the big gig glasgow in photos photo gallery waldern media

In Photos
The Big Gig at St Lukes Glasgow

November 2019 saw us take to the incredible venue St Luke’s & the Winged Ox in Glasgow for an epic BIG GIG celebrating our 25 years in music education. It was a joint birthday affair along with the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMAs) and the Scottish Music Centre who were celebrating their 10th and 50th birthdays respectively, and was sound-tracked by a whole host of amazing bands and artists.

Cloth, Vandal Palace, Marina Rolink were all there to help celebrate, with Melisa Kelley and the Smokin Crows playing an outstanding headlining set. The atmosphere was incredible and we couldn’t have asked for a better venue, crowd, and line-up to help mark our 25th year, and to send of 2019 in style with. Thanks to all who made the Big Gig possible.

AMS Scotland’s Marc Sharpe made a statement about the event:

“Having been employed at AMS for over ten years I have been privileged and humbled from the amount of raw musical talent that not only was developed from students forming bands, collaborating and watching the first iterations of the original material created, but what they have continued to work towards when their studies with us have ended – some of them on the brink of not only breaking and becoming known locally but also across the UK and Europe.

 The Big Gig was not only a celebration of 25 years of the Academy of Music and Sound but also a celebration and recognition of the students/alumni that have developed under our tutelage, supporting local businesses/networks, charities close to our heart.

 We collaborated and shared our birthday with the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and Scottish Music Centre who respectively turned ten and fifty this year and always appreciate and welcome their support, we always strive to maintain close industry networks and collaboration to share unique opportunities to current and former students. Not only this, we invited industry professionals such as; Creative Scotland, The Musicians Union, 23rd Precinct, Hit the Road, Help Musicians UK to provide inside knowledge on what they can offer people during and beyond their studies.

The evening also had some additional support from current HN students (Cameron Wilson and Jack Geddes) who are also developing their own photography skills and offered to take pictures alongside our media partner (former BA(hons) alumni) Emma Bryceland who have their own creative film company. Additionally, we had thirst-quenching sustenance from local brewers Drygate who provided a healthy stock of drinks for everyone who attended.

From start to finish, from the opening act to the final act, every single performer, musician, artist was flawless. The night featured an eclectic taste of music and on paper, you wouldn’t typically see many of these performers on the same bill however, I also think that this demonstrates a key understated area in that AMS helps develop musicians regardless of their musical background or interests. Furthermore, I think it shows great strength in the musical talent in Scotland and I’m sure that it’ll continue to grow.

Thank you to everyone involved and I mean absolutely everyone.

 

Wandern Media, Cameron Wilson and Jag Media were on hand to capture the event in all it’s glory. Check out all the photos in the gallery below.


nina nesbit ams glasgow youtube social media event st lukes scotland

Nina Nesbitt speaks to AMS Glasgow students
at YouTube x SMIA event

Last week we were back at Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox where 70 of our Glasgow students attended an educational music event hosted by YouTube and Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA).

Singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt, who originally hails from Livingston, spoke to over 120 people from Glasgow’s thriving music scene, including 70 students from our very own Glasgow centre about how YouTube helped to bolster her career in music when she was just starting out.

Speaking to The Evening Times Nina said, “I started my YouTube channel when I was 15, and I think it made a massive difference to starting off my career.”

“Myself and musicians like Gabrielle Aplin, Lewis Watson and Orla Gartland are just a few that I used to listen to who all started in the same way, and I think they will agree that using YouTube in the way that we did was life-changing.”

She also commented on how social media helped her make connections in the industry; “I was from a small village in Scotland and there wasn’t much in the way of a music scene, or even any connection to the industry. Using social media and YouTube was my only form of connection to that world. The site has obviously changed since then, but I want to help teach other aspiring musicians the ways they can use it to help them nowadays. Visuals are so important.”

Commenting on Instagram, Nina said, “Hopefully my story can remind you even if you aren’t from a musical family, rich background or have the connections around you there is still a chance to get where you want to be.”

David Mogendorff, YouTube Music’s Head of Artist Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa hosted the event. David, who hails from Aberdeen said, “Having grown up in Aberdeen and always been a huge fan of the brilliant music scene in Glasgow, it was fantastic to come back to the city today with YouTube.”

Throughout the evening there were performances from Nina Nesbitt and Free Love, and YouTube Music’s Head of Artist Relations for Europe spoke at the event.

Want to know more? Why not check out our blog on the importance of social media for aspiring young creatives.

Parts of this article were originally published on The Evening Times.

Follow the Academy of Music and Sound Scotland on Facebook for latest updates from our Glasgow and Edinburgh centres.


scottish alternative music awards SAMAS news zoe graham music

The Academy sweep at Scottish Alternative Music Awards SAMAs 2019

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMAs) returned with a bang  last Friday night (25th October) at St. Lukes in Glasgow, celebrating in style a night of the best in Scottish underground music talent. The Academy of Music and Sound were proud to once again sponsor the award for Best Newcomer, which went to the multi-genre bending duo Vanlves.

Richy Muirhead, creative director of the SAMAs, said: “The seven winners are all very exciting artists with exciting futures ahead.”

He added, “this year’s SAMAs were another huge celebration of Scottish music…. It is fantastic to see the public get so involved and participate in the vote to determine the winners. We gathered over 12,500 votes in two days this year, which is a new record. It’s great to see so many people engaging with the nominations, streaming the music, and discovering other artists involved.

“The Scottish music scene is such a friendly and supportive community.
It wouldn’t matter who won really, the kindness and respect we all have
for each other really sets this scene apart.”

 

It was also a great night current and past AMS talent. Academy alumni and accomplished acoustic superstar Zoe Graham, took home the award for Best Acoustic act, who took the prize a year after another previous AMS Glasgow student Megan Airlie was awarded the prize in 2018. Zoe was a HND student at our Glasgow centre and is embarking on a solo headline tour at the end of November, performing in Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.

We caught up with Zoe after the event. She commented on her experience at the 2019 SAMAs and her win: “I totally wasn’t expecting the win, I was up against some stiff competition and considering it all depended on votes I really thought Aaron Smith was going to take home the prize. Safe to say I was slightly lost for words during my speech.”

She continued, “After many years of graft and dedication to my music it’s just so nice to be recognised for it. Afterwards it was a great night with so many of my friends. The Scottish music scene is such a friendly and supportive community. It wouldn’t matter who won really, the kindness and respect we all have for each other really sets this scene apart.”

Five other former alumni from AMS Glasgow were nominees for the award including Aaron Smith, Godeater, CRYSTAL and Cloth (who are also headlining our highly-anticipated 25 Year celebrations in Glasgow next month). The event itself raised more than £300 for Help Musicians Scotland.

You can check out the full list of nominees and winners here and keep checking the SAMAs website for updates and photos from this years installment.

 


glasgow big gig scotland events news

"The Big Gig" AMS Scotland mark 25 Years Loud with SAMAs and Scottish Music Centre

SAVE THE DATE

Here at AMS have been celebrating 25 years in music education this year. After an amazing showcase this summer in
Exeter, Academy of Music and Sound Scotland are bringing a joint party, along with the Scottish Music Centre – (who are marking a
mahoosive 50th year!) – AND the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (who turn 10 tonight!) to Saint Luke’s on 21 November. We’re calling this one, the BIG GIG.

The event will include a gig with guest acts such as Mellisa Kelly and the Smokin’ Crows, Marina Rolink, Vandal Palace, and Quiche.
Plus the band Cloth – who were nominated for the Best Newcomer Award as part of this years SAMA’s (a category the Academy of Music
and Sound were proud to sponsor this year). With even more acts TBC, this is definitely one to put in the diary.

Alongside these acts, there will be tables represented by Resonate, Musicians’ Union, Help Musicians UK and the Scottish Music Industry Association.

PLUS there is going to be free beer (yes free) from sponsor Drygate Brewery and Wandern Media will be shooting and snapping the entire event. ????

????For more info click here to sign up to AMS Scot’s mailer!????
FOR TICKETS, CLICK HERE. ????
Click HERE for the FACEBOOK EVENT ????


Student News: LUCIA to Play SXSW, Austin Texas

Former Glasgow student, Lucia Fairful, will be performing at SXSW, Austin Texas this March. If you didn't know, this is HUGE!
LUCIA made her T in the Park debut last year and has supported bands including Black Honey, Maxïmo Park and The Bay City Rollers. She is confirmed for slots at industry festivals, Liverpool Sound City and The Great Escape, not to mention festivals such as Neverworld, Wychwood, Live at Leeds and I'm pretty sure there's going to be a lot more in 2018 alone.
You can see her latest interview with The Skinny here.
www.twitter.com/luciamusicx
www.facebook.com/LUCIAmusicx
Show some support, follow above and check out her latest video below:


Glasgow Open Days 2018

Our Open Days are something a little bit different than what you may expect. By attending this free event you'll be given an instrument-specific class, live performance workshop and a songwriting class.

So why attend? This is a great opportunity for you to find out and experience what it's like being an Academy of Music and Sound student. You can meet all of our great staff and ultimately ask them questions on your playing, entry requirements or even techniques to help you improve!

Not only this, you'll also be able to find out what the interview and audition process is like, ask questions on funding and get involved and use our facilities. We always recommend on keeping your options open - if this course is for you then great, even if this course doesn't tick the boxes - at least you've had the chance to experience and come to that conclusion.

We have scheduled this event on Saturday 10th February! Spaces are limited to this per-instrument class and each year haven't been able to accommodate everyone so get your booking in as soon as you can - you can even bring a friend!

Format
Registration - 10:00AM
Instrument specific class (guitar, bass, vocals, drums) - 10:30AM
Lunch - 12:00AM
Live performance workshop (learn White Stripes - 12:30PM
Question and Answer session - 2:00PM
Break - 3:00PM
Songwriting workshop (solo singer songwriters)- 3:30PM
Event close - 5:00PM
The only items you need to bring are your own instrument and accessories (guitar, bass, drumsticks, leads) and potentially a packed lunch to keep the energy levels up. We will supply the noise enabling contraptions. To book call 0141-248-6269 or follow the link below.


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.


induction scotland ams glasgow edinburgh induction week

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.


Sound Production Short Coursess

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.


higher education academy of music and sound

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.


ams glasgow

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


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.