UoS Tonmeister Scholarship: Supporting The Future of Sound Engineering

THE FIRST OF ITS KIND Tonmeister history

1966 was a time of change at Surrey. Battersea Polytechnic was transforming into the University of Surrey, and the Music Department first proposed the Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) course. Having recognised the increasing demand for experts in sound recording, the Department suggested the necessity of a creative and scientific study of sound. It was a completely unique approach, and initially very controversial. After negotiations with the Vice-Chancellor and Physics Department, and disagreements on the ratio of music to science, the Tonmeister course was created in collaboration with the Acoustics Group of Surrey’s Physics Department.

The Tonmeister course was the first of its kind and in 1970, welcomed its first intake of less than ten students. With Professor John Borwick as a senior lecturer, the group quickly developed a pioneering community spirit, which was essential, particularly with the logistical challenges of the programme. The first studio on campus was a converted boiler room underneath University Hall, known as Hall Undercroft. Dave Fisher, Emeritus Professor of Sound Recording, remembers a number of challenges with the location; a flight of steep wooden stairs to carry equipment down, damp conditions and background noise from classes held above and the ladies’ toilet to the side of the studio. Nonetheless, the equipment was well maintained, including the first Neve Studio Console, an 8014, and the course was off to a flying start.

The Tonmeister programme soon developed a reputation for excellence, and by 1980, the course was receiving around 80 eligible applications for just eight places on the course.

Students and staff carrying the Neve console

Tonmeister display at UCAS fair

Tonmeister success

THE GOLD STANDARD

To this day, the Tonmeister course is still one of the most oversubscribed at Surrey, with up to 28 applications for each place. There are a number of reasons why the course remains in such high demand:

Equipment: Students have access to some of the best facilities in the industry, including:

A classical recording studio large enough for an orchestra and choir

A pop music recording studio with 80sqm floor

A post production studio for mixing audio recorded elsewhere, housing an AMS-Neve 88D console with automation

Five acoustically-treated edit rooms equipped with Pyramix, Pro Tools and Logic Pro

Recording consoles by DDA, Neve, Soundcraft and Yamaha for on location work

A listening room built to meet ITU-R BS 1116 (the highest critical listening room standard)

A 72-loudspeaker sphere, used to create highly controlled soundfields.

Employability: Despite the increasing difficulties in creative industries, over the last 10 years, 88% of students have been employed in the audio and music industry within six months of graduation. Seven out of twelve recording engineers at Abbey Road Studios are Tonmeister graduates, as well as six of the engineers at AIR studios.

The Duke of Kent in the studio

George Martin in the studio

THE GOLD STANDARD Tonmeister success

Excellence in teaching: The Tonmeister course has been led by academics with strong backgrounds in research and industry. Dr Russell Mason, a Tonmeister alumnus and expert in psychoacoustic audio, is currently running the course. Russell brings a wealth of knowledge from collaborations with Nokia, Harman, and the BBC.

Award-winning reputation: Since 2000, Tonmeister graduates have collectively received two Academy Awards (Oscars), ten GRAMMY’s, five Emmys and six BAFTAs, alongside other industry awards.

Student experience: The Tonmeister course received 100% satisfaction in 2024.

Industry Connections: The Placement Year scheme has delivered valuable industry experience for students for over 45 years. The Tonmeister course has partnered with over 30 leading UK industry companies and students have completed placements with Sky Arts, BBC Radio and Dolby. For over a quarter of students, the placement year leads to a full time employment offer once they’ve finished their course.

A unique strength of the Tonmeister Course is the way in which it combines so many essential elements. These include an academic study of music and of the science and engineering relevant to Sound Recording; practical recording experience to professional standards in each year of the course; and a full year of professional work with some of the world’s leading recording studios, broadcasters, or electronic and software design companies. This gives its graduates a unique blend of skills that prepares them for many different roles in the music industry.

Dave Fisher, Emeritus Professor of Sound Recording

Studio 2 control room

Challenges for today’s students

THE NEXT GENERATION OF TONMEISTERS

We’re proud of the history of the Tonmeister course and look forward to seeing our future Tonmeisters continue to develop the community and make exciting contributions to the music industry.

But now is a more difficult time to be a student than ever.

With the cost-of-living crisis, the average student monthly living costs increased by 17% between 2022-2023, but maintenance loans have not increased in line with inflation. The anxiety of financial difficulties is taking a toll on our students. A 2023 survey of Russell Group students revealed that 94% had concerns about living costs, while one in four were regularly going without food and other necessities due to financial hardship.

It is clear that without additional financial support, talented young people will miss out on the opportunity to receive a first-class education. We could be losing gifted and innovative musicians, technicians and sound engineers due to their low economic background.

We are determined to change this by establishing a new scholarship that supports potential Tonmeisters from a disadvantaged background.

We know that the Tonmeister course is one of a kind and requires the best and brightest students. But they need your help. By donating to scholarships you can help a student unlock their potential and gain the confidence to transform sound.

Hollie Baker, Deputy Head Student Experience (Widening Participation)

How scholarships make a difference

We know scholarships can change lives, and want to share the story of international student Irene who has been thriving during her Tonmeister course thanks to a scholarship.

“The variety of content covered in the Tonmeister course was the main reason I decided to do the degree. The materials taught vary from physics and programming to music and broadcasting, aligned with my personal interests and professional aspirations. Thanks to the content of the course, the quality of the facilities and equipment available, I believe I will be able to create an impressive portfolio, and gain extensive knowledge on a variety of topics related to audio and music.

As the course progresses, I’m looking forward to making use of the recording studios and experiencing what it is to be a sound engineer. I can’t wait to have full creative control of my projects while using high quality studios, microphones and other equipment.

To accomplish big dreams in a foreign country requires access to big resources.

In my case, studying the Tonmeister degree is one of those big dreams I would have struggled to complete without support. Being awarded a scholarship has allowed me to reduce my responsibilities, being able to have more time to focus on my degree. I’ll be forever grateful to have been given the chance to get a step closer to my aspirations and dreams.”

For some, scholarships are the only way to realistically pursue further education. Receiving financial help can be the determining factor when deciding to come to university. I think it’s important to keep providing support. Everyone deserves the opportunity to continue learning.

Irene,

scholarship recipient

Support future Tonmeisters

We know the power of scholarships and that more needs to be done to support future Tonmeisters. With your help, here’s what can be achieved:

£16,000 £4,000 £1,000

A full scholarship to support a talented student throughout their studies and Placement Year.

A year’s funding to support a student during their Placement Year, so they can focus on gaining experience, not financial stress.

Funding to help a student deal with rising living costs during their first term.