Students on the College's Music Technology courses now have full use of a purposely designed facility as part of their studies.

The main control room is equipped with a 24-channel mixing console and 16-track digital hard disk recorder giving students a real 'hands on' experience under the guidance of music professionals.

As well as the Control room, the main studio room, and a drum/vocal booth complete with a new drum kit, a dedicated computer suite is sited next door.

The structural and acoustic design of the studio was by noise consultancy specialist Eddie Jewell, and the layout and equipping by Jake Williams, Music Technology Course Manager.

Jake has been teaching at the college for seven years and has an excellent musical history.

"At the age of 14 I started playing the guitar and soon set up my own band."

"I was very keen on a group called Vardis," remembers Jake. "I saw them in concert several times and eventually went to work for them!"

Working with Vardis, all over the world, helped Jake to develop his skills, learning about the intricate details needed to make live music sound perfect.

Over the years Jake has run his own sound business. He worked locally on the Golowan Festival and has been engineer with bands like Babybird and Dodgy, as well as dance outfits, and folk legend Ralph McTell!

"Working with such an amazing array of artists has really helped me to learn the difference between creating accoustic and rock sounds."

"When you're teaching students to use the equipment, they need to know how to get the best sound to suit all the different environments where live music is played," explains Jake.

The new studio is already a big hit, not only with the students but also musicians outside of the college.

"The facility is a massive benefit to the students," smiles Jake. "They'd spend all their time in here if they could!"

"Local bands and singers often ring to book studio time," he says. "We have certain days when the students aren't around so we're happy to do our bit to encourage local talent."

And it's not just those new to the music industry who are interested in the courses on offer at Cornwall College.

"We've got a student this year who was in a band that supported acts like The Damned. The courses do attract professionals who want to gain new skills, as well as those starting out for the first time."

"The students learn a range of skills on the course from setting up microphones and equipment to midi sequencing using Cubase," explains Jake.

"The recording studio means that students will be taught to use professional equipment relevant to industry."

Those interested in starting out in a career in the recording industry will also receive guidance from Ian Macdonald who runs the NCFE in Music Technology.

Ian is also an extremely experienced professional musician who currently plays in 'Elecktrum', and in previous years has performed for the Ginger Baker Band.

Click here for a list of music and media based courses available at the college.

Anyone interested in any of the above courses or hiring the facility should contact Jake Williams on 01209 611611 (ext3372)

Coming in the New Year:

A chance for you to hear exclusive new music created by the students at Cornwall College in the BBC Cornwall Blast pages.