Tai Poutini Polytechnic Media Release
20 January 2015
Music school’s new home open to the public this weekend
Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Foundation Sound and Music programme has found a new home at the Regent Greymouth complex.
Tutor Dean Thomas says the move to the West Coast’s top theatre complex is a great one for the programme and marks the
start of a strong collaboration with the Regent Greymouth.
“The students will get so much more time to practice performance in a live environment. They’ll have the opportunity to
be roadies for shows coming through town and be that much closer to the action.”
Dean says the Certificate in Foundation Sound and Music has been looking for a permanent home since starting in 2013.
Finding a shared space in the Regent Complex, alongside the Youth Music Development Trust, was the best outcome
possible.
“The Regent will become something of a hub for local music. It means everyone can work together to bring more music
events and activities to the West Coast.”
Regent Greymouth Manager Patrick McBride says it is exciting to have the TPP team join the complex.
“Music has been a huge part of the theatre over the years and to have such a high quality programme at our doorstep is
outstanding. With some of the quality shows we have lined up this year I’m sure the students will have an opportunity to
see and learn first-hand what it is like in a real time environment.”
The Certificate in Foundation Sound and Music is not just for singers and musicians – in fact many students will have
never picked up an instrument before they enrol. It offers students a useful introduction to different aspects of the
music industry – particularly live sound, audio engineering and music performance – and is designed to help them decide
on an area of speciality, whether that be performance, radio, recording or work as a roadie. The Certificate in
Foundation Sound and Music is fees free for students under 25, under the Government's Foundation Education scheme.
OPEN DAY THIS WEEKEND
Enrolments for the TPP Foundation Sound and Music programme are still open. Come along this weekend and check out the
new venue at an open day on Saturday (24 January 2015) from 2pm – 5pm. Everyone is welcome and you’ll have the chance to
view the set-up, talk to tutors and past students and jam on band equipment.
Regent Greymouth
Saturday 24 January 2015, 2pm – 5pm. All welcome.