with a cover band
Name: Wayne Connaughton
Course: BA (Hons) Music
What made you decide to apply to WIT as a mature student?
I had worked in many jobs which left me feeling unsatisfied and that I should be doing something with my interest/passion which is playing music.
Details of work/studies prior to studying at WIT
I have worked in supermarkets, steel blasting plants, warehouses, construction and pubs prior to my studies at WIT.
Can you recall your feeling when finding out you were offered a place in WIT?
I remember feeling very excited that I had taken a step closer to my goal of potentially working in an industry/area that I was very much interested in.
Had you any feelings of doubt about attending college? Tell us how you overcame them.
Of course, there are some nervous feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt, but I told myself that I must give it my very best try and see what happens.
Are you happy with your decision to come back to college?
It was one of the best decisions I ever made to study and especially at WIT as WIT has some very special and knowledgeable tutors to offer and learn from.
What advice would you give to students considering your course?
My advice to a student considering taking this course is to try attending every class, workshop and lecture that you can and make as many friends/contacts as possible that have similar interests/goals as you as you can learn from each other also and they may end up being some of the people you work with in the future. Most importantly, keep an open mind.
When and where was your first job after graduating?
Teaching at a music academy in Dublin from early 2013 to end of semester 2015 and working in cover bands as a guitarist from 2011 to 2014
Where are you currently working? What position do you currently hold?
Currently employed by a well-established cover band in the midlands for the past 3 years as the bass player.
What do you hope to hope to achieve in the future?
To continue being able to make a living from playing music and to keep learning and growing as a musician.
How has your studies at WIT helped you to get where you are today?
My studies at WIT have helped me enormously as I feel I became a more well-rounded musician and this has helped me to be able to learn music at a faster rate through the knowledge I have obtained and to be able to teach better as a result.
Why did you choose your course/ to study at WIT/ study in Waterford?
I chose this course as it offered a more modern approach to music studies in jazz and popular music which many colleges who taught music did not offer but also in composition. I was very much aware of the excellent tutors who taught these subjects here to help make my decision to study there.
What advice would you give to those unsure of college or of what course to pick?
If you are unsure I would suggest trying to talk to someone who has done the course you may be thinking about and ask lots of questions as they may be able to put your mind at ease.
Any further information?
I have been playing guitar since the age of 10 but had an interest in music from a much younger age.
Social media
Instagram: wayne_connaughton_dublin
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
