We pride ourselves here on our independent approach from the advice we offer to the courses that we run. Therefore we hope that you find this information useful to you for your search for courses in the UK. For details of the courses that we run here in Buckinghamshire please visit http://www.elainemcdermott.com/contents/en-uk/d17.html
Obviously we would love to see you on our workshops here, but we don't always have perhaps quite what you are looking for or are too far away for you to travel. So as part of our support for the education in metal clay, we have also listed tutors around the UK.
There are no formal UK qualifications/degrees to teach metal clay to date although universities may cover the material in their design courses. People learn to teach in different ways as do students learn in different ways. Metal clay artists come from a variety of different creative backgrounds, bringing with them useful skills from particular areas which can be applied to metal clay.
Teachers of metal clay classes come via a variety of routes to increase their knowledge in this particular field:
Certification in PMC or Art Clay
There are two levels to this qualification; level 1 and level 2. This certificate has been created by the manufacturers of each brand of silver/gold clay; Aida (Art Clay) and Mitsubishi (PMC) to give people a more indepth knowledge to their product and for those who may want to go on to teach classes. People who have taken this to the level 2 (Senior Tutors) stage are entitled to teach people about that particular brand and teach certification courses. It is recognised within the metal clay community.
Independent Jewellery School Diplomas
If you prefer a more independent approach then you may look into obtaining a Diploma with one of the many private jewellery schools throughout the UK (although some schools may favour one brand over the other so it is best to check first). These courses tend to cover a great deal and some including how to teach classes and basic silversmith practices. These Diplomas are not Degree Courses and although recognised within the metal clay community are not a national qualitification.
Jewellery Designers/Metal/Silversmiths
Designers who have already achieved their Degree at University in their particular field may go on to/or already teach jewellery classes. They may already be qualified enough to learn about metal clay themselves or may attend classes to add to their knowledge and combine metal clay with their current material that they work with.
You may also find people who specialise in ceramics, glass or enamel and not just metal, who incorporate metal clay into their work. They may also offer classes in this area.
How to Find a Good Teacher
Not everyone can teach well! Do you ever remember your bad teachers at school? This is the hardest part - how do you find a good teacher.
Goals - Firstly have a good think about your goals. What to you want to achieve, your timescale, your budget? You need to be clear about exactly what you want to learn and the time scale in which you have to learn it. You may find that circumstances don't allow you to take a class you may have to consider distance learning which is now becoming more widely available e.g. over the internet, training dvd etc.
Recommendation - Well recommendation is always the best one! If someone can personally recommend someone to you ,then that is great, otherwise search forums on the web which can also be helpful. Certain websites you can leave reviews - this is now something we will be offering to people, which may help you choose where you want to learn.
Work/Gallery - Have a look at your teacher's work either at an exhibition or on their site? Do you like their style and what they do?
Qualifications/Background - what have they learnt themselves, what is their experience?
About the class - don't be afraid to speak to the teacher beforehand. Ask about what she/he is covering in the session? How big is the class - too large you may not get the attention you deserve. Having a chat with the tutor will help you get a feel for the forthcoming class and as to whether you will get along with them.
CLASS LISTINGS
We have chosen to list metal clay classes on our website so you know exactly what is out there. We do not recommend anyone in particular - we just list them! You have to do the research! But please if you do attend any of these teachers classes, please feel free to leave an indenpendant review which will help other people with their search.
Email us your review at reviews@chunungatree.com
Listed below are classes by County. Tutors - if you would like to be listed then please let us know by email and we will send you a form to complete your details. tutors@chunungatree.com
