James Gordon - band member in Akoosticka
Each week we feature one of our current students or alumni, as we chat to them about their AMS Online experience and the cool projects they're getting on with alongside their degree. They tell us about their Online learning experience, how they work and perform alongside a degree, and their current musical endeavours. This week I chat to James Gordon, a current student based in Southport in the North West of England who is currently studying online for a Masters in Popular Music Performance. He tells us about balancing his masters with his music teaching and gets us up to speed with what his band Akoostika are currently up to.
Where are you from, and where you studying from?
I was born in Liverpool, but live up the road in Southport, a seaside town in the northwest of the UK.
What do you do alongside / in addition to your music degree?
I work full-time as a guitar teacher at Rimmers Music here in Southport.
What is your instrument / skill / profession?
I'm a guitarist and, out of necessity, over the last few years I've become a singer, too.
What drew you to study with AMS Online?
I'd always regretted not finishing my degree when I was in my early twenties and instead ran off on tour around the UK with an unsigned band and dreams of becoming a rock star. That band broke up six months later and rather than learn my lesson and going back to Uni, I ploughed on with trying to make it in the music industry. Fast-forward fifteen or so years and a friend mentioned AMS Online and Shaun Baxter (who I was already a fan of) and how they not only offered distance learning but also recognition of prior learning and industry experience so that I wouldn't have to start from square one again. A quick email just to see if I was eligible (I wasn't sure I'd be up to the task, if I'm honest, I thought the academic part of my brain had probably atrophied after nearly twenty years of rock and roll!) resulted in a really smooth and welcoming admissions process and before I knew it, I was enrolled to do a music degree with you guys.
How do you fit study into your day-to-day work and life?
With more difficulty than I originally thought. One of the perks of my job is that I don't have to work a crazy amount of hours to get by and as most of my students come for lessons in the evenings, my days are largely my own. Still, finding the time to get everything done proved a challenge, especially as deadlines loomed. I had to put a couple of other pet projects on hold and I missed out on most of the newly released TV shows, films and bunch of sleep, but it was all worth it in the end.
What have been the benefits of online distance learning for you?
I've spent ten years building up my teaching practice, so upping sticks and moving to a new city in order to study and also find a new job seemed like too big of an ask. I'd made peace with the idea that I wasn't going to be able to get a degree. Distance learning meant I was able to still work full-time while studying and the flexibility of doing it all from home and in my own time was a huge bonus, too.
Are you in a band or currently working on any cool projects?
My band was one of the projects that was put on hiatus while I finished my degree (check out http://akoosticka.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/akoosticka), though once I'd finished, we were booked to headline the acoustic stage of the Yewstock Fesitval in the summer, so we reformed to do that. Now that I'm studying for my masters, the lads are also helping me out with a performance for it. And we've got another full band project in mind, too, so that's bubbling away.
After my degree, I took the songs I'd recorded as part of my course, added some finishing touches, remixed them, did a video for each one, knocked together some artwork and then released them as an EP, with a limited run of physical CDs. That's available over on Spotify, iTunes, etc. and is also up for free on my website or bandcamp page.
What is on the horizon for you - in the near future, or after finishing your degree?
The biggest thing is finishing my masters in music with AMS Online. Getting a first in my BA gave me enough of a kick up the backside to make me think that I might be able to go further, to do more. It's hard going, but I'm enjoying it.
Check out James’s music on his website or bandcamp, and follow Askoostika’s progress here.
You can discover more about the online courses we have available , including our Masters in Popular Music Performance, on our courses page, and you can contact us to find out more on how to apply.
In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for next week’s feature, we speak to Drew Lowe, guitarist and online BA student who chats to us about how part-time distance learning works around a touring lifestyle.
James Gordon
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jaymzgordon
Twitter: @jaymzgordon https://twitter.com/jaymzgordon
Spotify Profile: https://artists.spotify.com/c/artist/1pE531JDxH7n7FOLEITRAg/profile
Words: Izzy Trott
Digital Education: Vital in the Modern Music Industry
If you are a musician or producer already making a name for yourself in the industry and seeking the opportunity to expand your industry-savvy skill set, then digital learning can prove to be a powerful asset. The modern music industry can be a challenging ground to navigate and juggling your musical aspirations amongst life’s other commitments can be a struggle. Digital learning is becoming a vital and popular model of education and is an attractive alternative to traditionally taught practices for musicians who want to work, gig, tour and travel alongside learning and developing new skills.
AMS Online brings this opportunity straight to you, affording you the flexibility to learn when and how you want to. With online mentoring from world-class Industry professionals, offering gold standard tutoring which is personally directed to you and designed to enhance your learning experience to its maximum potential.
In a time-starved world, where cuts to music and arts funding is worrying, it is understandable that working musicians are keen to spend their time gigging and performing as much as possible. Online learning gives you the chance to work and study at your own pace, perhaps even gain a new perspective on the industry you are already part of, learn more about the business of your craft or develop new technical and production skills.
Just because you’re studying online, it doesn’t mean you’re limited to work only from home. You can study from anywhere around the world (we have a wide global student base, including America, Australia, China, Nigeria, Thailand and many more). If you are based in the UK, you also have access to the facilities at your closest AMS centre – so you can have the best of practical independent learning, on your terms and even attend a graduation ceremony when you finish your course, if you wish to!
What’s more, if you’re already an industry professional, with 5+ years of experience, you could be eligible for ‘Fast Track’ straight to the final year of our BA (Hons) program. Through what is known as a recognition of prior learning (RPL), we are able to reward you for your graft in the industry and give you the chance to hone-in and develop the vital skills you’ve attained in the real world.
Our degrees are validated by established and respected universities, so your qualification will be recognized world- wide. AMS Online is at the forefront of the online music education industry and is the leading UK Distance Learning provider with excellent pass rates, so your education is in safe hands.
Find out more about what AMS Online courses have to offer here and about our flexible entry points and part-time options designed to fit around your demands.
For enquiries please contact: Tel: 0843 224 9300 email: [email protected]
Words: Izzy Trott
Unsigned Bands and Artists WANTED – Your chance to play at Bearded Theory Festival 2019
Are you an unsigned band? Or write and perform your own songs? We’re looking for YOU to join us at Bearded Theory 2019!
The Academy of Music and Sound will be hosting a stage at the 3 day music festival, Bearded Theory 23th -26th May in Derbyshire, with the fantastic opportunity for unsigned bands and artists to play at our One Big Showcase stage.
This is the 2nd year of the One Big Showcase stage with 2 bands from last year going onto play the main stage, and 3 going on to play the Woodland stage in 2019.
The festival regularly sells out and has won an array of awards including Best Small Festival, Promoter of the Year, Best Family Festival, Gig of the Year and UK’s Best Independent Festival.
Performing acts have included Slaves, Peter Hook, Jake Bugg, Buzzcocks, The Levellers, Reverend & the Makers, Madness, Foy Vance and The Jam to name a few.
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 – December 31st 2018.
You must be over 18 to enter or have permission from a parent or guardian and able to make your own way to the festival.
If you played on the One Big Showcase stage in 2018, unfortunately you are not eligible to play in 2019. This is to give other bands and artists a chance to perform.
www.academyofmusic.ac.uk // Follow us on Twitter @Academyms and Instagram @ams_uk // www.beardedtheory.co.uk
JANUARY 2019 UPDATE APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Please note: Applications are now being considered and bands contacted
2018 One Big Showcase Saturday Highlight Video
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
Academy of Music and Sound Prospectus - 2019 Entry
Get a copy of our 2019 entry prospectus straight to your mail box, today!
AMS Students smash it at Scottish Alternative Music Awards
The Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2018 features four AMS alumni who are nominated for Best Newcomer: Zoe Graham and Crystal, Best Rock/Alt: LUCIA and Best Acoustic: Megan Airlie.
Voting Opens SOON!
Zoe Graham: www.facebook.com/ZoeGrahamMusic
CRYSTAL: www.facebook.com/CRYSTALbandx
LUCIA: www.facebook.com/LUCIAmusicx
Megan Airlie: www.facebook.com/MeganAirlieMusic
Check out the nomination’s Spotify playlist:
Zoe Graham
CRYSTAL
LUCIA
Megan Airlie
Graduation Week: From Glasgow to Exeter
Graduation week is over, the Academy of Music and Sound had a North (Glasgow) and South (Exeter) Graduation, sending their students off onto a new chapter in their life.
Here are some highlights:
Winner of the Rev Hammer Award for Songwriting or Composition:
Lily Brooke, Gateshead
Bio: The 20 year old musician has performed from an age of 13, playing at some of the region’s biggest concerts and competitions. Alongside winning the Pride of South Tyneside Award, Lily has shared stages supporting many renowned artists such as Joe McElderry, Atomic Kitten, B*witched, UB40 and even DeadMau5 at the Evolution Festival to crowds of over 28,000 people. Review her social media platforms for more updates and new material.
Facebook - facebook.com/lilybrookemusic/
Twitter - twitter.com/lilybrooke13
Instagram - @lilybrooke13
YouTube - youtube.com/user/lilybrooke
Winner of the AMS Graduate Award for Best Performance of the Year:
Kiran Shahi, (Napal) AMS Online
Guest Speaker (Exeter):
Jamie Cato
Jamie Catto (pictured) is the creator, producer / director of the multi-award winning global 1 Giant Leap films and albums. He is also a founder member of electronic band, Faithless.
Exeter Graduation
A students studying at the Academy of Music and Sound will be graduating at the Guildhall in Exeter City Centre along with an inspirational talk from Jamie Catto (Faithless), Dean of Faulty from Partner University, University of Wolverhampton and Academy of Music and Sound owner, Kevin Harding.
Jamie Catto (pictured) is the creator, producer / director of the multi-award winning global 1 Giant Leap films and albums. He is also a founder member of electronic band, Faithless. Aside from an inspirational speech, students will have the chance to meet Catto and gain from his valuable first-hand knowledge.
Eight students will be graduating, a small number for a BA cohort as this allows for more 1 to 1 tutor time, helping to focus on areas individual to each student’s needs. All the students are already professional musicians, but some are going on to starting their own business, progressing with their own music or continuing their study with the Academy of Music and Sound at Postgraduate level, with a Masters in Popular Music Performance.
The day will allow the students to celebrate their hard-work over the last 3 years with their family and friends, as well as for the Academy of Music and Sound to wish them the best of luck with their future.
1.15pm: Arrive at AMS Coombe street for gown fitting
2pm: Guests arrive at the Guildhall for welcome drinks
2pm: Procession of Academic Staff and graduates leaves from Coombe street to walk to The Guildhall
2.10pm: arrive at The Guildhall for welcome drinks and seating
2.20: Opening address and introductions; Kevin Harding, Director and Founder of The Academy of Music and Sound.
2.30: Speech Guest speaker Jamie Catto
2:50: Presentation of degree awards
3:45: Closing speech: Steve Ryan, Principal of Academy Of Music and Sound.
4pm: Drinks and canopes at The Guildhall
4.30pm: Process to Cathedral green for group photos (throwing mortar boards in the air etc) then return to AMS Coombe Street for individual graduation photos.
5pm: Return robes, leave with guests for cream tea/own arrangements
FREE Online Songwriting Course (4 Weeks)
We're launching a FREE online course - Songwriting: Creative Lyric Writing Approaches. Start date: July 23rd // Length: 4 Weeks
About This Course
Brought to you by the Academy of Music and Sound, this free course is intended to support both experienced songwriters and beginners alike, with fresh, new and exciting approaches to creating lyrical content.
Each week focuses on important elements of songwriting, featuring interviews, podcasts and activities. There are no assessed exams and no submissions necessary; although we encourage all students to participate in the group forums and interact with others studying the course; sharing work and giving and receiving feedback on ideas.
Requirements
Students studying this course should have a basic knowledge of terminology used for song structure, although no prior education or experience is necessary. The only equipment needed is a writing pad and pen, a set of headphones/earphones and the energy and determination to improve lyrical output.