Generator's Business of Songwriting with Dan Donnelly
The UK’s Leading music development agency Generator, continues their series. Wednesday 23rd September 6.00pm The Core, Science Central, Newcastle.
Next up in Generator’s series ‘The Business of…’ we focus on Songwriting and the business behind it. Joining us to offer practical advice and first-hand experiences are songwriter manager, Will Frank (SBW Music) who represents Ivor Novello and Grammy winning songwriter Cathy Dennis among others and Rebecca Jones known for her collaborations with Groove Armada and her own work as Saint Saviour. Chairing the Generator discussion and asking the all important questions is singer-songwriter Dan Donnelly, who also heads up our Gateshead centre. Dan is also a member of The Wonder Stuff.
Generator’s ‘The Business of… Music Production’ Highlights
Last night we took an enlightening look at the world of Music Production. Joining us for a thoroughly engaging discussion were producers Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Anna Calvi, Bat for Lashes), Matthew Johnson (Hookworms, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Joanna Gruesome) and Andrew Archer (Trafik).
With a mixture of anecdotes and informative information, the trio, whose experience of the industry varied and covered all levels and many genres, helped attendees grasp the role of a modern producer and how to earn income from the craft.
Here’s some golden nuggets that came out of the Generator discussion:
- Remember you’re working for the band on their record, offer advice and guidance but don’t impose your ideas.
- There’s more to the role than purely the creative skills, to be efficient you need to learn about project management. You also need people skills and on occasion, be a mediator during band squabbles.
- As a producer, if you play on a recording or are named as ‘eligible studio producer’, make sure you register with PPL to generate revenue from airplay and public performances of the record. Forms can be found on the PPL website
- Remixing is becoming an increasingly valuable revenue stream and can generate leads for future work and creative collaborations.
- It shouldn’t be all about making money, remember why you got into music and do it because you have a passion for it.
With Love From Liverpool, Syria Refugee Fundraiser
Saturday the 19th September at the Echo Arena in Liverpool
With Love from Liverpool, a massive fundraising concert hosted by award-winning British comic, John Bishop, is to be held at Echo Arena on Saturday 19 September, 2015.
Leaders, musicians and businesses alike from across the city have rallied together to host this one-off concert in an urgent bid to support the desperate plight of thousands of refugee families fleeing from war. All profits will be donated to British Red Cross.
The incredible line-up includes The Farm, OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), John Power, Mic Lowry, The Christians and members of CAST, Space, The Icicle Works and Sense of Sound. Further artists are to be confirmed in the coming days.
John Bishop, the much-loved Liverpool comedian, will be hosting the concert alongside legendary BBC Radio 2 broadcaster, Janice Long.
Janice Long said:
“I’ve been blown away by my hometown’s reaction to this crisis. People across Liverpool have shown that they really care in hundreds of different ways, and they’ve come together to do what they can to ease this terrible situation. It’s great to see the music industry coming out in force to do what they do best; put on a great show and raise as much money as we can. It’s great to see so many brilliant bands adding their names to what is an incredible line-up of talent.
“I can’t wait to stand on the stage, looking out at an arena full of generous people who really care about what is going in the world and who will have a great time raising money for this important cause. We need as many people as possible to buy tickets – I know it’s going to be a night to remember!”
Peter Hooton, lead singer of The Farm, said:
“When we were approached to perform at the concert, we immediately said ‘yes’ – it was a no-brainer, no matter how short the notice was. We’ve all been moved by what is a humanitarian crisis and we’ve all got a role to play in supporting those in need. I just know Liverpool and its people will come out in force to support this concert – it’s what we do, it’s who we are.”
Liverpool set the example for the rest of the country just last week when Mayor Joe Anderson made national news by becoming the first UK Mayor to actively offer to house refugees in the city.
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said:
“Liverpool’s response to last week’s horrifying revelations surrounding the ongoing refugee crisis has been nothing short of overwhelming. When it comes to reaching out and offering solidarity to the families whose homes have been ripped away from them, Liverpool is leading the way. Now, Liverpool is stepping up to the plate once more with the ‘With Love From Liverpool’ concert. We’re using our reputation for world-class music to now help save lives across the globe.”
All proceeds from the ‘With Love From Liverpool’ concert will be made to British Red Cross, who are carrying out crucial work across the continent. Their activities include giving food, water and medical aid to refugees arriving in the continent and ensuring that families stay together throughout the long and gruelling journey. They are also working with search and rescue teams in Italy, saving families from drowning during the perilous crossing.
Tina Robinson, senior community fundraiser for Merseyside, said:
“The surge in awareness and support over the past week has been astounding, and I’m grateful that so many people have finally realised the extent of the grave situation. These people aren’t coming to Europe for a ‘better life’, but simply to stay alive. They are refugees, fleeing from war.
The work that we’re carrying out is varied and addresses a number of critical issues. In addition to providing on-the-spot immediate aid, we’re also guiding refugees through the asylum process, making sure that families stay together and that children don’t get separated from their parents during the chaotic journey across the continent.”
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult
Line up subject to change
To find out more visit the website.
We look forward to our first Scotland Graduation next week!
Student’s from our Scotland Centre’s to Graduate next week!
The very first AMS Scotland graduation will take place. Students from our Edinburgh and Glasgow centres will graduate with their respective degrees. We are very proud. We have selected graduates for our first ever awards and they will be handed out at graduation next week!
This year we have:
· 81 students graduating from the BA (Hons)Performance Industries
· 37 students graduating from the Fd in Performance
· 10 students graduating from the Fd in Creative Music Production
This is a very exciting time and we all look forward to seeing our students receive their qualifications and awards! Watch this space for photo’s from the event.
The latest from Edinburgh:
“September is on the horizon, and we’re still very much open for applications for the new academic year. Edinburgh is one of our 2 AMS centres in Scotland, and could prove to be an excellent choice if you’re looking for an exciting, buzzing city to take your musical study to the next level. From free short courses which we change and mix up each semester, to our hugely popular HNC/HND in Music and our BA Hons in Music and Sound, AMS Edinburgh have a great range of courses for you to sink your musical teeth into.”
Academy Of Music And Sound Swindon Results August 2015
Fantastic Results From The Academy Of Music And Sound Swindon!
Academy of Music and Sound Swindon – Results day. Congratulations to all our 1st and 2nd year BTEC Students who have all passed their qualifications! And a big good luck to the second years in all that you do and welcome back to the first years who will be starting year 2 in September.
From all staff and tutors at Academy of Music & Sound Swindon. See below the fantastic results, well done everyone!
BTEC LEVEL 3 90 Credit Diploma in Music
39 out of 42 passed = 93% success rate (11% higher than national benchmark) 3 students left before end of course and of the 39 left all 39 passed = 100%
Of which three students received the Double Award D* D* – Esme Marks, Danielle Wilkinson and Josh Wolfsohn
“Distinction* Distinction* in my first year, thank you Academy of Music and Sound Swindon for all your support” – Esme Marks
“Well I passed my first year of college with a double grade distinction merit. All the hard work paid off. That’s not too shabby for me! Roll on next year!! Thank you AMS” – Shannon Traynor
“Very happy to say that I got the double grade Merit and Pass for my first year of college all my hard work paid off, so so happy and I can’t wait for my second year of college I love Academy of Music and Sound Swindon, thank you for everything!” – Maddie Luckes
BTEC LEVEL 3 180 Credit Extended Diploma in Music
22 out of 22 passed = 100% success rate (18% higher than national benchmark)
Of which three students received extremely good grades: Triple Award D* D* D* Bethany Humphries, D D* D* Charlotte Iles who is joining us in October to studying for her Degree and D D* D* Abbie Sandy.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to Ams Swindon for helping me achieve D*D*D in my BTEC. This college has absolutely changed my life, and without them I wouldn’t have the amazing friends I have today. So here’s to the next three years with you guys, if you can put up with me for that long” – Charlotte Iles
Academy of Music and Sound Swindon closed in 2018. You can find out more about our other centres here.
HNC Edinburgh: Keyboards for all students from this August!
We are now proud to offer HNC Keyboards to our list of specialisms.
The Academy of Music and Sound in Edinburgh are specialists in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and Singer Songwriter tuition. We have been working in Edinburgh for the past 10 years delivering world class music education and training. We are now proud to add Keyboards to our list of specialisms, including for HNC Edinburgh students. We are pleased to add a very limited number of places on our HNC Edinburgh course in Keyboards starting in August this year.
As a Keyboard player at The Academy of Music and Sound, you will receive instrument specific lessons on our Yamaha stage pianos, you will also get the opportunity to perform live regularly. In addition to work on your instrument, you will also receive instruction on Songwriting, Composition, Music Business and Professional Practice, and Music Theory.
To apply for one of these coveted spaces, you need to arrange an audition at The Academy of Music and Sound so book your slot:
“September is on the horizon, and we’re still very much open for applications for the new academic year. Edinburgh is one of our 2 AMS centres in Scotland, and could prove to be an excellent choice if you’re looking for an exciting, buzzing city to take your musical study to the next level. From free short courses which we change and mix up each semester, to our hugely popular HNC/HND in Music and our BA Hons in Music and Sound, AMS Edinburgh have a great range of courses for you to sink your musical teeth into.”
AMS Glasgow prepare applicants for the new semester
Glasgow Centre one week selection event to support and prepare applicants for interview’s with employer’s.
Pre-Apprenticeship/Selection Event Overview
Purpose
AMS Glasgow (in partnership with Fife College) have introduced a new selection process for their creative industries modern apprenticeship in music business.
Anyone interested in applying for one of 58 music business apprenticeships across Glasgow and Edinburgh (starting August 2015) will be required to attend a one week selection event which has been designed to support and prepare applicants for an interview with their prospective employer.
The aim of the course is to help candidates develop their understanding of the requirements of the workplace, focusing on the challenges and requirements of working in the fast-paced music industry. In addition, participants will be given a broad overview of what it means to be an artist manager in the music industry in order to give them a taste of what is to come on the apprenticeship.
The one-week program offers applicants the opportunity to be sure that a music business apprenticeship is the right choice for them and to demonstrate their commitment, skills and motivation to their prospective employers.
Find out more about AMS Glasgow here.
Course Contents
Day 1 – Introduction to management in the UK Music Industry
Day 2 – Responsibilities of employment
Day 3 – CV’s and interview techniques
Day 4 – Working in the music industry – employability training.
Day 5 – The Interview!
Those who successfully complete this short program will be awarded a SQA level 4 employability award.
All participants will be provided* with travel expenses and free lunches for the duration of the event.
*conditions/limitations apply
Applications still open for Edinburgh HNC/HND and BA Courses
HNC, HND and BA(hons) Courses
The Academy of Music and Sound Edinburgh are still accepting application for all courses. We offer full time, funded courses in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and Singer Songwriter at SQA HNC and HND levels as well as a BA (hons) Top Up in Performance Industries.
We’ve got a limited number of spaces left, to book an audition or to find out more information please call 0131 656 0600 or email [email protected]
AMS Glasgow BTEC Final Project Show's Raise £908 For Charity!
AMS Glasgow Student’s Raise Money For Charity
AMS Glasgow BTEC’s raised £908 in total for charity with their Final Major Project shows last month! The Nordoff Robbins Event held on the 18th and 26th of May. £241 went to Nordoff Robbins and £667 went to Cystic Fibrosis.
Bruce Findlay honoured with 'outstanding contribution to music'
Legend Bruce Findlay has been honoured with an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award at this years SAMAs
The founder of the famous independent music store, Bruce’s Record Shop and former manager of Simple Minds was presented with the award at the launch night for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards on Wednesday evening.
Sponsored by the Academy of Music and Sound, the inaugural award honours the biggest names in Scottish music for their work in the industry. Our Scotland academy’s attend the event each year.
The 71-year-old said: “I am thrilled to receive the first Outstanding Contribution to Music award at this year’s Scottish Alternative Music Awards.
“The Scottish Alternative Music Awards pleases me because I’ve always felt alternative to the mainstream and I am genuinely humbled by this award being given by a relatively new and useful organisation to the music industry.”
Bruce Findlay with Edinburgh band Bwani Junction who performed live at the SAMA launch.
Bruce first ventured into the world of music in 1967 when he and his brother opened their own record shop in Falkirk. Famous for their unique red carrier bags emblazoned with the caption ‘I Found It At Bruce’s’, Bruce’s Record Shop quickly became a favourite for music fans with a taste for underground rock.
By the mid-1970’s Bruce had launched a record label named Zoom Records, where he signed local teenage band Simple Minds in 1978 and helped set them on the road to becoming global stars.
He recently appeared on STV’s Grass-Roots Music to talk about his time working with the band. Richy Muirhead, founder and director of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards said: “Bruce Findlay is a massive national and global legend, what he has achieved, it’s remarkable.
“For someone of my age, which is 26, that’s really inspiring and I think what we need to do is inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, marketers, managers and artists and hopefully this award [for Outstanding Contribution to Music] will do exactly that”.
Introducing Ellipsis – alumni gets mentioned on BBC
Degree student Ben Eardley on the BBC.
The Ellipsis have had a busy 2014. The four piece rock/indie band who feature Birmingham degree student Ben Eardley were selected as BBC CW Introducing’s band of the month for January. The group played a live session at this year’s Wychwood Festival, sharing the stage with the likes of The Stranglers, Boomtown Rats and The Levellers.
The boys are now spending time in the studio with John Rivers, best known as the recording engineer of ‘Ghost Town’ by The Specials. The Ellipsis are working towards an LP which should be available for release in summer 2015. The group is gigging regularly, for further news and latest gig dates you can check out their website or follow them on Twitter.