MWI’s audio students get collectively creative

The Creative Collective workshop at Metalworks Institute, held on April 24th, is another example of how Metalworks fosters artistic abilities, technical knowledge and practical applications while uniting students and faculty. The collective is a one-day songwriting workshop held at the end of the term for second level Audio Production & Engineering (APE) students as part of their Songwriting Analysis class. Students are assigned a final class project to write, record and mix their own songs.

The APE students are given an hour to write a song based on a random title they receive from their instructor (Amos Carlen). Students then race against the clock during the writing segment, with only the use of an iMac computer, acoustic instruments and audio software (Pro Tools, Reason and Logic) to create an imaginative and memorable song. Then the groups race off to the recording studios where they have merely two hours to record and mix their songs using SSL consoles, Digidesign ICON consoles and Pro Tools HD 3 systems. Throughout the Creative Collective workshop, students will have to deal with battling point-of-views and conflicting musical preferences.

When their studio time runs out, students must submit whatever they have completed to their instructor. A panel of Metalworks’ instructors will play back the groups’ songs and vote on the best track. The winning group receives praise from their fellow students, admiration from their instructors and fabulous prizes.

There is a reason why Metalworks Institute produces superior graduates who continue to push the boundaries of the entertainment industry. The Creative Collective workshop just reiterates Metalworks dedication to supplying their students a unique education in the areas of audio recording, audio engineering, studio production and live production. Furthermore, this workshop is further proof that Metalworks is an expert in creating an elite program unlike any conventional academic institutions.