Exeter student's end of term gig at Bierkeller Exeter
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Our RSL Level 3 Students in Exeter have their first end of term gig on Wednesday 4th December at Bierkeller Exeter on The Quay. Ticket are just £3 on the door, and the event runs from 7pm until LATE.
All Welcome! See you there for a big ol' musical bash to get you right in the Christmas spirit.
Check out the Facebook event for more details, otherwise, see you there!
For more upcoming events check out our events page.
Autumn Term Open Evenings, Exeter
We’re opening our Exeter doors for a series of open events in the coming few months, where you can check out our facilities, get all your course based questions answered, and find out what life is like studying music with the Academy in Exeter.
Throughout the term, we’re giving you several chances to pop in and find out more about the Further Education and Higher Education courses we are offering for a 2020 start. If you’re interested in our Further Education courses head down to an open day at our Exeter base on 30th October, 13th November or 11th December.
Or if you’re considering a Higher Education course, a Foundation or BA (top up) in Music and Sound, or considering our M.Mus in Popular Music Performance, then head to our Studio 54, an arm of our Exeter centre, in the heart of the city on either 7th or 28th November. There will be a welcome, meet and greet, performance in the live room, tour of facilities, and an informative presentation.
All Exeter Open events 2019.
FE Open Evening 1 – 30th October
FE Open Evening 2 – 13th November
FE Open Evening 3 – 11th December
HE Open Evening 1 – 7th November
HE Open Evening 2 – 28th November
Make sure you confirm your planned attendance to this event in advance as space is limited.
Email [email protected] or 01392 427874 to book a place.
See you there!
Photos and more from the 2019 AMS Graduation at Guildhall Exeter
Last week we said goodbye to the AMS Class of 2019 with a Graduation marking the end of their musical education. Whatever their next steps, be it further education, masters, or stepping into the world of work, in a competitive industry, we wish them all the best with their futures and whatever they decide to pursue next.
The ceremony took place at the Exeter Guildhall, as we welcomed AMS students from across the country, as well as AMS Online, our digital learning platform, to celebrate their achievements and even award to some special congratulatory awards to some outstanding students.
Scroll down to check out some of the photos from the day and a full list of 019 graduates. Visit our Facebook gallery for more photos - and tag yourself!
Music Degree Graduates 2019
Oliver (Ben) Glass, Exeter - BA Hons First Class Bethany Goudie, Online - BA Hons First Class Matt Stevenson, Exeter - BA Hons First Class
Hayley Brown, Exeter, BA Hons 2:1 Natasha Cope, Exeter, BA Hons 2:1 Rebakah Cunningham, Southampton - BA Hons 2:1
Edward Drover, Exeter - BA Hons 2:1 Ross McTeague, Exeter - BA Hons 2:1 Paul Moger-Taylor, Exeter, BA Hons 2:1
Jordan Morris, Exeter - BA Hons 2:1 James Trickey, Swindon - BA Hons 2:1 Niamh Tucket, Exeter - BA Hons 2:1
Oliver Goodchild-Horne, Exeter - BA Hons 2:2 Jasmine Kendrick, Swindon - BA Hons 2:2 Joshua Thomas, Exeter - BA Hons 2:2
Brendan Tucker, Exeter - BA Hons 2:2 Jared Steadman, Exeter - BA Hons 2:2
Foundation Degree Arts
Josh Boulton, Exeter - Merit
Kara Gelder, Exeter - Merit
Maddie Wilson, Exeter - Merit
Florence Peckett, Exeter - Merit
"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the
changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
- Maya Angelou
Throughout the ceremony there were several speeches from Academy staff, plus a formal Address from Dr Miceal Barden, Dean of the Faculty of Arts from the University of Wolverhampton, who also presented the Degree Diplomas. The Academy Principle Steve Ryan made some congratulatory remarks, and the AMS Graduation Awards were given out to those winning students, Beth Goudie for Songwriting and Matt Stevenson for Studio Production. Laura Wright, the Centre Manager for AMS Exeter gave a warm closing speech.
The Academy celebrates 25 years in music education with a showcase of music and talks at Exeter Phoenix
What a way to celebrate 25 years in music education! We celebrated our 25th year in music education this summer with a full 12 hour programme of events, showcasing the strengths of the Academy of Music & Sound in Exeter. This was the very best of AMS past a present presented in the context of the contemporary music scene. 2019 - year that commemorates 25 years of the organisation as a whole, and 15 years in Exeter.
The day started with a panel discussion on many areas of the current music industry. The panel consisted of Kate Graham from Soundlaunch, an Arts Council funded music initiative in Exeter, Exeter Street Arts and OxJam rep Becky Grinham who also spoke about Tour Management and Journalism. Also present was Glasdenbury Festival founder Emma Twamley, up-and-coming singer songwriter Sadie Horler, producer, composer, studio owner John Waddell, and studio technician, producer and artist Ben Green, who chaired the discussion,
The discussion was broad and insightful, with many areas of the contemporary music industry covered, discussed and interrogated. The panel discussed with great energy over a two hour session, live performance and potential monetisation of creative output, as well as how to sustain a creative career. The talks were attended by local students and musicians alike, insights were shared and experiences of how diverse the industry can be were laid bare in what was a very frank and honest appraisal of where we are in the music industry in 2019. Those that attended will have gained an insight into what it takes to be successful within the music sector in 2019, and indeed how that very success can be measured in real world contexts. New relationships were formed between panelists, and those that attended.
Moving further into the afternoon the focus shifted to live performance. Students from the Exeter centre Level 3 Diploma performed as duos or soloists in the café bar. The sense of comradery was there for all to see, as friends sang along with each others songs, and encouraged all those that were performing. Outside on the deck some of the Foundation Degree production students were performing dance and DJ sets in the sun, and helping to set the scene for the evenings’ performers to take to the main stage.
The main stage music event kicked off at 6.30 with students from the Exeter Rock Club playing a 30 minute set. The Rock Club operates from the Exeter Academy of Music & Sound on a Saturday morning each week in term time. Students aged between 12 and 16 were given the opportunity to play the main stage, full lights, PA and smoke machines added to their experience and some very tidy covers opened the main stage.
Next up were the Music Diploma students. The groups made seamless changeovers between acts (using two drum kits) laying out a diverse set of soul, funk, reggae and rock. There was a wonderful mixture of female and male talent working together as a team to provide 45 minutes of thoroughly engaging music with excellent crowd interaction and superb standards of singing and playing. There were so many highlights, but the dual guitar solos in ‘Hotel California’ and incredibly convincing vocal work on ‘Whole Lotta Love’ really stood out. They all excelled and we're so excited to see what they do next. Many of these students are going on to study at Foundation or BA level with us.
First Person then took to the stage for their set of original songs mixing grunge, rock and occasional reggae with flair and style. They are a stylish outfit, with an eclectic set of original songs. The members are from the Foundation Degree and BA Top-up courses – they also played on the One Big Showcase at Bearded Theory 2019.
The Quinces were on at 2100, with frontman Robbin Hann having graduated from the BA (hons) course last year. A rowdy garage band from Torbay, playing plenty of festivals this summer with their brand of orignial indie rock. The main stage was now well and truly jumping with the energy these guys bring to their performances.
The finale was a set from Patter Pusher. First in their regular lineup of drums, bass/guitar, keyboard and vocals, and then as a super group with added Academy of Music & Sound alumni for the finale.
Patter Pusher are developing quite a following, and their brand of catchy synth pop and rock got the audience at the Phoenix jumping shortly after 2145. The band has a great energy, an infectious desire to please those watching, and this comes across in swathes to all those watching. There are many smiles at a Patter Pusher performance, from the guys in the band to all of those watching and even their tech!
After 30 minutes of original material the regular trio of Ben Green, Alex Johnstone and Ben Connibear were joined by AMS alumni Dan Cosgrove on bass, Becky Grinham on vocals, Rohan Knowles on guitar and Tom White on percussion. The now larger band had an understandably fuller sound, and this ramped the party atmosphere up several notches! By the time Exeter centre manager Laura Wright joined the party for the finale with her tenor sax the audience were putty in their hands.
The grooves and moves were plentiful and the professionalism and outpouring of great vibes were there for all to see.
Here’s to another 25 years!
View all the photos from the event here:
Play at Altitude Village Festival 2019 (Devon, Cornwall & Somerset)
Are you a band/performer in the Devon/Cornwall/Somerset area? We’re looking for YOU to join us at Altitude Village Festival 2019!
Exeter’s Academy of Music & Sound is collaborating with Altitude to introduce exciting new acts on their Horizon stage. The festival will run on the 14th – 15th of June and is situated amongst the beautiful Blackdown Hills near the sleepy village of Blackborough.
‘There’s nothing better than watching the sun go down to a great soundtrack with a drink in hand, a happy stomach and in good company. Perfect for families, for the seasoned festival-goer or if you’re just dipping your toe, Altitude has something for everyone.’ – Altitude Village Festival
This will be the festival’s 4th year. After taking a fallow year in 2018 Altitude have focused on making 2019 even bigger and better. Some acts already announced are The Bluetones, Land of the Giants, The Allergies and Pattern Pusher, with more to come…
To get involved complete and submit the form below. Please try and provide as many links as possible, the more we can see you performing the better. We will contact the submissions who have been selected to play, after the submission deadline – January 31st 2018.
This is a competition to nurture music and talent in the local area and as such is limited to applications from artists based in either Devon, Cornwall or Somerset only. Applicants under 16 will need permission from their parents to enter and must have a responsible adult with them onsite.
www.academyofmusic.ac.uk // Follow us on Twitter @Academyms and Instagram @ams_uk // www.altitudedevon.com
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Experienced Musicians
FAST-TRACK onto the final year of a BA (Hons). We map your career experience by Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) against the first two years of a degree allowing you to progress onto the final year and achieve a full BA (Hons) Study Online or in Glasgow, Gateshead, Edinburgh, Exeter and Southampton . For more info email: [email protected]
Giving the Power Back to the Musician
We’re very excited to be developing a new course for 2019 that has been created for the modern musician and producer, to equip you with the skills to be independent, multi-skilled and fluent with various forms of multi-media. Long gone are the days where you need a record deal to ‘make it’. We have created a degree that gives the power back to the musician. Giving you the ability to use different skills to draw-on different income streams, as well as produce, release and manage your own music.
Academy of Music and Sound Academic Partners
Free Rehearsal Space THIS SUMMER: Exeter, Southampton & Gateshead
Our Level 3 music and degree students have broken up for the summer holidays, so we’re offering you FREE rehearsal space. It’s the perfect chance to practice for up and coming festivals or even to kick start a new band.
Book now as we have limited availability and space – we can only offer free space during office hours. Please contact the centre you wish to rehearse at for further details and booking availability.
Exeter
8 Coombe Street, Exeter EX1 1DB
[email protected]
01392 427 874
Gateshead
191 High Street, Gateshead NE8 1AS
[email protected]
0191 478 7879
Southampton
11a High Street, Southampton S014 2DF
[email protected]
0238 082 9666
We offer paid for rehearsal space out of office hours.
This offer will end on September 1st 2018 and is subject to availability.
APPLY NOW
Applications for September 2018 start are open for:
Level 3 music (16-18 year old)
Foundation Degree in Music Performance
Foundation Degree in Creative Music Production
BA (Hons) Professional Music Performance
BA (Hons) Professional Music Production
Masters in Popular Music Performance
Professional Musicians
We can map your experience as a professional musician, against the first two years of a degree, to fast-track you onto a 1 year BA (Hons). This saves you time and money so you can progress in your career, or start a new one such as teaching.
Contact us for more information: [email protected]
Masterclass with The Haggis Horns in Exeter
The Haggis Horns are a 7 piece live funk extravaganza combining heavy breakbeat funk, soul, hip-hop and afrobeat with the virtuosity of trained jazz musicians. They took a break from their tour to work with our students in workshops, treated them to an exclusive performance and shared some valuable tips.
The members of The Haggis Horns have performed and recorded with the likes of Jamiroquai, John Legend & The Roots, 
Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Take That, Mark Ronson, Martha Reeves, Roots Manuva, Lou Donaldson, Elbow, Nightmares On Wax, Dennis Coffey, Adele, Finley Quaye, Robbie Williams, Morcheeba, Duran Duran, Craig Charles Presents The Fantasy Funk Band, The Cinematic Orchestra, Lisa Stansfield, Kano, Estelle, Lily Allen, KT Tunstall & Snowboy, to name a few!
Check out the cracking review written by our work experience student:
On Monday 16th of October a funk band called, The Haggis Horns, came to direct a workshop at the Academy of Music and Sound, Exeter. It was incredibly inspiring and I think we all learned a lot from the band. They performed two songs from their new album “One of These Days”. They blew us all away with their musicianship and excellent song writing; everyone loved it.
They split the students into groups based on their instrument/skills and each band member led a group in creating parts for a song, which was later performed with all the students. It sounded amazing. The band really helped to provide musical inspiration to the students and to give them new and exciting ideas. It shed light on a new style of music that many of the students were not familiar with. I think that it really helped to expand their musical vocabulary and would definitely recommend The Haggis Horns to any musician wishing to find new and creative ideas.
www.thehaggishorns.com
www.facebook.com/thehaggishorns
www.twitter.com/thehaggishorns
www.youtube.com/TheHaggisHorns
Exeter BTEC Student In Regional Finals of the Teen Star Competition!
Huge well done to Amy Walklett, Exeter first year BTEC student, has reached the Regional finals of the Teen Star Competition. See below for offical press release.
Follow her on:
- Facebook: @amywalklettmusician
- Twitter: @amywalklett
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDkaRrOYzAhEgGSmLOduUw
Talented Local wows judges at TeenStar auditions!
Amy Walklett from Beaminster has been given the big thumbs up by judges at the TeenStar audition in Southampton. Along with other impressive acts, Amy has made it through to the Regional Finals of the UK’s only singing and dancing competition exclusively for teens and pre-teens, and will now be performing in a live showcase in the competition.
TeenStar is an exciting national singing and dancing competition searching for the UK’s best teen and pre-teen singers, singer/songwriters, rappers, dancers and dance groups of all genres and styles. TeenStar is brought to you by Future Music, the company behind the discovery of artists such as Jacob Banks, Warner Music’s Birdy and Union J’s Jaymi Hensley. For the first time, ever, the competition has now opened its doors to dancers too! With even more talent entering the competition, the TeenStar competition is an exciting opportunity for teens and pre-teens across the UK.
One contestant who has evidently caught the judge’s eye is local talent Amy Walklett, who is now in the running to follow in the footsteps of previous winners Luke Friend and Emily Middlemas, and compete for a place in the Grand Final. Thousands of hopefuls entered TeenStar nationwide and hundreds of auditionees queued patiently on the day for their turn to impress the judges. Those who made it through the audition stage will now take part in a live Regional head-to-head battle alongside the best talent in their area. They’ll be performing in front of hundreds of audience members and a professional judging panel to win a place at the National Grand Final.
Chris Grayston, Events Coordinator for TeenStar comments “We are looking to find an act that has something unique to offer, another Birdy or Luke Friend that can go all the way, with both the ability to deliver a strong live performance but also potential to become a professional recording artist or dance act. Now with the addition of dance acts, these shows are going to be so exciting to watch and judge! There is so much talent out there I’m sure we can find that star again!”
The competition is divided into age categories - 'Late Teens' (16-19), 'Mid Teens' (13-15) and a special category searching for the stars of tomorrow, the Pre-Teens! All types of singers and dancers are invited to enter TeenStar. All entrants are aiming to make it to that prestigious Grand Final where the spotlight will be shone on them and they’ll have the chance win some huge prizes such as; recording an album, shooting a music video, scholarships to the Flawless Dance School, sponsorship from Squad Dancewear and more.
The latter stages of the competition will also provide acts with the opportunity to impress many guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry as well as judges from BBC Introducing, national radio and regional press. Past judges for Future Music competitions include Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale MBE, KISS FM’s Charlie Hedges and four time Ivor Novello award winner Mark Hill, also known as one half of the Artful Dodger, plus A&R reps from Sony, Warner and Syco Entertainment.
Birdy’s career has gone from strength-to-strength since winning a Future Music Competition in 2008, after securing a deal with Warner Music and watching her debut album achieve Gold status in the UK and platinum status throughout Europe, and receiving a 2014 BRIT award nomination. Hopefully the TeenStar 2017 winner can go on to gain a similar success.
If you’d like to hear more from Amy and follow her progress in the competition you can visit her Facebook page @amywalklettmusician or her twitter @amywalklett; and to watch her latest covers, look for her on YouTube!
For more information go to the website www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk! You can purchase tickets from the website www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk, as well as on the door subject to availability or from Amy Walklett.
Newton Faulkner visits AMS Exeter
Newton Faulkner delivers a fantastic masterclass at the Academy of Music & Sound in Exeter
We were very lucky recently to host a fantastic masterclass from Newton Faulkner in out Exeter centre. The masterclass was focussed on songwriting, guitar techniques, the experience of working in the music industry and how to get started in the industry. After the masterclass, Newton was kind enough to stay and speak individually to each student in the room, taking the time to offer tailored advice and guidance to each student.
Centre manager Laura Wright said: The masterclass was absolutely brilliant. Newton Faulkner is a highly skilled guitarist, songwriter and performer and to have him here at our centre, performing live for us was a real privilege. Our students went away on a high after being inspired and motivated to try out new techniques and to keep working hard towards their own musical careers.
Becky Walker, a student on the BTEC Level 3 Music Singer-Songwriter course said: It was a great intimate experience, with great humour and some enriching stories that further made me want to branch out and better myself
Following the success of the masterclass, Newton is now in the process of developing a signature Songwriting module for the Academy of Music and Sound as part of the Foundation Degree Singer-Songwriter course, ready for delivery next September. This news has further delighted Higher Education students at the Academy of Music and Sound. This module will be available to all of our Foundation Degree students alongside our brand new Higher Education Enrichment program.
Sara Sanders, from the Music Degree course said about Newton: “He was so down to earth, which was refreshing to see. It was great to hear about his experiences”
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.
Nick Harper & AMS Exeter Singer-Songwriters at Exeter Old Timers
The Academy of Music and Sound are proud to present Nick Harper at Old Timers in Exeter. Nick will be performing live, supported by Alex Johnstone, Rev Hammer and a selection of students from our Singer Song Writer course in our Exeter centre.
Tickets are £10 and available on 01392 427 874 or in our Exeter centre:
The Academy of Music & Sound, 8 Coombe Street, Exeter, EX1 1DB.