From WIT to Sydney, Jenna explains how Music equipped her with the skills and knowledge to further her studies in Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Name: Jenna Murphy
Course: BA (Hons) Music
When and where was your first job after graduating?
Private piano/guitar tutor and performer/song-writer
Where are you currently working? What position do you currently hold?
I work as a contracting instrumental tutor Sydney Australia. Also, a performing artist/song-writer and a music therapy masters student.
What do you hope to hope to achieve in the future?
I hope to become a registered music therapist and continue to write/record and perform music.
How has your studies at WIT helped you to get where you are today?
I really enjoyed my studies at WIT and feel it equipped me with a huge amount of skills and knowledge. My degree gave me the confidence to work in many areas of music including teaching, performing and writing. It has also given me the opportunity to further my study and I am currently an MA music therapy student at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Why did you choose your course/ to study at WIT/ study in Waterford?
I choose my course at WIT because I loved music and felt it was the only thing I was truly good at. I was drawn to their excellent music performance program, which offered each student the opportunity to learn two instruments not to mention an Irish traditional instrument, there was equal weight given to creative subjects such as composition, performance and orchestration, and more academic subjects such as music history, music analysis, European history, music technology and world music. After looking at other music courses at the time, this was the most in-depth and well-rounded third level music education in Ireland.
What advice would you give to students considering your course?
My advice to any future music student is to work hard and soak up as much as you can. Four years goes so fast, but it also gives you the chance to decide what area of music you will excel at.
What advice would you give to those unsure of college or of what course to pick?
Study music because you love to it/need it and you can never go wrong. Learning to work in many areas of the industry can help make you an adaptable musician. Try not to pigeon hole yourself as this will only limit your possibilities. Be prepared to create your own path and employment and engage with your inner entrepreneur.
Anything else to share?
I have performed with/supported Irish Artists Mundy, Declan O'Rourke, Damien Dempsey, Mick Flannery in Sydney and Ireland under my solo artist name Jenna Murphy.
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
