Murray State has several undiscovered gems tucked among its buildings and halls, and unless you are a Music major, the MSU Recording Studio, located on the second floor of the Fine Arts building, might be one of them.
The studio boasts great sonic isolation due to the double block walls, which keep the drum kit, which is in the next room, from spilling out into the vocal booth. The stereo limiting amplifier also contributes to the high quality sound. According to Department of Music professor Justin Patton, who manages the studio, “It’s difficult to characterize, but some pieces of gear seem to make any source you run through them sound more pleasing to the ear. This particular microphone amplifier does it better than anything else I’ve used.”
The Recording Studio is mainly used by Music Business students, and particularly those with a minor in Recording Techniques. While there aren’t any particular rules for use of the studio, the students who are given access are limited. Twenty-one students currently have access to the studio, and that number is expected to double soon, so the studio books up quickly. The four classes that keep the students working in the studio are the Recording Techniques courses (MUS 337, 338, 339, and 340). Student ensembles, like MSU jazz band and EQ Blu, are also able to use the Recording Studio.
While mainly for students, the Recording Studio does have a couple of claims to fame. The Jason McKinney Band, which recently made the top 10 on the Roots Music Report’s Roots Rock Album chart, recorded their 2019 album in Murray State’s studio. The studio also has a connection to Grammy Award-winning country singer/songwriter Tanya Tucker. “Legend has it that Tanya Tucker was connected to her current guitarist after her previous guitarist heard a sample of the new guy’s work, all of which (the recording, playing, and discovering) happened within the confines of our humble little studio,” Patton says.
For anyone interested in the classes or clubs associated with the Recording Studio, or to learn more about the Department of Music in general, visit the website at murraystate.edu/music or contact Justin Patton at jpatton@murraystate.edu.
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