Each project group is made up of students of mixed ages and abilities, including performing artists, music technologists and sound engineers. At the end of the fortnight, students will have to submit a detailed summary of their learning experiences to be eligible for credit towards their formal qualifications.
Dan Clarke, the Preston College music tutor behind the initiative, said: "Many jobs in today's music industry involve working on short-term contracts, to tight deadlines and in small project teams. This project is designed to mimic those real-lives, workplace experiences.
"Our trainee studio engineers, technologists, video artists, sound teams and musicians are working together for a very real gig deadline.
"We've already seen higher than normal levels of attendance across the Academy and there is a real sense of focus and creativity from all the students."The Roland Academy initiative is part of the ongoing expansion of the Roland UK music academy programme, which supports colleges offering professional qualifications in the visual and performing arts. Roland is a world leader in the design and manufacture of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment and multimedia products.
Paul Flanagan, curriculum manager for music, music technology and media at Preston College, explained: "I'm confident the new kit from Roland will transform the experience of every single one of our music and arts students. They will have the chance to work towards the top, industry recognised qualifications, using some of the best equipment around.
"We have three professional recording studios, where students can hone their skills and tap into some of the best networking opportunities in the industry. The facilities support music making, radio projects, movie soundscapes, stage lighting, sound engineering and much more.
"This experience, I'm sure, will help them to stand head and shoulders above the competition at auditions, gigs or interviews and provide a great boost for their future careers."The college also plans to work closely with local musicians and technicians by running a series of educational roadshows and events in collaboration with Roland UK. These will include gigs, battle of the band competitions and master classes where the best in the business will pass on their experiences to Preston's students.
Nationally, 13 Roland music academies have already been established or are due to launch in the coming months.
(Claire Beeson)
