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Welcome to SSR, where we provide expert technical training in the field of sound and vision. Our programmes range from short weekend courses to full 3-year degrees and include tuition in Audio Engineering, Live Sound Engineering, Post Production Audio , Electronic Music Production, Video Production and Radio Production. We have 25 years of experience and are one of the most forward thinking, industry-focused and networked training organisations in the world.
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Ben lands a Camio role!
At SSR it warms our little hearts to learn that our students are moving into new jobs and careers in the music and AV industry. One such recent graduate is Ben Harper (Audio Engineering Techniques and Technology). After applying for a few jobs in the post-production industry, Ben turned back to his main passion, music.
Ben was contacted by Sheffield based Camio Recordings. The label had initially intended to release one of the tracks featured on his MySpace but was so impressed by his mastering skills that they asked to send some more material over to see what he could do. Again, they were thrilled with what they heard, so much so they made the decision to employ Ben’s services. As well as engineering, producing and mastering for Camio, Ben has also enjoyed much follow-on work mastering material for other producers and record companies (please form an orderly queue!).
Ben has since updated and expanded his home studio and has gone on to master tracks for Groove Assassin, The Audiowhores, and Jazz Theory Productions. His tracks have played on Radio 1 and been featured by DJ legends such as Tony Humphries.
Ben says “Two years ago I decided I needed a career change. Life is short and I wanted to follow my dream. I’ve been interested in the music and AV industry for years but didn’t think for a minute that I might break into it. I took some training at SSR and not only learnt loads in a relatively short period of time, but I also enjoyed it immensely. Things are now going very well for me. I’m doing the work I want and it has surprised me how fast things have started to take off. Before I began my training I knew next to nothing about production, engineering and zero about mastering. There’s so much to learn and I’m still learning new things every day”.
To find out more about Ben and his work you can visit: www.phutureaudiomastering.co.uk
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Congratulations Adlib!
It’s actually refreshing to hear some good news and feedback from the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry. With the world gone celebrity-mad, we seldom hear from those ‘ordinary’ people whose hard work, focus and determination make the stars look and sound so good. So when we got an email from our industry partners Adlib Audio saying how fantastic they feel at playing their biggest ever gig we thought well yeah – go on Adlib, we’re with you on that one!
Despite the name there’s nothing unprepared or ad hoc about Adlib Audio. As a provider of sound reinforcement (since 1984) to some of the country’s top bands and performers, their impressive work record just keeps on growing. And what’s all the recent noise about? Adlib have just been celebrating a rather special gig - last Saturday (24th May) they provided the sound for the Kaiser Chiefs at Elland Road in Leeds in front of their biggest ever crowd.
Phil Keilty of Adlib said “I just sat back and thought how amazing already it’s been this year. We’ve been lucky enough to work with some of my favourites acts from Rob Thomas through to Simple Plan and it all culminated in what was our biggest gig ever – 32,000 people going mad in a soccer stadium when the sun set on Saturday night, with 90 boxes of VerTec blasting out the UK’s biggest band Kaiser Chiefs. Lots of people and companies take things for granted but it was such a huge buzz for everyone here …proud might sound like a cheesy word
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but everyone from the MD through to our ladies in accounts office were buzzing and quite right too … Thanks to everyone who made that possible …….and to all those who’ve helped already make the last few months so bloody amazing for everyone here at Adlib”.
Nicely put Phil, and congratulation to you and all the team. And what’s more – next year is going to be even bigger! |
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Simon Hawkins on his first tour
Congratulations to Simon Hawkins who will be off on his first tour for Wigwam Accoustics, with ‘Bob the Builder’.
Simon (who Wigwam have lovingly named Harry Hill), will be heading off around Europe for the first leg of the 18 month tour. They will then move through the UK before heading out to America. Simon will mainly be responsible for comms and Radio, and with only two people manning the tour; this is a really good chance for Simon to finally put his training it to practice.
Simon said ‘I’ve been with Wigwam now for just over six months, working in the warehouse on various projects, prepping equipment for all the tours and learning loads of new stuff along the way. I’m really happy to get my first tour with Wigwam, and although I’ll be away for the best part of 18 months, I can’t wait to get started. I’m so glad I quit my other job to get training in sound engineering and I owe a lot to SSR for all their additional support in getting me my placement. I’m really happy with the way things are panning out”.
SSR Live Sound tutor Jay Beard said ‘I’m very proud to hear Simon will be heading out on his first tour, this is fantastic news and I wish him the best of luck!’
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Stephanie Conboye at Capital Sound Hire
After completing SSR’s flagship course, Audio Engineering Techniques and Technology. Steph has flourished in the Live Sound and PA industry.
With determination and initiative, Steph ventured down to London in search of a career and landed herself a position with Capital Sound Hire. One of Europe’s leading providers of hired sound equipment and freelance technical crews for events around the worldwide. Recent clients of Capital Sound include; The Killers, Kylie, Il Divo, and Michael Buble`
“SSR gave me the knowledge and confidence needed to go out and get a job in the industry. I really enjoyed my time at SSR and would like to thank all the staff and students that I have worked with.”
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Paul Danson lands a full time position with STS Touring Limited
Congratulations to Paul Danson on securing a full time position at STS Touring Limited whilst still studying at SSR. STS Touring Limited, based at Cariocca Business Park in Ardwick are one of SSR’s creative partners and supply the Live Sound industry and our very own Charlie Jones Venue with back-line and PA equipment.
Paul whose official title is Warehouse Assistant/Trainee is understandably very pleased and has said “It’s great to be taken on full time at a place like STS while I am still a student at SSR”.
Richard Knowles, General Manager of STS and Front of House engineer for I Am Kloot said “I know Paul hasn’t finished the live sound course yet but he really knows what he is doing.”
Jay Beard (Live Sound Tutor) was over the moon when he heard about it. “I’m really chuffed with Paul’s hard work on the course and to hear that it is beginning to pay off is fantastic. It’s a testament to Paul, the new Live Sound Course and the reputation of SSR. Thanks again to all at STS for you continued support.”
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New Student Placements At Wigwam Acoustics
Congratulations are in order for Pete Seddon and Simon Hawkins who have recently been recruited onto Wigwams paid placement scheme. Wigwam launched the new ‘Live Sound’ course with SSR in September 2007 and also fund scholarships for the Charlie Jones Scholarship programme (www.charliejonesscholarship.com). Pete and Simon will start their six month paid placement at Wigwam next week at their warehouse in Heywood.
Over twenty SSR students applied for a single place but because the standard of applicants was so high, Wigwam decided to take two students instead of one. Wigwam stated “We had over 20 applicants from the school for the placements and the standard was incredible making the choice one of the hardest tasks of the year.”
SSR would like to thank all applicants and encourage them to apply for future SSR-exclusive placements. Please visit www.s-s-r.com/vacancies
Further good news
Chris Hill has recently announced that Wigwam will be extending the paid placements of Emma Connelly and Richard Cook by a further six months. SSR would like to thank Chris, Alex and the team at Wigwam for their continued support of SSR, our courses and students.
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From IT to DJ from UK to USA
Thom Powell aka Hoonboy left a career in IT to study at the School of Sound Recording and pursue his life’s passion… music.
Using skills he learned from our Electronic Music Production course, Hoonboy has performed live DJ shows in Bristol and Manchester and performs on two weekly radio shows. Thom has produced under three different names and will feature on a compilation for a Bristol label to be released this year. His tracks have been played by DJ’s in UK and US venues. Thom has achieved all this before he has even graduated from the school.
Thom started with just a Laptop, MIDI keyboard and DJ controller and since 2006 has built his repertoire of software, hardware and experience and is making his mark on the music industry and building a reputation on the scene.
Who knows what the future could bring for Hoonboy. With his tracks going state side and his sights firmly set on the creation of his international web based record label, which we all hope will be as successful as some of Thom’s other work.
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Gasperilla win the BBC vote….next stop Wired @ SSR August 11
A band born in the SSR studios is the newest member of the success stories family. Gasperilla has made incredible strides since their first performance at the Charlie Jones Launch Night in January. Gasperilla was voted to be the opening band for last Sunday’s Unknown Pleasures at Salford Quays supporting The Gossip, The Horrors, New Young Pony Club & The Whip. Front man (and SSR student) Neal Grainey told the BBC “It’s such a great thing. We’re a Manchester band so we just wanted to get involved with the Manchester International Festival any way we could…”
Such a high profile gig for such a young band is big news indeed. On Saturday, August 11th, Gasperilla will continue their string of performances by returning to the venue that started it all for them, the Charlie Jones Live Room at SSR. This will be the launch for the new monthly concert event at SSR entitled ‘Wired’ and sponsored by Van Damme. Doors will open to the public at 8:00. For Gasperilla concert dates and tour information go to www.myspace.com/gasperilla
Neil Grainey said after the gig, “brilliant gig – best day of our lives so far. There were about 600 watching and we played a blinder, brilliant crowd. We were dead relaxed cos we knew the sound would be right – Wigwam were doing the sound so enough said. The backline didn’t show up for The Gossip so they borrowed ours and we ended up hanging out with them after the show. Apart from the shite weather it was an amazing day”.
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www.concerttrade.com
David Sherwood, graduated from the HND course in June 06 and has been taken on as Sales Director/Marketing Director of concert trade.com! The company was originally the brainchild of Paul Tandy of Concert Systems, who wanted to set up a kind of Ebay specifically aimed at musicians, technicians and organisations but free from the unscrupulous element that Ebay unfortunately sometimes attracts.
David says “The HND course at SSR really set me up with the knowledge that I needed. I’m really grateful that SSR employ tutors who work in many areas across the sound industry - live sound engineers, studio producers, post editors and technicians. You get a point of view from an industry perspective, rather then just an academic one, which is crucial for training.”
HND tutor Martin Desai said “I’d like to congratulate David on landing such a great role. Dave has not only got the technical skills needed but possesses the communication skills that are so important in business. I’m always happy to hear about students who go on after their studies here and put the skills that they developed to good use. I wish David and concerttrade.com all the best for the future.”
Visit www.concerttrade.com for more information.
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Piers at Sumners
SSR graduate Piers Edwards has landed a training position with Sumners, the prestigious post-production house in Manchester.
Sumners is the largest single site post production house outside the M25, offering the complete range of services for Broadcast Video production under one roof. Sumners are famous for their post work on programmes such as, Dragons' Den - BBC Manchester, Drop Dead Gorgeous - Hat Trick, Mastermind - BBC Manchester, Honey We're Killing The Kids - BBC Manchester I'm With Stupid - BBC Comedy, The Power of Two : Max & Paddy - Phil McIntyre Entertainment (PME), Real Story - BBC News & Current Affairs, Songs Of Praise - BBC Religion to name a few.
Piers graduated from SSR in March 06 and went onto complete a four week work placement with the BBC Manchester before securing the position at Sumners, where he has been for the last six months.
“My duties now have extended to more technical, behind the scenes jobs such as digitising tapes onto our hard drives, putting sequences onto DVD, VHS etc to be sent to clients in London and loading sequences onto our website to be viewed externally. In order to fulfill the technical requirements of such a large editing facility we have staff in the building 24 hours a day 7 days a week, which means that I have to work night shifts every 3 weeks.”
“I have regular training sessions with technical staff and editors in order to gradually learn all areas of expertise necessary for working in post production. The facility has 4 audio dubbing theatres, 40 editing suites, a colour grading suite and a graphics suite, so there are a variety of different areas to progress into.”
“It is a long process but it is definitely a rewarding one, as I’m building a fantastic career in an industry that I find fascinating.” SSR would like to congratulate Piers for his achievements so far – well done Piers!. |
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A cut above!
SSR student Lindsay Smith finished the audio engineering course in April
2006 and started at Barbershop Sound Studios in London a month later.
At Barbershop Lindsay carries out the audio post production for shows such as Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares and a lot of work for the Discovery and National Geographic channels.
Lindsay says "Because it's a relatively small Post Production facility, it was originally just myself and the owner of the company, Trevor Barber, who is the dubbing mixer there. As it was just the two of us, this allowed me to get stuck into having a go at track laying TV shows pretty much straight away. My job role is assistant sound engineer. When a show comes in, usually as a rough OMF, I will prep it, level it out and add sound effects where required. This can then be taken on to be premixed and then mixed. Track laying is a difficult discipline that comes through patience, and I feel I still have a lot to learn. Admin is also part of my role. It's been very important in learning the business side of things such as, tape stock, bookings, liaising with clients."
Lindsay has been employed there for just over a year now and feels he has learnt a lot about broadcast television post production during this time, including topics covered during his course at SSR but with a lot of new challenges too.
Lindsay also says "The Audio Visual project at SSR is a valuable taster if broadcast post production is the side of things you are interested in getting into. Ultimately, I would eventually love return to Scotland or the north of England and continue in this field of work".
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Richard Goes to the Isle of Wight Festival!
Richard Cook who completed the Audio Engineering course at SSR in March 2007 has been awarded a paid placement at Wigwam Acoustics. He started work at the hire division of Wigwam on the 15th of May.
In a few weeks he will be part of the Wigwam sound crew at the mammoth Isle of Wight Festival running from 8th to 10th June. There, he will gain invaluable experience of working with some of the biggest acts including Muse, Snow Patrol, Groove Armada, Amy Winehouse and the legendary Rolling Stones!
Richard says, “I’m really grateful for being given the chance to prove myself at Wigwam. I know that I’ll be able to put all the great skills I learnt at SSR to the test. There’s a steep learning curve, but I’m not in the slightest bit worried because I’m working and training with the best in the business.”
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Congratulations Emma Connelly!
SSR student Emma Connelly has recently been celebrating a full-time appointment at Wigwam Acoustics, one of the UK’s biggest and most respected Sound Reinforcement Companies. Emma completed her training on the Audio Engineering course at SSR in January 2006, going on to teach on the WISEAMP course to a group of aspiring women sound engineers.
Alex of Wigwam says “Emma’s Pro Tools training has stood her in good stead for work in the sound industry. We have an increasing need for Pro Tools operators in live sound and installations, and we need Emma’s skills full-time now. Emma has the right attitude and aptitude and she works well within the team and with our clients. Emma started here by offering her services on a voluntary basis. It was her shear enthusiasm and willingness to learn that impressed us. She even plays footy with the lads at dinner time! Emma will be working in the sales and installations division, offering Pro Tools training to our clients. Welcome aboard Emma”.
Bill Devon of SSR says “SSR would like to congratulate Emma on her achievement since completing her training. Her success will hopefully act as a beacon, especially for other female engineers and technicians hoping to forge a career in this exciting industry”.
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Congratulations Jordi!
SSR student Jordi Gasau has recently landed a job at Manchester's £42 million state-of-the-art international concert venue, The Bridgewater Hall (pictured).
Jordi moved from Gerona in Spain to attend a training course at SSR in November 2005. Although Jordi did originally intend to move back to Spain after training, he was offered work at the prestigious venue which he just couldn’t turn down. SSR tutor Ian Carmichael said “I’m pleased for Jordi. When he arrived just 17 months ago, I’m sure he won’t mind me saying, he had a basic grasp of the language but a real passion for sound engineering. From the start it was clear that Jordi would do well, given time. Congratulations to Jordi for not only passing his training in a foreign language, but for securing a job at such a fantastic venue!”
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Congratulations Marcus!
**UPDATE** 26th April 07 - Marcus heads out on tour this Monday with Wigwam, on the George Michael tour, we wish him all the best!
SSR student Marcus Alexander has been awarded a placement with UK sound reinforcement heavyweight, Wigwam Acoustics. Marcus recently successfully completed the Audio Engineering course this March.
Tutor Chris Power said ‘Great news for Marcus. There’s no better start in live sound than getting experience with a company such as Wigwam. From a tutor’s point of view it’s great to see the payoff for students who are as dedicated as Marcus has been. The way the industry has changed over the last few years, it needs new talent who are trained in audio, as there just isn’t the time to learn from scratch on the job anymore. Well done Marcus!’
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Turn on to Pro Tools!
SSR student Gemma Thorn recently landed a job at 'Hummingbird Sound' in Manchester. Gemma attended a course at SSR which finished in December and has gone on to become a freelance Post-Production editor.
Gemma (pictured editing sound for independant TV production company 'Turn-on TV') has carried out work in the field of location sound recording as well as audio post-production. Gemma said "It's great to see your name on the credits of a TV programme. The training at SSR has given me the background skills to work as a sound engineer and editor. I didn't think I would find work so quickly but there is work out there for anyone who is dedicated and especially for those who have Pro Tools skills". Gemma is currently working on a TV documentary for Hummingbird Sound, based in Chorlton, Manchester.
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