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Jerusalem

Career Ideas

Thinking about a change of career? Any of these 'Jerusalem'-related jobs take your fancy?

Poet


If the lines of Jerusalem have begun or awakened your interest in poetry, then the most intensive approach to becoming a poet would be to take a degree or HND course in Creative writing, or Creative Studies in English and specifically select modules in poetry at every opportunity. Afterwards, you could even follow it up with a postgraduate course in poetry.

There are also many short courses and evening classes in poetry writing, including an online poetry writing course.

Contacts


Books

  • The Creative Writing Coursebook: Forty Authors Share Advice and Exercises for Fiction & Poetry by Andrew Motion (foreword) and Julia Bell (editor) (Pan Macmillan).
  • Getting Into Poetry: A Readers’ And Writers’ Guide To The Poetry Scene by Paul Hyland (Bloodaxe Books).
  • Writing Poems by Peter Sansom (Bloodaxe Books).
  • The Poet’s Manual And Rhyming Dictionary by Frances Stillman (Thames and Hudson).



Hymn writer (hymnist)


Perhaps you could write a hymn with Jerusalem’s capacity to move people?

In his new book, Dr Bruce Hindmarsh discusses how ordinary people in the 17th and 18th centuries recorded their experiences in a “kind of spiritual autobiography”, and their belief that a particular hymn had played a significant role in their conversion.

You could start by taking a degree course – there is a vast range of music courses that include songwriting and composition. It would be advisable to discuss your intention to become a hymn writer with the course provider to see if the course is appropriate for your aims.

Further information

  • The Hymn Society is a useful contact, with many links. It also sponsors searches for new hymns on subjects of current interest and need, welcoming diverse styles of words and music. Web: http://www.hymnsocietygbi.org.uk/
  • Writers of contemporary worship songs include Matt Redman and Graham Kendrick (Shine Jesus Shine). Web: www.mattredman.com and www.grahamkendrick.co.uk
  • The band Yfriday runs workshop if you are as interested in modern worship songs. Web: www.yfriday.co.uk
  • Timothy Dudley-Smith is probably the best known hymn-writer of our present time – His website is www.timothydudley-smith.com


Books

  • The Evangelical Conversion Narrative: Spiritual Autobiography In Early Modern England by D Bruce Hindmarsh (Oxford University Press).



Mystic


If you are inspired by Blake to become a mystic, your approach might be to do any one or all of the following: meditate, pray, reflect on the meaning of existence or contemplate your own death. Visions could be invited, induced and interpreted.

You might choose to be informed by a specific religious tradition, or society, or follow a prescribed method or find a guru… or look inside yourself. You could live in an isolated place away from civilisation, find a retreat or a workshop, go on a course or simply stay where you are. And you could read books on mysticism, spirituality, philosophy and religion.

Retreats and courses

  • Details of UK and worldwide courses, workshops, weekend breaks, holistic holidays
  • including yoga and breathing, meditation, healing, detoxification, relationships, family, expression, ayurveda, personal development and healing therapies. Web: www.retreat-co.co.uk/
  • Directory of personal and group retreats spanning all spiritual and healing traditions including yoga and meditation vacations. Web: http://www.retreatfinder.com


Other contacts

  • Information on Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism. Web:

Visit the BBC World Service website for further information.

Composer


If you dream of composing a great work such as Jerusalem, you will ideally have learned to play at least one musical instrument from a young age.

As a composer of classical music you will need thorough and intensive training and education, often on to postgraduate level or beyond. You can either take a specialist degree at a music college (conservatoire) or there are many degrees and HND courses

There are also courses in pop music and a BTEC Diploma in Pop Music is offered by many colleges across the country.

Most composers go on to work in related areas of the industry, such as writing for television and film.

Further information


Contacts

  • The Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), 24 Portland Place, London W1B 1LU. Tel: 020 7636 5400. Web: www.abrsm.org
  • British Academy of Composers & Songwriters, British Music House, 25-27 Berners Street, London W1T 3LR. Tel: 020 7636 2929. Web: www.britishacademy.com
  • British Music Information Centre, 1st Floor, Lincoln House, 75 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HS. Tel: 020 7928 1902. Web: www.bmic.co.uk
  • Society for the Promotion of New Music, 4th Floor, St Margaret’s House, 18-20 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TJ. Tel: 020 7407 1640. Web: www.spnm.org.uk
  • Youth Music, One America Street, London SE1 0NE. Tel: 020 7902 1060. Web: www.youthmusic.org.uk



Songwriter


Inspired by the rousing music and lyrics of Jerusalem? Maybe you want to be a songwriter? Songwriters need to know what makes a good song, and learn about hooks, bridges and middle 8s, tone and structure and creating the right mood.

You could start by taking a degree or HND, There is a vast range of titles of courses such as popular music, commercial music and many others which include songwriting, as well as composition. Check the course profile or talk to the course provider to see if the course  is appropriate and provides sufficient song-writing modules.

Further information

  • The Arvon Foundation – The Foundation for Writing offers short practical courses in songwriting at venues nationwide. Web: www.arvonfoundation.org
  • Floodlight lists many part-time, day and evening classes in songwriting available in London boroughs: www.floodlight.co.uk/
  • Degree and HND courses and entry requirements, visit www.ucas.com


Singer


Love to sing Jerusalem in the bath, making the most of the special acoustics of your bathroom? Perhaps you might be a professional singer in the making…

In such a highly competitive field it is important to gain as much experience and confidence as a singer as possible, by joining a choir at school or your local church, having private lessons or entering talent contests.

Following any one route in training to be a singer is no guarantee of success and there is no fixed career path. You may need to gain academic qualifications, but this will not necessarily bring work. It is more advantageous to have experience and a good reputation.

As a classical singer, you will need to undergo extensive and in-depth education and training, through degree or HND to postgraduate level. There are also courses for those aiming at a career in pop music or sound technology.

Work opportunities are limited, but you could find work singing on stage, in a theatre, or on cruise ships, and you can also work in related areas, including teaching or writing/composing music and lyrics for others.
 
Further information



Contacts

  • The Academy of Contemporary Music, Rodboro Buildings, Bridge Street, Guildford GU1 4SB. Tel: 01483 500800. Web: www.acm.ac.uk
  • The Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), 24 Portland Place, London W1B 1LU. Tel: 020 7636 5400. Web: www.abrsm.org
  • British Academy of Composers & Songwriters, British Music House, 25-27 Berners Street, London W1T 3LR. Tel: 020 7636 2929. Web: www.britishacademy.com
  • Conservatoires UK Admissions Service (CUKAS). Tel: 0870 1122208. Web: www.cukas.ac.uk
  • Singorama is a learn to sing guide that covers everything you need to know about learning to sing, step-by-step, from beginner to professional. It includes lessons, audio tracks and software games. Web: www.singinglessons4u.com/
  • Equity, Guild House, Upper St Martins Lane, London WC2H 9EG. Tel: 020 7379 6000. Web: www.equity.org.uk
  • Incorporated Society of Musicians, 10 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AA. Tel: 020 7629 4413. Web: www.ism.org
  • Trinity College London, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP. Tel: 020 7820 6100. Web: www.trinitycollege.co.uk



Conductor


Do you dream of conducting from Parry’s score of Jerusalem? To present your interpretation of the music for hundreds of people in one evening?

Most conductors have a degree in music from a university or specialist music college. Entry qualifications vary but most courses require applicants to have gained proficiency in playing at least one musical instrument, often the piano, to at least Grade 7or 8, and to be able to speak French, German or Italian.

The growth of a reputation of a conductor is dependent on constant development, and a conductor usually sees their profession as a vocation, dedicating their time to improve their understanding by constantly honing their skills through the study of music history and theory, as well as  practical conducting

Further information

  • Degree and HND courses and entry requirements: www.ucas.com
  • Conservatoires UK Admissions Service (CUKAS). Tel: 0870 1122208. Web: www.cukas.ac.uk


Contacts

  • Association of British Orchestras, 20 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DF. Tel: 020 7287 0333. Web: www.abo.org.uk
  • Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), 10 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AA. Tel: 020 7629 4413. Web: www.ism.org
  • The International Artist Managers’ Association (IAMA), 23 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BN. Tel: 020 7379 7336. Web: www.iamaworld.com
  • Musicians Union, 60/62 Clapham Road, London SW9 0JJ. Tel: 020 7582 5566. Web: www.musiciansunion.org.uk



Musicologist


Have you ever wondered why some music, such as Jerusalem, can affect people deeply? Or maybe you are intrigued about music theory generally and it’s history.

To become a musicologist you will have a deep interest in music, know where to go to find relevant research and generally be very determined. Currently, there are only two or three musicologists in the UK working full-time, because there is very little work. Most experts work as lecturers and share their knowledge in this way.

You will need to start with taking a degree or HND in Music, or apply to a conservatoire. Entry to a conservatoire is very competitive, and a Grade 8 distinction is required by the age of 16. You may choose to follow this with postgraduate study.

Further information

  • Conservatoires UK Admissions Service (CUKAS). Tel: 0870 1122208. Web: www.cukas.ac.uk



Music teacher


If you want to inspire others in a classroom situation, and communicate your own enthusiasm for music, a career as a teacher can be stimulating, challenging and rewarding. Most music teachers work in state or independent schools, and in higher education. It is also possible to work as a private teacher on a self-employed basis.

If you intend to teach in a state school, you will need to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and be required to undertake a degree or postgraduate qualification. It is not necessary to gain qualifications as a private or visiting music teacher.

Classroom teachers can become an advanced skills teacher, a head of department, deputy or head teacher.

Further information


  • Incorporated Society of Musicians, 10 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AA. Tel: 020 7629 4413. Web: www.ism.org
  • Music Education Council, 54 Elm Road, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9QP. Tel: 0161 928 3085. Web: www.mec.org.uk
  • Music Masters’ and Mistresses’ Association. Web: www.mma-online.org.uk
  • Musicians Union, 60-62 Clapham Road, London SW9 OJJ. Tel: 020 7582 5566. Web: www.musiciansunion.org.uk
  • Teacher Training Agency, PO Box 3210, Chelmsford CM1 3WA. Tel: 0845 6000 991. Web: www.useyourheadteach.org.uk



Music promoter/promotions manager


Imagine that you suddenly came across a new rendition of Jerusalem. There have been many previous interpretations, of course, but you think this could be something special. Maybe you have spotted a potential hit!

As a promoter you may be involved in representing artists or promoting specific records. As a promotions manager, you are responsible for the smooth-running of events, organising artists and persuading TV and radio to cover the event or artist. You have to influence, win over, persuade, organise and make everything happen perfectly on the night.

There is no one route into a career as a music promoter. You might access the right job by starting in a junior position, in an administrative role working in a record company, television or radio broadcasting, or you could take BTEC Level 4 Professional Diploma in Music Management while you are working. Alternatively, you could begin with a degree/HND in an appropriate subject, such as Music Industry Management and Marketing.

There is so much competition for work in the music industry that to show enthusiasm and make contacts you could strengthen your position by offering yourself for free work experience.

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) website has a directory of courses which relate to the music industry. For degree/HND courses, visit www.ucas.com.

It is also possible to work as a freelance, start your own agency or promotions company, or to work abroad.

Further information


Contacts

  • British Phonographic Institute (BPI) Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JA. Tel: 020 7803 1300. Web: www.bpi.co.uk
  • Arts Advice, free course and career information. Tel: 0800 093 0444. Web: www.artsadvice.com/
  • Production Services Association, PO Box 2709, Bath, BA1 3YS. Tel: 01225 332668. Web: www.psa.org.uk
  • UK Music Managers Forum (MMF), 1 York Street, London W1U 6PA. Tel: 0870 8507 800. Web: www.ukmmf.net
  • MMF Training, 2nd Floor, Fourways House, East 57 Hilton Street, Manchester M1 2EJ. Tel: 0161 228 3993 Website: www.mmf-training.com
  • Musicians Union 60-62 Clapham Road, London SW9 0JJ. Tel: 020 7582 5566. Web: www.musiciansunion.org.uk
  • Discuss your career options with a learndirect learning advisor. Tel: 0800 100 900. Email: enquiries@learndirect.net. Web: www.learndirect-advice.co.uk



Organist


Fancy filling a concert hall with the strains of Jerusalem? If you’d love to be an organist then ideally you will need to join a choir, either at church or at school, and then go on to study music at a conservatoire or university, and specialise in organ.

The Royal College of Organists provides ongoing training and support for today’s organists and choral directors – whether they are students or experienced professionals, working in a church, concert hall, college or classroom. Its aim is to raise the profile of organists and organ playing. Members engage in music-making at many different levels, and this diversity is reflected in the services provided.

Further information



Illustrator


Did seeing the illustrations for Milton, produced by William Blake, inspire you? Blake always believed that the imagination was of more importance than materialism and rationalism. If you have a strong creative imagination, you could be an illustrator.

Illustrators usually work on a freelance basis, producing images for everything from adverts, book jackets, magazines and newspapers to packaging and animation. There are some limited opportunities for employment with design or advertising agencies or publishing companies, and scientific and technical illustrators can sometimes find full-time employment.

It is a highly competitive field and can take some time to become established. It is important to be able to draw well, even if you have a strong individual style of illustration, because it allows you to be adaptable and develop new ways of working.

Most illustrators undertake a degree or an HND in Illustration. Applicants for degree/HND courses are usually required to have achieved a Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) and to present a portfolio. Other preliminary routes and courses exist for mature students and under-represented groups.

Contacts

  • The Association of Illustrators (AOI), 81 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4QS. Tel: 020 7613 4328. Web: www.theaoi.com





Rugby player


Jerusalem has become an unofficial national anthem sung at rugby matches and other sporting events.

If you’d like to represent your country you’ll need to stand out by the age of 13, which is when the best players are recommended by their club to move into county rugby for 14-20-year-olds. At this stage players are graded. Generally, it is thought that raw talent is the essential ingredient, and can be moulded, and speed and agility can improve with training.

By the time you reach 16-20 you could be selected or spotted at county level and move into divisional rugby (four divisions). Most top-level clubs have about ten young players, aged 16-21, in their academy who train with the full squad.

There are hundreds of clubs, from amateur to professional, and you can find one in the League system through the Rugby Football Union.

The qualities you will need include good special and ball awareness and what are known as SAQs – speed, agility, quickness. It also helps to be highly co-ordinated and have a hunger to win. At a professional level you need to be totally focused on performing and getting and staying fit.

Rugby is gaining in popularity, particularly since England won the World Cup in 2003. This is reflected by the sudden doubling of take-up for rugby holidays and interest in grassroots rugby, which has benefited from the effects of sponsorship.

Further information

  • Rugby Football Union:
www.rfu.com/