Education Focus: Hunter TAFE

TAFE Unveils World Class Music Education Facility

A new state-of-the-art education facility will provide a boost to the Hunter's music industry.

Hunter TAFE's Regional Music Institute (RMI) unveiled its fully refurbished sound recording and production studio on 28 Jul.

The Studio includes a complete refurbishment of the learning spaces to deliver two dedicated studios equipped with two control rooms, a live tracking room, vocal booth and a post-production suite. The RMI facilities are rounded out with a performance space that will cater for student rehearsals and live recordings.

The RMI Studio is the first of its calibre in Newcastle and is comparable to the best in the world.

Features of the technology and equipment include a 48 channel SSL (Solid State Logic) Duality Desk, a 48-channel ProTools HDX platform and large collection of classic outboard equipment.

Hunter TAFE Institute Director Christine Warrington said the new RMI studio presents a significant investment into vocational education and training. "We have worked closely with industry partners to design a music and sound production educational facility that is world class," said Ms Warrington. "The product is exceptional and will ensure that our students learn using the latest industry technology and receive the best practical skills training, which will set them up for the diverse career avenues on offer in the industry. The Hunter region has been earmarked as a 'hot spot' for creative industries. Importantly the local creative industries are contributing to the thriving Hunter economy, and providing jobs and career opportunities for our students." 

Hunter TAFE Head Teacher of Music and Performing Arts, Teresa Conicella said the new studio was an important part of providing the best quality training programs for the music and creative industries. "We are witnessing a shift in perception about the value and significance of creativity in our current and future working lives," said Ms Conicella."We are seeing increasing demand for creative skills required in industry such as in business for good problem solving, the development of new technologies and in health sector where music therapy is being used for a number of applications including treatment for patients with disability and dementia. The career pathways available for graduates are quite diverse and our programs at Hunter TAFE reflect that."

Hunter TAFE creates career pathways by providing quality courses and programs that meet the changing skills needs of the Central Coast and Hunter communities.