Music - we all listen to it, we all love it. It's one of our hobbies. It's therefore easy to forget that the Music scene is an Industry like any other, employing thousands of people and providing significant income for the local economy. Indeed Tourism is now the largest employer in Glasgow and the vibrant theatre, club and music scene is one of the major factors in attracting people to what is now designated a 'City of Music' by the United Nations.

At Stow College we fully recognise this fact and see our role as preparing the next generation of performing artists, sound engineers, promoters and technicians so that the creative talent is there to ensure that Glasgow maintains its role as a happening city. Although we have always been recognised for our Sound Production courses and Music labels we have recently been expanding our performance portfolio. Now on offer are an HNC in Traditional Music, an HNC in Music Performance, an HNC in Music Performance (Rock/Pop), an HND in Dance and Degrees in Commercial Music and Musical Theatre.

Over the years Stow College has developed a reputation within the fields of Acting and Musical Theatre. This was recently reinforced when the Stow students won the Gold medal for Acting and the Gold and Silver medals for singing at the UK Skills Championships.

We are justifiably proud of the standing that our record labels, operated by Stow students as part of their course, have in the music industry. The Electric Honey label has promoted bands such as Belle and Sebastian, Snow Patrol and Biffy Clyro while the Gdansk label has promoted Mylo and Mellow Submarine. The success of these labels has resulted in the establishment of a third label - Root 8. This is a roots label which concentrates on the different areas of World Music.

The Department can boast a well established track record of facilitating employment of successful students in relevant positions within the music and creative industries. Many of the major venues in Glasgow including the City Hall, the ABC, and the CCA employ sound engineers from Stow College and our students have been employed by such notables as Trevor Horn and Sir George and Giles Martin.

Please note that most of the courses listed in each subject area commenced in August 2009. Many of the courses will also be available from August 2010. Please contact Learner Services regarding the availability of courses for August 2010.