The creation of the Audient Scholarship coincides with a major refit and overhaul of the ICMP recording studios, which are to be centred around a new ASP8024 analogue mixing console.
Facilities manager, Mike Sinnott comments on the new studios, designed and built by Slowglass Creative. "There's one control room with two adjoining live rooms, which will have a traditional analogue set up (tie lines, patchbay, desk), along with ProTools HD, Logic, Ableton, further outboard and a comprehensive mic cupboard. We are also building three production rooms and a new tech lab.
"The ASP8024 is a great sounding console with great mic pres. It also looks great and provides the flexibility to configure to our taste," he continues, explaining the decision to go for the Audient desk. "Audient's reputation was also a factor, as well as value for money and company's commitment to support education. We have great confidence in our choice."
Audient's marketing manager, Andy Allen adds, "We have always been proud supporters of music education and our new partnership with ICMP offers an exciting opportunity for one lucky student to start their career on the right path. The facilities on offer at ICMP are outstanding and to have an Audient console at the heart of them is a testament to Audient's investment in education."
The ICMP encourages and inspires its students as much as it equips them to succeed in their chosen profession, be that musician, songwriter or music business entrepreneur. "The one-year Professional Diploma leads to a 'Cert HE Creative Music Production' which provides the foundation for two years of further study on the BA (HONS) Creative Music Production. We also offer short music production courses," says Sinnott.
Open to applicants from all financial, social and cultural backgrounds, the recipient of the Audient Scholarship will apply through the ICMP website with a link to Soundcloud for their work and a short personal statement around why they should be selected, with full details available here.
"In the first year we estimate an enrolment of around 25 students on the course, however this will increase when students can apply via UCAS next year. After three years we could expect the number of students using this console to be around 100 per year," adds Sinnott.
(Jim Evans)
