NEW music equipment had meant a Hereford college can widening its university level provision.

Herefordshire and Ludlow College is introducing a new Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Music Production in September.

The Level 4 course has been formulated after redevelopment of the main recording studio at the college which now includes a Solid State Logic mixing desk.

Being the only one of its type in a further education college in the UK, it offers unparalleled sonic quality, functionality and a focused level of preparation for employment in the music industry.

Level 3 Music Technology student Brandon Knight, who will progress on to the HNC in September, has been recording in the studio with his band, The Archivists.

He said: "This facility has opened a whole new realm of possibilities for us. We would never be able to gain access to this level of equipment without the college."

It is the latest addition in a range of investments across the college’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths provision.

Course tutor, Dan Armstrong, said: "We are thrilled we can offer this standard of equipment to facilitate university level qualifications in our department.

"It is really exciting because students will be able to gain the very latest skills in music production without the additional costs of studying at degree level and moving away from home.

"This is a much more affordable option for learners especially as many universities will allow HND students to ‘top up’ to a full degree. It is an amazing opportunity."