Move over college degrees. Here is a new approach to preparing people for work—one that values practical skills—offers hope for industries struggling to find qualified talent.
Key Facts:
- Most new jobs now require a bachelor’s degree, yet only about 40% of the workforce has one.
- Many high-paying skilled trade positions remain unfilled.
- Traditional college education can leave music graduates without the connections or experiences they need.
- An alternative program offered by the Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Production (LAAMP) centers on real-world training, mentorship, and networking.
- Alumni have collaborated with major artists like Roddy Ricch, Lady Gaga, and John Legend, earning Grammy nominations.
The Rest of The Story:
Many employers set a bachelor’s degree as the main qualifier for hiring. This overlooks the fact that degrees do not guarantee a person is ready for the job, especially in specialized fields like music.
The music industry often values hands-on practice, building relationships, and staying current with industry trends more than a diploma.
The LAAMP approach is all about putting creative professionals into real-world scenarios, offering them mentors and letting them learn by doing. Through partnerships with seasoned industry figures, students make professional connections and develop a portfolio of skills that directly applies to the modern music business. Their achievements demonstrate what is possible when education meets the evolving needs of an industry.
Go Naomi! 🎶 She is has been accepted into Laamp music, a one year high-level music program with world class mentors. This is Sam Smith (Stargate) Rihanna and Beyoncé’s producer. The students write a song each week 🎶 and get feedback. @xiscatheartist @RonnieGrandison pic.twitter.com/9HqXUpAs41
— Barb Grandison (@BarbBGFIT) November 4, 2023
LAAMP founders, Mikkel Eriksen and Tor Hermansen, wrote in the New York Post, “In just three years, alumni have worked with global artists including Roddy Ricch, Lady Gaga, John Legend, and more, with some earning Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations. Their songs have racked up 480 million streams on Spotify.”
Commentary:
LAAMP is an amazing program that paves a clear path from learning to working. By focusing on actual industry needs, it helps participants gain the know-how they truly need to succeed. This practical setup makes perfect sense because it streamlines education for real-world application.
Other industries could benefit from programs like LAAMP, especially those that rely on creativity, innovation, and hands-on experience. If more fields adopt this model, the gap between classroom learning and employment could shrink, boosting both career opportunities and workforce readiness.
The Bottom Line:
The success of LAAMP shows that emphasizing in-depth skills and industry connections can change how we educate and hire. Moving away from degree-based requirements alone may be the next step for a more prepared workforce.
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