Graduation Ceremonies 2016
Students and staff from our centres in Glasgow, Edinburgh & North East (Gateshead) gathered together on 9th September to celebrate the graduation of students from our BA(hons) Performance Industries course. Guests were treated to a guitar performance from Hamish Roberts before the ceremony began. Speeches from our Principal; Steve Ryan and Academic Director; Shaun Baxter preceded a speech from Dean of Faculty; John Pymm. Recipients of the award were presented by representatives from each of our centres.
AMS Scotland Induction week 2016
We were very happy to welcome our new HNC students to our Glasgow & Edinburgh centres last week. The centres had organised a range of induction activities, including live performances, introductions to using Logic Pro X and a masterclass from Singer Songwriter, Nick Harper.
If you're interested in staring our HNC courses this year, there's still a bit of time to apply, you can contact your local centre to arrange an audition on 0131 656 0600 (Edinburgh) or 0141 221 4458 (Glasgow)
Click on the images below to enlarge.
Sacre Noir- A Rhythm Between Work and Sleep
Our lovely Scottish Lead Teacher, Carrie (also known under Sacre Noir) has just released this fantastic video for her forthcoming single, A Rhythm Between Work and Sleep. The track is a heady mix of electronica and house with Carrie's haunting vocals and live guitars. Don't take our word for it though, you can listen here.
Free Sound Production Courses this summer
Our Scottish centres are please to announce that this Summer they will be offering both weekend and week intensive courses in Sound Production, where students will work towards achieving a BTEC Level 3 Award in Sound Production. This program will give students hands on experience with Logic Pro X, microphones, midi recording and a host of other useful skills and knowledge that will help you in home recording or set you up for further study in Sound Production.
On successful completion, you will be awarded a BTEC Level 3 Award in Sound Production. Throughout the whole process you will receive guidance and support from one of the AMS’ specialist trainers. This course is available free of charge, however, spaces are strictly limited so it is advised that you book ASAP.
This free course is available at the Academy of Music and Sound’s Edinburgh (Grassmarket) and Glasgow (Jamaica Street) centres on the following dates
Week Intensive:
Session 1 = Mon 4th – Fri 8th July
Session 2 = Mon 11th – Fri 15th July
Session 3 = Mon 18th – Fri 22nd July
Session 4 = Mon 25th – Fri 29th July
The weekend course will run both Saturday and Sunday from the 2nd till the 17th of July. All classes will run from 10am-6pm and a commitment to attend all classes is required.
Call 0131 656 0600 / 0141 221 4458 for more information. To apply for a place, please complete your application form here: Apply Now
Please note, this course is only available to those 16 years old and over.
Our Singer Songwriters are being taught by Calum Wood this year. Calum has over 10 years of experience of touring including twice across America and playing at major festivals, including T in The Park and Glastonbury. Recording with some of Scotland’s finest musicians and masterminding the album ‘Royal Oak: Best of Folk’ which was a best seller in the folk charts. Calum received a first class degree in music from Napier along with a University award. He has composed songs and tunes that have been used in various media platforms including adverts and documentaries and is a passionate teacher of music.
AMS Edinburgh's End of Term Gigs!
Photo’s from the events
This week Edinburgh held two end of term gigs for their BA and HNC students. Well done to everyone, the standard of performance was fantastic!
The HNC EOTG for term 3 is an opportunity for students to demonstrate how their skills and confidence have developed through the year. Monday’s performance was held in popular Edinburgh venue “Carbaret Voltaire” in the heart of old town. With a wide ranging musical program ranging from Soul to the Sex Pistols, the HNC’s entertained the crowd with performances that demonstrated technical skill, professionalism, stage craft and a real sense of confidence in their ability.
“As a tutor, seeing the musical development of learners is the most satisfying part of the job. The difference in performance levels and confidence between their first gig and this one really is remarkable. For this gig the students were responsible for the planning and running of the event. The night was a real success and everybody should be very proud of their efforts.” – Andrew Smith HNC course coordinator/Duty Manager
Check out the photos below.
Higher Education at the Academy of Music and Sound
Higher Education at the Academy of Music and Sound has never been more attractive!
Higher education has never been more important. The Academy of Music and Sound has a strong history of preparing students for rigours of the modern music industry. We are conscious that this is a rapidly changing industry we’re preparing our students for and so we can’t stand still when it comes to our student experience. Our Foundation Degree courses in Music and Creative Music Production and BA (hons) in Performance Industries are constantly reviewed, evaluated and updated in light of changes in the industry.
Today a degree is only half the story when it comes to your education, modern musicians needs to be incredibly skilled on their instrument or in their discipline. They also need to be experienced and connected. In response to this, we have developed a brand new, comprehensive enrichment program. All Higher Education students will have exclusive access to this program.
Our industry led masterclasses will provide specific training and connections with top class practitioners. Previous masterclasses have been delivered by Nat Powers, Newton Faulkner, Futureheads, Bumblefoot, Vintage Trouble, PRS, Musicians Union and many more.
Our industry mentor scheme will connect students with dedicated professionals who will offer help and advice. The mentors will be available throughout the course and for 6 months after graduation to really help students to get their careers off the ground.
Our mentors include:
- Roy Harter: New York based Emmy award-winning, composer, sound designer and audio mixer, best known for his work in television and film. He is also a multi-instrumentalist for various performing and recording artists. Roy is the founder and owner of the post-production facility SkinnyMan, located in New York City.
- Glen Brady: Based in California, Glen Brady is a music producer & audio engineer. He writes and produces music which has been used by on TV networks such as CBS, Fox Sports, MTV, CW Network and Sky Sports. Glen specializes in analogue synth systems, modular synths and drum machines.
- Simon Efemey: A record producer, noted for his work with Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, Obituary, Amorphis, Deceased & The Wildhearts. Simon also works mixing live sound for The Wonder Stuff, Jesus Jones, Napalm Death, Diamond Head, Orson & Obituary.
- Rick McMurray: Founding member of Alternative Rock band Ash, Rick has toured the world as a drummer. Rick has extensive experience of the live and record industry, working professionally since the early 90s!
- Plus many more, covering all aspects of the music industry!
At the end of your first year on the Foundation Degree in Music Performance, students will be taken on a tour bus to a showcase event at a location within the UK. They will showcase their talents at a gig with students from across the UK. After the gig, they will spend the night on a tour bus as they're taken home. Music Performance students will be given delegate passes to Liverpool Sound City where you can network with the who’s who of the UK music industry. Music Production students will have the opportunity to attend Sónar in Barcelona.
Applications for our courses starting in September 2016 are still open. Apply via UCAS for the Foundation Degree courses and through the University of Wolverhampton for the BA (hons) course. Our Foundation Degrees are available in our Birmingham, Exeter, Gateshead, Swindon and Southampton centres and our BA (hons) course is available in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gateshead, Birmingham, Swindon, Southampton and Exeter.
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.”
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]
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”.