about us
A little background history
Founded in 1994, The Academy started life in a fairly small and humble setting. Offering private instrument lessons and Music Technology courses above a music shop in Torquay. Fast forward to now and the Academy has the only national network of music centre`s offering specialist, instrument specific courses in the country.
"Bringing world class music education to our students doorstep was always our ambition and it continues to be so" - says Academy co-founder Shaun Baxter.
What AMS can offer you
You and your instrument
We focus our curriculum on each students chosen instrument. You are taught in instrument groups and in specialist classrooms that maximise your time learning your instrument. This is far more productive, progressive and relevant for today's aspiring music professional.
Industry folk
The Academy has it's roots firmly based within the Music Industry. Our centre management teams have vast experience of the business and give enormous real-world guidance and support.
The art of teaching
You will learn from 'musicians who teach' and not just music teachers, there is a big difference! We draw from a proven network of musicians and are very careful to place the right teachers in front of our students: Teachers who have the technical excellence to inspire; teachers who have the varied and valuable musical experiences to share; teachers who have the academic and communication skills to deliver our curriculum.
Be inspired, be very inspired
Using our industry contacts, the Academy runs an un-paralleled activities programme, which gives our students termly access to some of the best artists, producers, agents and managers in the country and the world. Many started out just like YOU!
To the future
Our job at the Academy is simple. To give our students access to all the tools they need to make their ambitions a reality.
Your job is to realise this opportunity! Commitment and enthusiasm to learn and practise is all we ask. The future will then take care of itself!
Your journey is our Journey
It's clear that if you are reading this, you have in some way been bitten by the musical bug!
We know what it's like to carry the dreams and ambitions you have now. You love music more than anything and have the desire to listen and to be involved in learning to play an instrument. Yet, you're possibly not sure how to make your dreams and ambitions a reality. We have been there ourselves! We have all started by playing along to our favourite songs, finding friends who want to chase the dream, getting into bands, playing small gigs and so on.
The “next step” can be a big one. Impossible for some, but achievable for many others. You will start to want to gain a better understanding of what you are playing, you may get frustrated with your playing and those around you, crashing into musical brick walls! All very common problems for aspiring musicians. So how do you go about dealing with these issues?
The Academy and the way we teach has been shaped by musicians who know what is needed. What a modern musician has to understand to thrive in this amazing but constantly changing industry.
The Academy will show you that learning to play your instrument doesn't mean you have to leave your creativity, passion or joy for your music at the classroom door. In fact, we will positively encourage you to turn up with it. Combine this with all the new styles, techniques and technology that we will offer to you throughout your time with us and you won't want to go home.
Your future
Our job at the Academy is simple. To give you the information and tools you need to make your dreams a reality. Your job is to realise the opportunity you have! To show commitment and enthusiasm to learn and practise is all we ask. The future will then take care of itself. What's more, it`s on your doorstep.
Good luck, have fun and work hard!