Lewis Capaldi gets support from Ex-AMS Student Greg Pearson on stage in Dubai!
An ex-student performed with Lewis Capaldi last week...
It's been a very proud week for AMS Scotland. Last week, Ex-AMS Student apprentice Greg Pearson - a singer-songwriter hailing from Edinburgh, supported the one-and-only Lewis Capaldi (who also happens to be a ex-short-course AMS Edinburgh alumni...) on stage in Dubai, in front of a crowd of 3700.
Greg released his new single in serious style earlier this month, supporting another Scottish talent on stage.Greg spoke to the midlothian Advertiser an about how delighted he was opening for one of the biggest names in music right now. “I was asked by the Al Majaz Amphitheatre if I would like the opportunity to showcase my music. Being a Scottish singer-songwriter living in The UAE, and a fan of Lewis Capaldi, I was delighted to say yes."
He was also full of praise for Capaldi: “He was so genuine and down to earth. Him and his whole team were an absolute joy to be around.”
In 2016 we covered the news that Greg's track These Walls was picked as Single of The Week on the BBC Scotland Janice Forsyth show. He moved to Dubai later that year to pursue his career in music, and let's just say, it seems to be going pretty well for him. Best of luck Greg, from all of us here at AMS.
We're officially very chuffed to have these two talented Scots among our alumni. ????
Follow Greg Pearson....
Check out Greg's new track Million Miles here - and read the recent article about the gig in the Midlothian Advertiser.
Apply to play at one of the South West's best Festivals in 2020!
Apply to play Beautiful Days Festival 2020
Our centre in Exeter has teamed up with Devon’s Beautiful Days Festival to offer up and coming bands and acts the chance of a performance slot. Open to unsigned bands and artists everywhere, this is your chance to play a notable and established festival, hop on the festival circuit, and hopefully get some amazing experience in the process.
So, what’s on offer?
3 performance slots are available to new and/or unsigned artists to play in the Big Top, The Little Big Top and The Bimble Inn at this years festival which will run from 21-23 August 2020.
APPLY NOW on the Beautiful Days website.
Beautiful Days festival has been running at Escot Park near Exeter in Devon, since 2003 when it was set up by the band The Levellers, and has since been host to some incredible acts such as KT Tunstall, Frank Turner, Echo & The Bunnymen, Happy Mondays, The Pogues, Primal Scream, Seth Lakeman, Manic Street Preachers and Seasick Steve. Great company, eh?
In 2011 Beautiful Days was pronounced “Best Family Festival” by the UK Festival Awards, later winning the “Grass Roots Festival Award” in 2015, as well as the “Best Medium Festival award from FestivalKidz the same year. Described as an “old school, non-corporate” event, it’s no wonder every festival has sold out in advance.
Applications will open on 31 January 2020 and run through to 2nd March. Any applications sent before this date will not be considered.
MAR 2nd 2020 APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
You can read more about Beautiful Days on their website, and check our their Instagram page for updates.
#BD2020
In PhotosThe 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 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.
AMS Edinburgh host Women's Employability in the Music Industry workshop
Free short course: Women's Employability in the Music Industry
The Academy of Music and Sound in Edinburgh is hosting a free four day course for anyone identifying as female looking for opportunities in the music industry.
The event is a completely free four-day course, running over two consecutive weekends the 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th of January 2020. The course is for anyone identifying as female who wants to enhance their knowledge, network and toolkit with the aim of being employed in the music industries in any capacity, whether it be performance, behind the scenes, journalism or event management.
The course will be hosted by Karlyn King, (BIMM, ICMP, University of Birmingham, UWS, AMS) who will teach attendees about gaining confidence in a competitive and harsh industry, how to find a musical direction, and female specific struggles and strengths in the music world and broader culture. The final day will be a masterclass with the wonderful Melisa Kelly of Melisa Kelly and the Smokin' Crows - the incredible blues band who killed it at our 25th Birthday Celebrations in Glasgow last week.
The course will take place at the Academy of Music and Sound, 88 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ. The deadline to book is Thursday 09 January 2020 at 23:55.
For further information, please contact [email protected] or call 0131 656 0600.
AMS Online is back, open to applicants for January 2020 starts
Online music courses for flexible distance study. The Academy of Music and Sound’s online music teaching platform AMS Online is taking applicants for a January 2020 start, and encouraging those who already have industry experience, to fast-track to the final year of a BA.
In January AMS Online will be kicking off the winter term with a host of new students. There are still spaces, and we’re encouraging new applicants from all locations, ages and backgrounds (although some previous musical experience is required).
AMS Online offers professional teaching in aspects of music production, performance and business to those interested in a career in the industry or those with existing industry experience seeking to hone their skills. They provide the facility to study flexibility, at your pace, wherever you are in the world, making this the perfect facility for touring or busy musicians.
“My time with AMS has added so much to my professional and personal life and it’s an experience I would recommend to any musician.”
– Beth Goudie, Winner of the AMS Songwriting Graduation Award 2019
13 different countries are now home to AMS Online students, making the school an international music educator. Students learn from industry experts via Skype, online tutorials and individual sessions.
Those with MUSIC INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE are encouraged to fast-track the first year of a BA in Music and Sound and skip straight to the final year – you could get a degree in half the time. Plus no need drop existing commitments, online study means you can take your degree with you on the road. This is a great opportunity for working musicians to get the most out of study and work in a competitive sector.
AMS understand that it is not just about having performance skills to succeed in the music industry. They specialise in teaching multifaceted aspects of the music industry, giving students the skills to succeed in a range of careers in a competitive industry.
Find out about the range of courses we offer here, and head to our apply page to put in an application.
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.
AMS Head of Education & Training to speak at Resonate Conference 2019
Resonate is back. This edition will see more incredible panels, workshops, one to one sessions and discussions. This year, not only will delegates have access to world-class panels, discussions and a hearty lunch, they will also be treated to live entertainment from many of the best upcoming Scottish talent.
AMS Scotland Marketing guru and head of the Education and Training at our Glasgow centre, Marc Sharpe will be taking part in the opening panel, Hello, Is It Opportunities in Music You’re Looking For? discussing education and music industry opportunities for young people and aspiring musicians. He’ll be featuring on the panel alongside Director of Skapade Studios Stephen Kirkwood – known for bring top of his game in the Scottish electronic music scene, Hilary Brooks – Founder of Scottish Women Inventing Music plus DJ-Producer and The Sound Lab rep, Rebecca Vasmant.
Who is Marc Sharpe?
With 14 years in the music industry, AMS’ Marc has primarily focused his career on Education and Training at the Academy of Music and Sound (Glasgow campus) and is currently the manager for marketing and recruitment for Scotland. Many of his duties at the Academy of Music and Sound have also included delivering lessons on Music Technology.
Marc has a varied experience within the creative industries ranging from working in A&R and promotions with companies such as; Island Records, EMI, Paramount Pictures and Disney. He has also worked at the BBC where he delivered classes within the BBC’s ‘Technology Hub’ to members of staff and worked on shows such as Children in Need, Scottish History Tour, Frankie Boyle, Rhod Gilbert and John Barrowman’s Tonights the Night.
Attend Resonate 2019
We’re also taking students to this year’s event at a discounted price, plus, the organisers and masterminds behind the Resonate event, will be heading to our Scotland centres to give talks to the students about how to set up and plan a music conference event.
Tickets to attend are also open to the general public. Find out more about Resonate here and read about previous year’s installments here. See below for images from Resonate 2018.
"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 ????