Music Technology Students Experience Life in a Working Recording Studio
Students from HCT’s National Diploma in Music Technology course had a great opportunity to experience life in a working recording studio when they spent 2 days at ‘The Suite’ in London’s Chalcot Road. The Suite is owned by music publisher, Andrew Maurice and is a legacy of the original Utopia Studios, owned by the drummer from Procol Harum (of ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ fame), which spawned a string of hit records in the 70’s and 80’s and has been used by greats such as Sting, Bryan Ferry and numerous others.
The trip owed much to the generosity of one of the students, Kieron Hawkes, whose parents had bid for one day’s studio time at a charity auction. Kieron kindly decided to share this opportunity with his fellow students and the College paid for the second day and the accommodation.
On the first day in the studio, the students were introduced to the studio personnel and then split into groups of 3 to work on music that they had written themselves, including a track that was performed at the College’s official opening on the 12th March. Using HCT’s impressive recording studios, the students recorded the songs prior to their visit to London. The main part of the day involved the various ‘mixing’ techniques used in a modern studio, demonstrated by the in-house engineer, Roger Nico. The studio’s assistant very kindly showed them some of the more cosmopolitan aspects of the area, with a trip to Camden Market, where the students witnessed a great many alternative cultures and their food. Upon their return to the studio, the latter part of the day was devoted to adding effects such as ‘reverb’ as well as ‘tweaking’ and improving the sounds within the songs.
The second day began with a real treat for the students, with a visit from legendary producer, Trevor Horn, whose long list of clients includes Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams and Pet Shop Boys to name but a few. The day proceeded with tuition in ‘automation’ on tracks, controlling volumes and more about adding effects. The results of their hard work were then transferred to CD’s (see links to tracks below) for them to take with them and the day was rounded off with an extended question and answer session.
The trip was a great success with all of the students commenting on how much they had learnt and also how their music would tend to evolve as a result of the studio process.
Course tutor, Dan Armstrong commented, “The students were a credit to the College and have been welcomed back by the studio staff who were most impressed with their conduct as well as their talent – I’m really proud of them. The Music Technology staff, on behalf of Herefordshire College of Technology would also like to thank Kieron and his parents for their generosity.”
You can listen to the trcaks that the students recorded by clicking on the links below:
http://www.recordproduction.com/the-suite-recording-studio.html
http://www.liveatthesuite.com/
