Conservatorium raises curtains on state-of-the-art facility
The Newcastle Conservatorium will officially unveil a state-of-the-art music technology facility today, that will connect students to the world.
The Conservatorium’s Creative Music Production Facility includes a lab of 20 workstations, a control room, editing booths and a customised video conferencing facility, allowing students to interact with music professionals across the globe.
The Federal Government’s Better Universities Renewal Funding program supported the $675,000 renovation of the Conservatorium’s classrooms.
Bachelor of Music students use the area for instrumental lessons, composing music, creating film soundtracks, recording music, editing audio and video and mastering recordings.
University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Education and Arts, Professor John Germov said the new facility would give music students hands-on experience with emerging technology.
“The Creative Music Production facility is a nucleus for technological creativity in music. It will encourage students to be inventive and push the boundaries of traditional music-making.
“Innovative forms of music making are already being developed using the technology, including one student ensemble that performs solely on iPads.”
Professor Germov said it was an exciting time for the University and for the Hunter, with the facility set to put Newcastle’s students on the world music stage.
“It is already attracting international interest with students auditioning to enrol from around Australia and overseas,” he said.
The launch will include live demonstrations from music students and presentations about the latest advances in music software from software engineer Peter Lee and composer and educator Katie Wardrobe.
The University’s first cohort of students studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Creative Music Production (Technology) will graduate later this year.
The public launch of the Creative Music Production Facility will be held from 4pm–7pm on Thursday 27 October at level two, the Conservatorium, Corner Auckland and Laman Streets, Newcastle. Photo opportunities are available 4pm-5pm. Media welcome.
For more information contact Media and Public Relations Officer Carmen Swadling on 02 4985 4276 or 0428 038 477.