The end-of-term concert was a huge success. Musical memories were made – but will they last? Did someone remember to record the event? Was the recording quality good enough?
Cue Andy Grinham, managing director of the fledgling south coast-based firm Education Audio. He's putting almost two decades of experience working in the music recording business to good use, offering considerable expertise to education establishments who are keen to set up – or renovate – their own recording studios.
‘I'd been involved in school music department projects for more than 17 years,’ says Grinham. ‘I'd talk to schools about the recording studios they wanted or the various audio functions they might have in mind. I'd be involved in the consultation period and then I'd design a system. That began to build momentum – which has led to where we are today.’
While still at school, Grinham undertook work experience at a music shop and, from the age of 15, went to music trade fairs and exhibitions.
‘I was always inspired to see great musicians playing,’ he says. ‘I am a versatile musician and play rock and pop instruments, and can quickly recreate – or create – songs. That makes for a good demonstration when it comes to a studio training day.’
He's quick to say he's not an academic musician which, he says, is a ‘cautionary tale’. ‘I have been paid and applauded for playing many times. But I've learnt that being talented and qualified is really where it's at, and that's worth aspiring to.’
With that firmly in mind, the company aims to help music teachers achieve the facilities they wish they had. ‘Many know what they want but they aren't sure what they need to build it,’ notes Andy. ‘Why choose this model of mixer over that model? What type of cable should I ask for? Which software is better? I know I want good systems, but where can I get help to build my new music department?
‘I've heard this many times. I know what the end results are and I represent the end goal. I know what to say to architects, electrical contractors and so on.’
From the ground up
The company offers system design for recording studios as well as installation and demonstration of the end product. Teacher training days are a speciality. The company also sets up classroom audio facilities, working all over the UK, from preparatory and primary schools through to sixth-form colleges. Most projects are in secondary schools but, according to Grinham, increasingly ‘primary schools are doing rehearsals and performances. There are talented pupils in Years 5 and 6, and if they can use GarageBand software, they can use the studio.
‘Done well, it helps teaching,’ he adds. ‘I've often heard teachers say they want to engage students when they play some recorded music, so sound quality is important. Others say they want to involve other students if one student is playing or composing well. Our audio systems provide a volume control for each student computer and, of course, it is stereo and doesn't hum or hiss. And if you want to record any student work at any point, that's easy: it's set up and ready all of the time.
‘I've always got what the students want in my mind when designing something. I just think what I could have done at age 15 if this sort of thing had been available. What we offer is as good as a professional system but we must always bear in mind that there will be first-time users for these facilities, too.’
© BRENDAN O’SULLIVAN
Making it work
There's a recognition that finances are tight for music departments, especially in the state sector.
‘We look for better value options. “Make do and mend” can be appropriate and if someone is thinking about their options, they can send us photos and we can see what can be done. Music retailers tend not to undertake the sort of thing with which we are involved and we are not tied in to any one brand, so we can recommend the best system.’
A major project the company undertook recently was at Trinity School of John Whitgift in Croydon.
‘We did the recording studio, the PA system in the recital room, audio systems in several practice rooms, an audio network in the new classroom and audio cabling linking rooms and spaces back to the recording studio,’ says Grinham. ‘The whole project started with conversations with the music and estates staff. I presented cabling specifications to the electrical contractors and project-managed our installation process.
‘What we offer is a little insight into the real world. That helps.’
