Birmingham Centre welcomes Loz Guest, Head of Music at Kerrang
Music Business Masterclass programme with Kerrang!’s Loz Guest.
The Academy of Music and Sound Birmingham welcomed Loz Guest recently. Loz is Head of Music for Kerrang! Radio and Planet Rock. The masterclass was part of our Music Business Masterclass programme.
Loz spoke about his role in launching Kerrang! Radio and his current position as Head of Music, as well as discussing pathways into the Music Industry with students on FD Creative Music Performance, FD Creative Music Production and BA Hons (Top Up) Performance Industries courses.
AMS Scotland apply now
Free auditions in January.
AMS Scotland– apply now. Weekly lessons will include study of your primary instrument in a series of instrument specific classes. There will also be extensive study of music theory, composing, arranging, songwriting, lyric writing, recording and producing. Each week there will be a live performance, developing rehearsal and performance techniques to perfect a confident live performance.
The study of the music business will give real life experience of working in your local industry and will help to develop a network of contacts nationally. Students will learn about what job opportunities are available to them and how to start their own business and begin selling their own music to make a living.
Entry to HNC Music is through an audition process where we will assess your playing ability and knowledge of music theory. Previous qualifications are not necessary but may be helpful for you. During January, we will be offering all applicants the opportunity to attend a FREE audition (normal price £15). To take advantage of this free audition, you must have your application submitted no later than FRIDAY 15th JANUARY.
You can apply by filling in the application form here:
https://www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/edinburgh/contact-us/apply-now/
If you would like some more information, please don’t hesitate to contact your local centre on the details below:
Glasgow: 0141 2218 4458 / [email protected]
Edinburgh: 0131 656 0600 / [email protected]
A Master Class with Zuri Aura at our Swindon Centre
A bit about Zuri Aura..
The explosive sound from Zuri Aura is one of a kind with soulful grooves and rock steady reggae, all influenced heavily by dub, ska, hip hop, dnb and world music The sensational 5 piece band are lead by vocalist Adjua, revered for her captivating stage presence and infectious melodies.
The group have packed out venues, kicked off festival’s and played live, BBC introducing radio shows across the UK and Europe, storming the scene after forming just two years ago. Zuri Aura have accomplished a successful festival season this year including performing on one of Boom Town’s main stages and playing the Uk’s biggest Reggae festival One Love. The band also released their first EP’Luminous Shift’, which has been received with massive enthusiasm.
We are looking forward to what will be a great Master Class!
We are especially proud as the band features one of our ex students Jake Miller on guitar and our Exeter Centre singing teacher Lizzie Kirwan on keys and backing vocals.
Their Master Class will be running from 11-1pm Tuesday the 24th of November, at the Swindon Academy of Music and Sound.
Year 2 Diploma students take to stage at Rugby World Cup Fanzone!
Our Year 2 Diploma students took to the stage at the Rugby World Cup Fanzone!
Our Year 2 Diploma students took to the stage at the RWC2015 Exeter Fanzone yesterday as part of the School’s Mini-Fest to welcome the Web Ellis Cup to Exeter.
The bands and singer-songwriters helped to build up the excitement before the match kicked off at Exeter’s Sandy Park Stadium. Students from local schools and colleges took part and we all had a great day watching each others’ performances on the huge stage!
Our new 1st Year students also came along to support and to experience the staging of an event of this scale and to see the 15×15 metre stage that they will be performing on at The Fanzone on Sunday 18th October at 12pm.
”I would just like to say thank you for getting us the opportunity to play at the fanzone today. It was a wonderful experience that will benefit and prepare me if I ever play on a big stage again in the future. I will never forget this!” – Danielle, Yr 2 Diploma in Music student.
Greg Pearson gets Single of The Week on BBC Scotland show!
Greg Pearson os an apprentice, who once studied at our Edinburgh centre
Ex-Edinburgh apprentice Greg Pearson’s track “These Walls” has been picked for next week’s Single of The Week on the BBC Scotland Janice Forsyth show! He is also doing a live session for the show on Monday 2nd November.
Check him out on Twitter
Tweets by grpearson
1 Week Free Short Course In Sound Production, Scotland
BTEC Level 3 Award in Sound Production
The Academy of Music & Sound are offering a 1 week intensive short course for Sound Production at our centres in Scotland. This program will give you 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 to evidence your new-found recording abilities and throughout the whole process you will received guidance and support from one of the AMS’ specialist trainers.
This course are available free of charge, however, spaces are strictly limited so it is advised that you book onto your preferred date ASAP.
This free course is available at the Academy of Music and Sound’s Edinburgh and Glasgow centres on the following dates:
Pleas note, this course is now full.
We do however run plenty of other short courses. Contact the centre of your choice for more information, or read more on our dedicated short course page.
Call 0131 656 0600 or email [email protected] to book into Edinburgh. Call 0141 221 4458 or email [email protected] to book into Glasgow.
Read more about studying at our Scotland centres on our location pages:
Sound City 2016: Apply to play now!
Applications are now open!
Attention all artists! Sound City 2016 applications are now open! If you want to be in with a chance of playing Liverpool’s incredible inner city festival, artist applications are now officially open in partnership with Gigmit – the entire process is completely free and our team of promoters listen to every application.
To enter go to the festival’s website.
Nominated for best UK metropolitan festival for 7 years running Liverpool Sound City is a 2-day extravaganza of incredible live music and arts, attended by 22,000 music lovers with a one-day music and digital industry conference, Sound City +, running in tandem to the festival.
Starting in 2008 the festival has grown over the past 7 years into one of the most cultural and important events on the music calendar. Regarded as “the first music festival of the year”, Sound City sets the standard for all music festivals that follow by bringing you the hottest and best new artists for the year.
The event will take place on the 28th to the 29th May 2016, with Sound City+, our music and digital industry conference, taking place on the 27th May 2016, in the heart of Liverpool. We’re giving you the opportunity to perform at Sound City 2016, which promises to be the biggest and most exciting one to date…
This is your chance to showcase your music to thousands of music lovers and an international audience of music industry delegates.
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.
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