“The support I received was incredible, and I wouldn’t have been able to graduate without it”
As part of a series catching up with some of our Graduates and hearing about their successes, we sat down with Jayne Craig-Allison, who studied a BA (Hons) in Music at Edinburgh College, in collaboration with Kingston University. The 40-year-old came to the College juggling a busy personal life as a single mother caring for three children, but graduated with flying colours.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Jayne, can you tell us what drew you to Edinburgh College in the first place?
“I actually studied a HND in Classical Music Performance at the College back in 2005. After leaving I went on to work in community music and piano teaching, before having three kids. I heard about the Music Box, and the top-up degree being offered to students that had previously completed a HND. I was keen to continue learning and expanding skills, so it seemed like a really good option for me.”
And how did you find it coming back to the College after that time away?
“I loved it. It was difficult for me initially, I’m a single mother and two of my children are disabled, but the College, and Kingston University, were so, so supportive of me. They did everything they could to help me in my studies and to provide support for what was going on in my personal life as I tried to attain my degree.”
How difficult was it to balance your studies alongside your obviously very busy personal life?
“The studying, music and performing, and learning were really for me, and it was such a positive thing, having something that didn’t involve me being a carer. At one point, one of my children was very ill, and the College and the University both agreed to give me a year off so I could focus on that, which made such a difference.
“I always had the feeling that my lecturers genuinely wanted me to succeed, and they wanted to help me succeed as much as possible. Often as a carer you can feel quite alone and unsupported, this was an environment where I actually felt very supported. Lecturers continuously reminded me of my options, from my singing teacher Taylor all the way up to Annette and Laurie, they were always reminding me ‘you can do this part-time, you can take some time out if you need to’. When I did take my year out, the College handled all the communication with Kingston and sorted it out. I really appreciate what they did for me.”
You managed to get your degree in the end, what have you been up to since you graduated?
“Currently, I’m working as a self-employed community musician and teacher. It’s really amazing, sometimes I’m teaching piano and singing, sometimes I’m going in and doing sessions with someone who maybe isn’t able to learn an instrument, but really loves music. And obviously juggling all of that with my kids!
“I would not have the confidence to do what I’m doing now unless I studied at Edinburgh College, I still call on so many of the skills I learned during my time there.”
Do you have any grand plans for the future at the moment?
“At some point I’d like to study music therapy, but I’m also really interested in teaching in general. Teaching for children with additional support needs, using music therapy, it’s definitely on the cards!”
Finally, what would your message be to anyone considering studying at the College?
“Obviously everyone’s situation is completely unique, but I can say that at Edinburgh College you will be supported, and you should absolutely go for it. You will be met with kindness and understanding, and lecturers who want you to do well. If you think you can make it work, you should try, and I would recommend Edinburgh College to carers or anyone considering furthering their education.”
Interested in applying for a course at Edinburgh College? Read more about out offerings here.