Pulse College are delighted to be turning 21 this year and to mark this significant milestone we are set to have an action packed year of exciting events ahead. To start the celebrations we have launched a unique range of short courses, we have developed a new open day format and with the success of the last Windmill Lane Seminar Series we aim to host these events on an ongoing basis. We talk to founder and director Tony Perrey to find out more about the beginnings of Pulse College and how it has become the leading creative media college expanding it’s course range to Video Game Design and Film.
1. Tell us a bit about your background.
I started off in a band when I was 17, and then landed a job in a music shop. Luckily, they were the guys who distributed products like Akai samplers, MIDI synths and drum machines. I fell in love with music technology and learnt a lot by demonstrating the products. From there, I set up Pulse with Aidan Alcock and another friend, Rob.
2. How did you start you musical career?
Well, after singing in a band at 17, I then learnt how to play keyboards in the music shop. From there I started gigging as a keyboard player over the next few years with a number of bands.
3. How did you become an audio professional?
Unfortunately, there were no courses available back when I was starting! I learnt mostly “on the job”, but had some great mentors over the years. I was also very lucky to have been trained by specialists from different manufacturers of pro audio products. These would include Akai, Avid, Apple and Meyer.
4. Where did the idea of setting up Pulse come from?
Well, we set up Pulse initially as a recording/production facility. However, we had been teaching courses in music technology previous to this and we realized that there was a demand for courses that would include both sound engineering and music technology. So almost from the beginning we were both a college and a commercial studio.
5. Can you tell us about the early years of Pulse?
We started with a small mixing console, an 8 - track analogue tape machine and an Atari computer running a very early version of Cubase. Initially, we started in my parent’s house in Drumcondra, doing music for ads and other small productions. After a few months, we rented a couple of small rooms in a building on Harrington St. This was around 1991 I believe (God, I feel old….). At that point, we developed a number of part time sound engineering courses, which became very popular. Over the next few years, our client list grew, as did our student numbers. We made the move to Pleasants Place around 1994 - 95 and concentrated on improving and developing both our courses and the studios.
6. 21 years teaching and working in music production. What has been your career highlight?
There have been quite a few moments, I suppose. From a teaching point of view, it’s an amazing feeling when someone plays you a recording that they have done, and it sounds amazing. I can’t wait to play it for the others! Also, when an ex – student comes in to do a commercial session, and they sit behind the console and confidently get to work. It’s great to remember back to when they started, and then to see this professional working at such a high level. Sometimes a past pupil will pop in for a cuppa and a chat and talk about what they’re doing, who they’re working with and may thank you for helping them get started. That really is a great feeling!
As to the commercial recording, it’s always a buzz when a big artist books in for a session. We’ve been lucky to have had some of the biggest artists in the world coming in to record with us. The acquisition of Windmill Lane Studios has been one of the very big highlights as well. It has such an incredible pedigree, and has played a major role in the Irish music scene over the last few decades. I still get goosebumps when I sit behind the Neve console in Studio 1!
7. 21 years as leaders of creative media education. What is your vision for the future of Pulse College?
We intend to develop the college into a full multimedia centre. Creative multimedia areas such as gaming, animation, graphics and film are really taking off in Ireland. We are developing exciting new courses and establishing strong industry links to make sure our students get the best training possible to take advantage of these growing industries.
8. Any advice for graduating students?
Your skills and knowledge are your biggest assets. Nurture and develop them constantly as you never stop learning in this field. Most people are nervous about taking on their first big project, and this is normal. Trust your training, and prepare. We are here to help, and are a resource for students, even after they have graduated.
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