Knopfler opens students' studios

Knopfler received an honorary doctorate in Newcastle

Former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler is visiting Newcastle University to open its new recording and practice facilities.

More than £500,000 has been invested in four new recording studios and practice rooms.

Mr Knopfler, originally from the North East, became an honorary Doctor of Music at Newcastle University in 1993.

He said: "Students are being given a chance to combine their talent and creativity as performers with a sound knowledge of production and recording technology involved in the music industry.

'Demanding industry'

"It's fantastic to see this very tangible demonstration of the university's commitment to ensuring its students have a head start in one of the fastest-moving and most demanding industries in the world."

A derelict store room and an old, disused laboratory were converted to house the new facilities at the university's department of music..

Newcastle University is one of only a few British institutions running a course in pop music studies.

It also trains classical musicians and boasts the only degree course in England to study folk and traditional music.

Head of the department of music Professor Richard Middleton said: "These new facilities will really help us to put Newcastle University on the map in terms of developing an environment in which all kinds of music are valued equally."