By Mr Kevin Knapp, Music Teacher

In the ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, music education is transforming. Therefore, embracing technology and empowering students to become innovative musicians has become a goal for educators worldwide.

Here at Radford, senior music has taken this mission to heart, culminating in a project showcasing their talents and newfound skills.

The senior music class recently undertook the ambitious task of recording Harry Styles' hit, As It Was, in the College's newly established recording studio: listen here. Armed with an array of professional-grade recording equipment, these aspiring musicians set out to demonstrate their proficiency in multiple domains – from rehearsing and arranging as a group to mastering the fundamentals of recording using the College's equipment.

Recording the song posed a unique challenge as the class consisted of a mix of talented musicians proficient in a wide range of instruments. Coordinating such a diverse ensemble was no easy feat, but the students proved their mettle by embracing teamwork and collaboration. Their dedication to their craft and willingness to learn from one another resulted in musical cohesion that transcended individual talents.

The process of recording As It Was was an opportunity for the students to experience the real-world intricacies of a recording session. With the guidance of audio/visual wizard, Mr David Burcher, the students delved into the complexities of audio recording, exploring microphone techniques, signal processing, and mixing. Mr Burcher's expertise and patient guidance were invaluable in ensuring the best possible outcome for this project.

This immersive experience allowed the students to not only appreciate the art of recording but also to comprehend the technical intricacies involved in producing a professional-quality track. Their hands-on exposure to the recording process will undoubtedly serve them as a stepping stone for future endeavours, whether in music production or live performances.

What truly sets this project apart is its emphasis on cultivating innovative musicians for the 21st century. By creating an environment in which students can learn, experiment and grow together, the senior music class demonstrated the importance of collaboration and adaptability in today's music industry.

The recorded rendition of As It Was is testament to the students' collective passion and musicality.

Listen to their other recordings on SoundCloud here.