FE 2005-08: Sector-leading and innovative practice by subject area L->S
4. Performing arts: Music
High quality accommodation and resources, accommodation, James Watt
College of Further and Higher Education
The college had designed and developed a high quality facility for sound recording. It
maximised learner access to industry-standard equipment and resources that supported
practical skills development. The facility was opened in summer 2004 and sponsored by
several leading equipment manufacturers. At the centre of the facility were two performance
rooms for musicians. Music was digitally recorded and could be sent to multiple locations
without any reduction in sound quality. Two well-resourced demonstration rooms could
accommodate a member of teaching staff and group of learners. Teaching staff used these
rooms to provide initial direction to learners. There were a further 10 well-equipped sound
control rooms, with up-to-date mixing desks and surround sound monitors. Learners
developed their practical skills in sound recording and data management using all of the
facilities available. More than 20 learners could simultaneously use the facility to develop
their practical skills in sound recording. Learners had suitable password-protected storage for
their music files, allowing them to develop associated data storage and file management
skills. The well-thought-out design and the high quality equipment provided learners with
good opportunities to develop appropriate skills for employment.