As Tone Deaf previously covered, Australia has more than its fair share of places where those eager to learn about what goes on behind the scenes of music can learn it from the ground up and receive a certified qualification in the field.
Each year, places like JMC Academy and MWT Institute graduate thousands ready to take on the Australian and global music industries. But now music production aficionados will be able to do it in a space that is nothing short of legendary.
Abbey Road Studios, the space where bands like The Beatles recorded some of their most iconic tunes, has announced that it is launching its own educational institute, and higher-ups must be aware of Australia’s reputation, because they’re opening instates in Sydney and Melbourne.
As The Guardian reports, students aged 18 and over from around the world will be able to study for a 12-month advanced diploma in music production and sound engineering at the Abbey Road Institute, which will be housed inside the legendary north London studio complex.
Before you scoff cynically, thinking that this will simply be a dry academic course that happens to be taught inside of the world’s most famous recording studio, course organisers are promising students the opportunity to use the studio’s recording spaces, control rooms, and equipment.
There’s little that hasn’t already been said about the iconic studio, where The Beatles recorded almost all of their albums and hits, and bands like Pink Floyd recorded The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.
The course will be taught by recognised music industry experts, including producers and label executives, with guest lectures from Abbey Road’s own engineers. Additional Abbey Road Institutes will launch in Berlin, Munich, Melbourne, and Sydney for a September 2015 intake, with more locations to be announced.
All international students will have the opportunity to visit and learn at the London base, where there will be a new, purpose-built classroom and studio facilities. The institute is accepting applications for a limited number of places in the September 2015 intake at all locations.
“Synonymous with excellence in recorded music for more than 80 years, Abbey Road’s continued success is largely due to its staff and their knowledge,” said Luca Barassi, an audio engineer who will head the Abbey Road Institute.
“Now we will be able to share some of this expertise in a course which will provide first-class vocational training for people interested in forging a career in the music industry.”
Naturally, there’ll be plenty of poised and capable Aussies ready to take the program on and ace it, so the only trouble the course instructors will have is making sure their students are on time and not taking selfies near the crossing.
