Official opening of Central Metropolitan College of TAFE Music School

June 18, 1998

A new generation of musicians, sound technicians, musical engineers and managers are set to reap the benefits of Western Australia's latest purpose built music school.

Employment and Training Minister Cheryl Edwardes officially opened the $250,000 Central Metropolitan College of TAFE Music School today.

The school is located at the Leederville Campus and offers certificated education through Perth's most comprehensive Music Industry Skills Training Course.

Mrs Edwardes said the two-year course, which started earlier this year, equipped 100 students annually to begin music industry careers.

She said the new facility and course meant WA school leavers could now set their sites on careers in the music industry.

"This facility will give many young people the chance to bring to life their dreams to enter the music industry," the Minister said.

Mrs Edwardes said the state-of-the-art school included specially constructed sound proof music studios and recording rooms.

"The new facilities are unique, with the studio doubling as a classroom and students learning to mix, record, play and dub in a working environment," she said.

"The three sound proof rehearsal rooms mean that quiet computer study classes less than 10m away from the school are completely insulated from any music noise."

The course and its students, most of whom have followed on from year 12, have recorded several CDS of student compositions - some of which were showcased at the launch.

"The school is building its profile in the music industry with hard work and the practical application of skills taught by lecturers who don't just know the industry, but are part of it," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The course and the school represent a stepping stone for these students and are a firm commitment on the part of TAFE and the State Government to target employment skills training for young people."

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (08) 9421 7777