Collarts acquires Mercer School of Interior Design and launches two new higher education courses in Content Creation and Music Production

WATCH/EMBED THE COLLARTS MUSIC PRODUCTION VIDEO

 
Tommy Rando – Head of Music Production – Bachelor of Arts
Australian singer/guitarist Tommy Rando kicked started his career at the age of 19 when he was awarded a scholarship grant to the National Guitar Summer Workshop held in Connecticut, New York. There he studied with Jazz/Blues legends including John Scofield, Lenny Stern and Ernie Jackson, which led to a US tour for BMI and meeting industry greats Seymour Stein the president of Sire Records (Warner Music) Seymour Stein and John Reid (manager for Elton John & Queen) who took a young Rando under their wings.

Tommy works out of his own space Rooftop Recording Studios in St Kilda where he has written songs for Australian artists, including Vanessa Amorosi, Anthony Callea, Taxi Ride and Lee Harding including the 6-week #1 ARIA chart hit ‘Wasabi’.  Adding to his list of achievements Tommy has also toured internationally and nationally with St Vincent, Paulo Nutini, Mark Ronson, Spearhead, Diesel, 1927, and Tommy Emmanuel just to name a few. Tommy continues to write music for artists and his songs can be heard regularly on film and television from Neighbours to adverts for Anaconda and Spotlight.
 
Tommy now looks forward to delivering a world-class Music Production Bachelor of Arts degree at Collarts giving students who are self-producers DJ’s, EDM Producers, Songwriters, Composers, Performers, Engineers or Sound Designers a comprehensive, theoretical knowledge to Music Production. The course will focus on songwriting and creative Entrepreneurship teaching practical skills in software applications; Ableton, Logic X, Pro-tools and Native Instruments to name a few. The hybrid course will give performers the skill set to perform live with technology with an understanding of artistic direction and chances to collaborate in ensemble performances, and the mentorship programs will give the students the knowledge and focus of networking and career opportunities with industry professionals.
 
“I’m excited and passionate to be a part of a new degree that just feels right, in all areas of training, that will give students the creative processes and technological path-ways of making music at the highest level. Our team of expert industry staff provide their experiences and create a supportive, engaging and innovative learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities.” – Tommy Rando.
 

Patrick Price – Head of Content Creation – Diploma of Arts
Having worked in the creative industries for many years, Patrick has held roles within creative direction and design, production and publishing. Patrick has produced and curated runway shows for VAMFF and MSFW, worked on concept development, branding and digital design for Adairs, MYOB, CityBlis, Fuji Xerox, Melbourne Racing Club and Yahoo. 
 
As a cross-platform creative Patrick was the Editor-In-Chief for FJORDE Fashion, Art, Music and Culture magazine for 5 years, supporting and mentoring individuals and groups to help expand creative abilities and reach a greater audience. Finishing up at FJORDE Patrick is now the creative director and editor for his own publication HEARD Magazine which is set to launch in May/June 2017 with a focus on life, fashion, music, food, and travel stories.
 
With Patrick’s wealth of knowledge and experience in the digital age along with his understanding of marketing and communication strategy, the Diploma of Arts in Content Creation will offer students with an interest in fashion, music, food, or lifestyle industries an in-studio experience with real clients. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of digital marketing and project management by creating professional and quality content in a variety of mediums including video, photography, and editing of digital content creation. The course is also designed to help develop skills in distribution, and best practice in the ever-evolving digital media landscape, using sketch, storyboards, and digital programs.
 
Patrick believes education is more than providing an environment to learn, but rather creating an environment that is shaped and defined by those in it. He believes that for any person or group to be successful it is about the development of the person as well as the education they receive, and he looks forward to establishing the new course at Collarts with this philosophy.
 
“What I’m most looking forward to about being the new Department Head for Content Creation is helping new generations of creatives find their style and place within the digital media spectrum.” – Patrick Price