Using the latest audio production technology and teaching software products that are acknowledged standards has been central to Noroff’s ethos. Steinberg products form the backbone of Noroff’s teaching platform. With a strong focus on audio creation and production to and for film, Noroff runs 135 Nuendo and HALion licenses, with over 60 WaveLab licenses providing audio editing and mastering functionality for new generations of Norwegian audio and post production professionals.
 
But why did Noroff settle on Steinberg products? Noroff’s Bjarte Ludvigsen explains: “Steinberg’s products have from day one been a natural choice for our operations. We saw early on that Steinberg had a focus on education and that made our choice easy with thought to a supplier of sound software.”
 
Ludvigsen also sheds some light on the history of Noroff as a teaching institution. “We’ve grown over the years to be able to offer courses at facilities in Bergen, Fredrikstad, Kristiansand, Oslo, Porsgrunn and Stavanger. We began in 1987 and initially started with courses and consultant work within business-related subjects for private and public sectors.” Noroff soon realized, however, that the advances in audio technology and the burgeoning market of software tools meant a huge demand for first-class training and education for students requiring technical and artistic skills to move into media industries. “During the 90’s, the curriculum changed more towards IT as the market increasingly made use of computer-based equipment,” relates Ludvigsen. “In 1998, Noroff started up its first 3-year study program and became increasingly oriented towards school operations. That same year, contact between Noroff and Steinberg commenced. The fact that Steinberg is also a first choice for a large part of the business industry makes our students both well-motivated and adequately equipped to meet a growing market within sound production.”
 
Noroff staff now includes professional audio engineers, producers, composers, studio builders, musicians and foley engineers, providing both the theoretical knowledge as well as the practical skills needed in today’s fast-paced music, film and software industries. Through its cooperation with universities in Australia and England, Noroff also offers Norwegian students the opportunity to study to Batchelor of Arts (BA) or Master of Arts (MA) level.
 
Ludvigsen is already looking ahead to next year, with Noroff completing plans for an additional component for the BA course that will further expand the lessons and content on offer. “From autumn 2008 the students will then be able to do two thirds of their bachelor degree in Norway. The focus will be on composing, studio engineering, surround mixing and mastering. As with the first course, it will revolve around Steinberg software and their capabilities.”
 
Find out more about Noroff:
  www.noroff.no