Franklin Pierce University Receives Grant for Recording Studio Upgrades
Oct 1, 2024
New Upgrades to Recording Facilities Will Strengthen Student Learning and Collaboration Opportunities
Franklin Pierce University has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Putnam Foundation, a donor-advised fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, to upgrade its recording studio facilities. This funding supports the University’s commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences through enhanced audio production tools.
The University’s recording facilities include two key spaces: the Recording Studio, a 16-channel environment utilizing industry-standard Pro Tools software, and the Computer Music Studio, which focuses on post-production and electronic music creation. These facilities are central to Franklin Pierce’s music program and are available to all students for both academic projects and extracurricular work.
The planned upgrades include a new Allen and Heath recording console, Mackie mixers, Rode microphones, and additional equipment. These improvements will create a modern, dynamic learning environment for students.
"On behalf of Franklin Pierce University, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Putnam Foundation for this meaningful grant,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences Jed Donelan, Ph.D. “This support helps us strengthen our academic programs and continue providing high-quality, experiential learning opportunities to our students. Investments like these not only benefit them but also enhance the broader community by fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation.”
The upgraded studio will give students access to state-of-the-art equipment, allowing them to gain valuable, real-world experience in recording, mixing, and producing music.
“When I mentioned to our music students that we had received a grant to upgrade our studios, their eyes lit up and they wanted to know when it would arrive so they could start making music with it,” said Professor of Music Lou Bunk, Ph.D. “Our student musicians will benefit tremendously from these essential updates. We are incredibly grateful for this much-needed investment, and I can’t wait to see what new music our students will create.”
These improvements will significantly benefit students by offering them advanced tools to work on more complex projects, from live recording sessions to mastering their own compositions. This hands-on experience is crucial for preparing students for careers in music, audio engineering, and related fields.
The new equipment will also foster collaboration, enabling students to work together in a professional studio environment. Whether pursuing music as a major, minor, or simply as a personal interest, students will gain practical skills essential in today’s competitive music and media industries.
By modernizing the studio, Franklin Pierce ensures that students are learning with the latest industry standards, equipping them with the confidence and skills they need as they transition into the workforce.
ABOUT THE NEW HAMPSHIRE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is New Hampshire’s statewide community foundation,
founded in 1962 by and for the people of New Hampshire. We are the place where generosity
meets the dedication and ingenuity of nonprofits and the potential of New Hampshire
students. For six decades, thousands of people have entrusted their charitable resources
to the Foundation, creating a perpetual source of philanthropic capital and making
it possible for the Foundation to award more than $60 million in grants and scholarships
every year. For more information, please visit www.nhcf.org or call 603-225-6641.
