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Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
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Nicholas - 
Freelance Saxophonist and Educator

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

On-stage performance.
Tutoring, including demonstrations.
Musical arrangement.
Administration of the business.
Basic accountancy.
Transport and Logistics.

Typical day

Up to fourteen hours typically including:
management of accounts and diary;
private practice of the instrument;
liaise with colleagues, re transportation;
around two hours' driving depending on venue;
heavy lifting to set up equipment;
sound check;
liaise with venue staff and/or clients;
the performance;
heavy lifting to pack down equipment;
around two hours' driving depending on venue.

What do I enjoy about my job?

Entertaining the public and making the clients happy.

Challenging aspects

Public perception has to be managed in order to make a decent wage, plus in the current climate there is not enough work to go around.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

The Performance part is fun, plus I used to do it as a hobby, so it's a way of life I'm familiar with.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

Driving.
Saxophone playing.
Arranging.
Communication.
No qualifications particularly.

Training I receive as part of my job

Self-instruction courses, internet based usually; MU-sponsored training


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

2000-2006 Programmer, HSBC Bank plc

2006-present, self employed saxophonist.

Where do I see myself in the future?

Possibly a PGCE or accountancy qualifications.


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Last updated: 07 Apr 2013