music courses - Access to Music

Further
Education
Prospectus
for courses
starting Sept 2014
‘It’s not like doing a music course
in a normal college - it’s in a real
music environment. All the tutors are
musicians, your musical ambitions are
taken seriously and there are great
opportunities to go to industry
events and meet people working in
the industry.’
‘The tutors are brilliant - the best I’ve
had in any education.’
‘It’s much more personal than other
colleges. You feel you can talk to a
tutor and actually be listened to.’
DEDICATED TO MUSIC
Grade 2 Good
Ofsted Inspection 2013
Grade 1 Outstanding
Independent Schools
Inspectorate 2012
‘Everyone here is passionate
about music no matter what
it is. That sort of vibe is always
good to have when starting
something - it gives inspiration.’
All quotes in this prospectus are from Access to Music students.
GIVING YOU MORE
Access to Music gives you much more than just music.
At Access to Music you will gain valuable Enterprise,
Employability and Life Skills which will make you
ready for the next stage of your career journey.
Access to Music is now offering a range of Digital Media courses
for young people who want to gain essential media skills while
working on music-related projects. You will have opportunities to
take part in video and photo shoots, generate designs for products
and marketing, develop websites and create social media.
Photography:
Richard Eccleston: www.richardecclestone.com
Curious Photography: www.curiousphotography.co.uk
‘I chose Access to Music because I love music.’
CONTENTS
general information
putting music first. ............................................................................ 08
why choose us?................................................................................... 10
industry partners................................................................................. 12
access to music centres......................................................... 14
open & taster days........................................................................... 21
how to apply/fees.............................................................................. 22
our courses
overview of courses....................................................................... 25
overview of qualifications...................................................... 27
music courses
Introduction to Music................................................................... 30
Music Performance......................................................................... 34
Music Technology: Music Production................. 42
Music Technology: Sound Engineering............ 48
Artist Development.......................................................................... 52
business courses
Music Business..................................................................................... 60
media courses
Digital Media............................................................................................. 68
traineeships & apprenticeships
Traineeships............................................................................................... 74
Apprenticeships................................................................................... 76
other information
keeping you safe................................................................................. 78
opportunities for all......................................................................... 79
contacts........................................................................................................... 80
‘I chose Access to Music as it
has all the necessary resources
to enable me to fulfil my aims
within the music industry.’
Pony & Trap, Access to Music York
8
PUTTING MUSIC FIRST
Access to Music is the UK’s leading popular music
college. We are dedicated to music and digital media
and by choosing to study with us you are guaranteed
a great learning experience.
Whether you want to be a performer, a producer, a
composer, a sound engineer, a music entrepreneur, or
are looking for a career in the creative media industries,
we have a course to suit you.
We understand the passion our students have for their
music. We understand the drive and determination
to master an instrument, or a piece of software or
hardware. We recognise the ambitions of people who
want to be the future of the music industry - from the
artists and producers, through to the entrepreneurs who
organise the festivals, tours and gigs, to those who sell
the music and merchandise and those who design the
products, websites and videos.
By choosing Access to Music you are making your first
steps to stand out from the crowd by putting music first.
• Success rates on the main vocational programmes
are higher than for similar providers and have
improved consistently.
• Learners develop good music industry and
technology skills in teaching sessions and at events
• Learners benefit from teachers’ excellent vocational
expertise and knowledge of the music industry
Ofsted Report 2013
9
9
WHY CHOOSE US?
Access to Music is special and unique. We
have been delivering career-relevant training
for over 20 years. Music isn’t just another
subject we teach - it’s our focus and our
passion.
our courses
• Our courses are tailored to suit the needs of
musicians and people wanting to work in the
creative industries.
• Learning is focussed on practical, real-life
projects such as creating music for live
performance, organising events, creating and
promoting recorded music and generating
promotional materials.
• We design our own music qualifications in
partnership with Rockschool, the UK’s only
rock and pop awarding body. The result is
practical music courses which carry full UCAS
points and have parity with other qualifications
such as BTECs and A Levels. You also don’t
need 5 GCSEs to enrol on our Level 3 courses.
• Unlike many colleges we don’t have exam
entry requirements. Your musical skills are of
more importance to us.
our fees
If you are aged 16 to 18 on 31st August 2014,
you will not have to pay tuition fees. For more
information on fees, please see page 23.
10
WHY CHOOSE US?
‘Going to music college was my
best chance to do what I love
and this one seemed to be the
best one.’
‘Best college for music in my
opinion.’
‘It was the right place for me.’
our tutors
We have talented and knowledgeable tutors
who have direct experience of the music
industry.
our centres
We have nine different specialist centres
throughout the UK, so you get all the benefits of
a large college at a smaller, friendly location.
our facilities
Our centres are hubs of creativity, with great
facilities - fully-equipped rehearsal studios,
technology suites, recording studios and media
centres.
our quality
Access to Music is quality-assured by Ofsted
and other inspectorates. In April 2013 Access to
Music was graded 2 ‘Good’ by Ofsted, placing
it in the top 25% of FE providers in the UK.
Last year success rates on music courses were
81%. We were graded 1 ‘Outstanding’ by the
Independent Schools Inspectorate in December
2012.
11
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Access to Music works with a variety of organisations and companies
in the UK music industry to bring experiences and opportunities to our
students. A selection are listed here.
INDUSTRY
eventsPARTNERS
organisations
12
companies
charities
Access to Music and War Child
are delighted to announce
a new partnership that will
see the charity that protects
children living in the world’s
most dangerous war zones
become the college’s official
charity.
As well as fund raising
activities, students will also
have the chance to gain
from Warchild’s extensive
experience and contacts in the
music industry, including major
artists, festivals and events.
www.warchild.org.uk
13
‘The centres have awesome staff who
are passionate about music.’
Student feedback to Ofsted
‘I chose Access
to Music because
of how great the
teaching, learning
environment and
opportunities are.’
ACCESS TO MUSIC
CENTRES
14
‘The centres have
great resources and
tutors who know
what they’re talking
about.’
‘You get access
to cutting-edge
equipment,
rehearsal rooms and
studios.’
Darlington
York
Manchester
Lincoln
Norwich
Birmingham
Bristol
London
Brighton
15
OUR CENTRES
Access to Music has nine music centres located across England. Each centre is
different, but all have a great atmosphere charged by the creativity of aspiring
and eager musicians and music industry personnel.
Many centres operate as commercial music studios, meaning that your place of study
is also a part of the local music industry.
‘I love the fact that everyone in
the building is into music.’
london
Our London centre is located In one of the most
exciting areas of the city, next door to the 2012
Olympic village and adjacent to Three Mills Island
film studios. Facilities boast eleven fully-equipped
band rehearsal and two digital recording studios.
There are also several Apple Mac technology
suites, a media centre and break-out tuition rooms.
The centre can be accessed from the tube via
Stratford, Bromley-by-Bow or Bow Road and by
buses passing down Stratford High Street.
There are opportunities to perform and gain work
experience at city venues, festivals and creative
companies.
Access To Music London
British Academy of New Music
Sugar House Yard
Sugar House Lane
LONDON
E15 2QS
16
birmingham
Heath Mill Studios is situated in the emerging
creative quarter in Digbeth, just ten minutes walk
from the city centre. This new state-of-the-art
centre has six rehearsal rooms (fully equipped
with drum kits, guitar and bass amps and PAs), a
24-track digital recording studio, two Apple Mac
technology suites, media centres and a dedicated
performance space. There are opportunities to
perform and gain work experience at city venues,
festivals and creative companies.
Access To Music Birmingham
Heath Mill Studios
68 Heath Mill Lane
Digbeth
BIRMINGHAM
B9 4AR
norwich
Access to Music Norwich is based at EPIC on
Magdalen Street, about a ten minute walk north
from the city centre. At EPIC, students can take
advantage of fully-equipped band rehearsal
rooms, a recording studio, a post-production
suite and two Apple Mac technology/media
suites. There are opportunities to perform and
gain work experience at city venues, including
EPIC and The Waterfront, as well as at festivals
and creative companies.
Access To Music Norwich
EPIC
114 Magdalen Street
NORWICH
NR3 1JD
17
bristol
The centre operates as a commercial rehearsal
and recording studios with six fully-equipped
rehearsal rooms, a 24-track digital recording
studio and a performance space. Upstairs there
are Apple Mac technology/media suites and
several teaching spaces. There are opportunities
to perform and gain work experience at city
venues, festivals and creative companies. The
centre is located in Hengrove.
Access To Music Bristol
309 Central Park
Petherton Road
Hengrove
BRISTOL
BS14 9BZ
brighton
Working in partnership with Brighton Electric,
the ground-floor studios have five fully-equipped
band rehearsal rooms, a 24-track digital recording
studio and a performance space. Upstairs, there
are Apple Mac technology suites and several
teaching spaces. The centre is located about 15
minutes walk from the city centre, just off Lewes
Road. There are opportunities to perform and
gain work experience at city venues, festivals and
creative companies.
Access To Music Brighton
Enterprise Point
Melbourne Street
BRIGHTON
BN2 3LH
18
lincoln
Our East Midlands centre is located in the
heart of Lincoln city centre in a building which
also includes a night club and music venue.
Our facilities boast three fully-equipped
rehearsal rooms, two digital recording studios
and Apple Mac technology/media suites.
There are opportunities to perform and gain
work experience at city venues, festivals and
creative companies.
Access To Music Lincoln
3rd Floor Silvergate House
32 Clasketgate
LINCOLN
LN2 1JS
york
Last year Access to Music celebrated
its tenth anniversary at the popular Jam
Factory music studios on Eldon Street.
Facilities include several band rehearsal
rooms, a recording studio and an Apple Mac
technology suite. There are opportunities to
perform and gain work experience at city
venues, festivals and creative companies.
Access to Music York
The Jam Factory
106 Eldon Street
YORK
YO31 7NH
19
darlington
This centre takes advantage of the great
facilities offered at the Forum Music Centre. The
purpose-built studios have 3 fully-equipped band
rehearsal rooms, 2 digital recording studios,
plus a large 170 capacity performance space/
venue with a café/bar. There is also an Apple
Mac technology suite. There are opportunities
to perform and gain work experience at local
venues, festivals and creative companies.
Access To Music Darlington
The Forum Music Centre
Borough Road
DARLINGTON
Co. Durham
DL1 1SG
manchester
In Manchester we are offering Level 1 and
Level 2 courses through an exciting partnership
with Manchester City Football Club and other
partners.
The Level 1 Introduction to
Music course, delivered in
partnership with Manchester
City, provides opportunities to
create music for MCFC events
and is run from Harpurhey and
Wythenshawe.
20
come and visit us
open days
taster days
All Access to Music centres have Open Days
throughout the year where you can drop in and
find out more about us and explore how we can
help you achieve your goals.
Taster Days are an opportunity to get a handson taster of what it’s like to study at Access to
Music.
The sessions run in school holiday periods and
feature practical activities, often around creating,
producing and performing music.
Open Days include presentations, tours,
performances,Q&As and music-making
activities. There are also opportunities to apply
for courses online.
Calendar
Please check website for exact
details for your centre.
Taster Days usually run from 10am-3pm. Please
bring some lunch and a drink with you.
Booking is recommended for all events via:
www.accesstomusic.ac.uk
• Thurs 31st October 2013
• Thurs 20th February 2014
• Thurs 29th May 2014
Calendar of events
Please check website for details for your centre.
Thursday events take place between 5-7pm
Saturday events take place between 11am-2pm
Booking is recommended for all events via:
www.accesstomusic.ac.uk
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
October: Weds 2nd/Thurs 3rd
November: Weds 6th/Thurs 7th/Sat 9th
December: Weds 4th/Thurs 5th/Sat 7th
February: Weds 5th/Thurs 6th/Sat 8th
March: Thurs 6th/Sat 8th
April: Weds 2nd/Thurs 3rd
May: Sat 10th
June: Weds 25th/Thurs 26th/Sat 28th
July: Weds 9th/Thurs 10th 2014 (for Year 10s)
August: Weds 6th/Thurs 7th/Sat 9th
summer schools
These will take place week beginning 28th July.
BOOK NOW!
www.accesstomusic.ac.uk
0800 28 18 42
21
www.accesstomusic.ac.uk
‘It was easy to apply.
You can do it online
in simple stages. I
also like the fact that
they value ability and
passion for music.’
22
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply for any of our courses by simply going to our
website and filling in an online application form.
All you will have to do is choose which course you want to do
and at which centre. You will then be guided through how to
complete our online form.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Once you have applied, you can expect to be allocated an
interview within two weeks.
You are expected to attend this interview and come prepared to
demonstrate and talk about your musical skills.
You will be given more information and guidance about your
interview by letter; there is also additional information on our
website.
FEES
If you are aged 16 to 18 on 31st August 2014, you will not
have to pay tuition fees. However, there will be a charge to
cover some extra-curricular activities and use of facilities
outside of your main learning programme. This fee has not yet
been finalised, but last year’s fee was £95 and it is likely to be
around that amount.
In addition to this fee, adult learners (aged 19+) will be
required to pay a tuition fee. All of our fees are highly
competitive with those of other colleges and education
providers. Please see our website for more details of fees.
2323
‘Courses are built around
what you want to do, rather
than forcing everyone to be
the same.’
OUR COURSES
The following section lists the music, business and
media courses we offer, plus information on our
traineeships and apprenticeships. However, we launch
new courses throughout the year so please check
our website for the latest updates. Please note that
courses will only run in centres if there is sufficient
recruitment.
Music Courses
•
•
•
•
•
•
Our Qualifications..........................................27
Introduction to Music.....................................30
Music Performance........................................34
Music Technology – Music Production..........42
Music Technology – Sound Engineering........48
Artist Development........................................52
Business Courses
• Music Business..............................................60
Media Courses
• Digital Media..................................................68
Traineeships...................................................74
Apprenticeships............................................76
‘The course content is
perfect - I have learned
more already than I ever
expected to know.’
25
OUR QUALIFICATIONS
Access to Music designs its own
qualifications in partnership with
awarding body, Rockschool. These
qualifications are all governmentapproved qualifications which have
full parity with GCSEs, BTECs and A
Levels.
The advantages are:
• We can ensure the content meets
the needs of modern musicians,
producers, technologists and
entrepreneurs. We regularly update
the content based on feedback from
students and tutors.
• Level 3 (A Level equivalent)
qualifications are not restricted by
entry requirements, unlike BTECs
which require 5 GCSEs
LEVELS
• Level 1 = GCSE (grades D-G)
• Level 2 = GCSE (grades A-C)
• Level 3 = A Level, BTEC National
CREDITS & UCAS POINTS
Level 3 qualifications have credits and
UCAS points in line with completing 3 A
Levels or a BTEC Nationals. The UCAS
points are:
• Pass = 120
• Merit = 240
• Distinction = 360
• Distinction* = 420
PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY
Two-year Level 3 courses provide
UCAS points for students to progress to
university or higher education college.
Access to Music has a good reputation
for students progressing to popular
music and music technology courses at
university, such as:
· Middlesex University
· Brighton Institute of Modern Music
· University of Gloucestershire
· Leeds Metropolitan
· University of Chester
· London College of Music
· Academy of Contemporary Music
· ICMP
· Surrey University
· Northampton University
· University of Wolverhampton
· University of Chichester
· Falmouth University
27
‘I chose Access to Music because I’d
heard that it’s one of the country’s best
music colleges.’
The Pretty Shapes, O2 Academy
music courses
29
‘Access to Music seemed down to earth and
open to individuality, which appealed to me. I
wanted to learn to produce my own sounds and
develop a style of my own. They offered that.’
30
music courses
Introduction to Music: overview
The perfect introductory course for anyone
who wants to start writing, playing and
recording music while developing their job
and life skills.
It is ideal for budding producers and music
technologists, as well as beginner vocalists, MCs,
guitarists, bassists, singer/songwriters, drummers and
keyboard players.
The course is also designed for anyone who has found
conventional school qualifications, such as GCSEs, to
be unsuitable and for those not currently in education,
training or employment. You will be supported
throughout your studies by experienced, inspirational
staff.
31
‘I was looking to better
myself musically and
was ready for a change.
The thought of being
surrounded by people
with the same passion as
me every day was really
exciting.’
32
music courses
Introduction to Music: course details
Content
You will cover all the basics of music making from musicianship through
to getting started with music production. The course is designed around
projects, which help you to develop other skills, including communication,
maths and employability.
Qualifications
This course is assessed through a variety of qualifications which you will
achieve by undertaking interesting real-life projects. Assessment is all
through course work – there are no exams.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements other than a passion for music and
a desire to gain skills. If you wish to study as an instrumentalist, then you
will usually need an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass etc) and have some ability
in being able to play it. If you are a producer, then it is expected that you
will probably have used some sort of music software to create music.
Locations & duration
This course is offered at all centres, three days per week over 35 weeks September to June (daytime).
Next steps
The course offers progression to our intermediate courses or to GCSEs or
into apprenticeships and employment.
33
‘The course is
awesome. I am a
practical person and
the course suits me
well - it is easier for
me to learn this way.’
34
music courses
Music Performance: overview
Our Music Performance courses are renowned for
their exciting content and opportunities. They are
perfect for any musician looking to develop their
skills:
• Centred around artist and band-based rehearsals in fullyequipped rehearsal rooms.
• Ideal for young musicians aged 16+. We work with guitarists,
bass players, keyboard players, drummers, vocalists, singer/
songwriters, percussionists, horn players, string players.
Whatever, you play we can help you develop your skills!
• For musicians into creating and performing any style of
popular music, from metal, indie and alternative to folk, funk,
soul, jazz and blues.
• Based around real-world projects with opportunities to record
and perform. Performances include gigs in local venues to
opportunities to perform at festivals such as Glastonbury
and Latitude. Our students also get to perform at industry
showcases, such as the Island Records talent showcase.
• Designed to give you more than music in that you will also
gain valuable job skills and life skills.
• Linked to nationally-recognised music qualifications.
• Taught by musicians at 8 UK locations and graded ‘Good’ by
Ofsted.
35
Call Me Unique
Exceptional singer/
songwriter from Birmingham
with numerous credits
including playing
Glastonbury Festival
2013, touring Poland and
supporting Rihanna at the
LG Arena on her Diamonds
tour.
36
music courses
Music Performance: course details
Courses
The following Music Performance courses are available:
• Music Performance (Level 2) A one-year GCSE-equivalent full-time course
for musicians and singer/songwriters with limited experience.
• Music Performance (Level 3) A one or two-year A Level-equivalent full-time
course for musicians and singer/songwriters with more experience and skills.
Content
The courses cover musicianship, songwriting, rehearsal, repertoire development,
recording and performance with technology, business awareness and promotion.
Qualifications
Courses are assessed through nationally-recognised Rockschool qualifications
with assessment based on course work rather than exams. Level 3 courses have
equivalence with BTECs and A Levels and carry full UCAS points. You may also
be required to undertake GCSE-equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.
Entry requirements
Our main criteria is an ability and passion for music and a dedication to gain
skills. There are no formal GCSE requirements for Level 3 courses, unlike BTECs
which require 5 GCSEs. You will be invited to an audition/interview where we will
assess which course is best for you.
Locations & duration
This course is offered at all centres, three days per week over 35 weeks September to June (daytime).
Next steps
Progression from the Level 2 course is to further study at Level 3. Progression
from Level 3 courses can be to undergraduate study including the following
Access to Music courses:
• Artist Development (Level 4)
• BMus Popular Music (Birmingham & London)
• BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance (RNCM Manchester)
• BA (Hons) Music Business (Birmingham & London)
Ollie Rudge
Ollie is a talented singer/songwriter from
Birmingham who is following in Ed Sheeran’s
footsteps by winning the 2013 Island Records
Best Newcomer award. Ollie writes emotive
songs driven by complex guitar rhythms.
38
music courses
‘It’s a college with a huge
reputation - the likes of Ed
Sheeran have really raised
its profile. They also have a
great understanding of, and
experience in, music - the
tutors are speaking from
experience, not just a text
book.’
meet our students
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is now a household name
on both sides of the Atlantic, but in
2009 he was still making a name for
himself and he decided to come to
Access to Music London to do the
Artist Development course. He left
after completing the course, having
been an excellent student and well on
the road to success.
‘I wanted to get some experience - it
sounded like it would be a wicked
course and it gave me the opportunity
to move to London and gig every
night. It gave me the first push and I
loved the freedom. Obviously you are
there to learn, but they understood
that half of the learning you needed
for the industry was outside the
classroom with gigs and studio time.’
39
Rita Ora
Rita Ora has quickly become one
of the hottest names in UK music.
From her appearance on the DJ
Fresh number 1 Hot Right Now to
her own solo number 1s R.I.P. and
How We Do (Party), plus a number
1 album, Rita has had swift and
deserved success. 2012 saw her
headlining major festivals, such
as V, while appearing frequently
on TV, while 2013 has seen her
undertake a national tour and start
work on her 2nd album. She has
also been chosen as the face of
Madonna’s Material Girl clothing
collection. Widely tipped as the
UK’s answer to Rihanna, Rita
started off her career on a Music
Performance course at Access to
Music London.
40
music courses
meet our students
Laura Welsh
Laura has recently signed
to Polydor Records and her
debut EP Cold Front has
been hotly tipped by the
media including The Metro
and The Times. She studied
with Access to Music in
Birmingham.
41
‘It was the best college for me to further
my skills in music production.’
42
music courses
Music Technology
Music Production: overview
Access to Music offers two types of Music
Technology course to suit your career aims.
The Music Production courses are:
• For those wanting to create and release music using
software and hardware in dedicated Apple Mac
technology suites.
• Ideal for young producers/composers aged 16+ looking
to create electronic digital music.
• Perfect for producers into creating and recording any
style from drum ‘n’ bass, techno, dubstep and house to
media, film and advert music.
• Based around real-world projects with opportunities to
record and release tracks, undertake remix projects and
create music for media applications such as adverts and
computer games. Our students also get to feature at
industry showcases, such as the Island Records talent
showcase.
• Designed to give you more than music in that you will
also gain valuable job skills and life skills.
• Linked to nationally-recognised music qualifications.
• Taught by music technologists at 8 UK locations and
graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
43
‘In some way my belief in Access
to Music is so strong I’d say it
chooses you - it’s a calling!’
44
music courses
Music Technology
Music Production: course details
Courses
The following Music Production courses are available:
• Music Technology (Level 2) A one-year GCSE-equivalent full-time course for
producers/composers with limited experience.
• Music Production (Level 3) A one or two-year A Level-equivalent full-time course
for producers/composers with more experience and skills.
Content
The courses cover musicianship, music software and hardware, repertoire
development, recording, mastering and realization, business awareness and
promotion. At Level 2 you will also do some sound engineering content.
Qualifications
Courses are assessed through nationally-recognised Rockschool qualifications
with assessment based on course work rather than exams. Level 3 courses have
equivalence with BTECs and A Levels and carry full UCAS points. You may also be
required to undertake GCSE-equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.
Entry requirements
Our main criteria is an ability and passion for music and technology and a dedication
to gain skills. There are no formal GCSE requirements for Level 3 courses, unlike
BTECs which require 5 GCSEs. You will be invited to an audition/interview where we
will assess which course is best for you.
Locations & duration
This course is offered at all centres, three days per week over 35 weeks - September
to June (daytime).
Next steps
Progression from the Level 2 course is to further study at Level 3. Progression from
Level 3 courses can be to undergraduate study including the following Access to
Music courses:
• Artist Development (Level 4)
• BA (Hons) Music Technology (Norwich from 2015)
• BA (Hons) Music Business (Birmingham & London)
meet our students
Tom Flynn
A Birmingham-born producer/remixer
and DJ, Tom moved from DJing to
production when he joined Access
to Music. Tutored by Lee Fisher
of Mother fame, he soon became
enthralled at the possibilities of
creating his own house music. Tom
has since signed to Pete Tong’s Black
Butter Records, while also remixing
for Andy Caldwell and Gram’ma Funk.
‘To just have people on the other side
of the world, sitting in their bedroom
loving my music, just like I used to do
growing up, was and still is my main
goal - it’s about making good music!’.
46
music courses
Ashley ‘Woz’ Westlake
A Bristol bass producer who
caught the attention of BB
Records after his RackNRuin
Territory remix competition entry
blew them away. BB Records
commented: ‘It’s rare to find
a sound both so unique, fresh
and at the same time, so well
produced. You know a Woz
production when you hear it’.
RWD magazine has tipped him
as one of the names to watch in
2013.
47
48
music courses
Music Technology
Sound Engineering: overview
Access to Music offers two types of Music
Technology course to suit your career aims.
Our Sound Engineering courses are:
• For those looking to get into live and studio sound based
around audio mixing and processing in recording studios
and live venues.
• Ideal for young technicians aged 16+ looking to gain skills
in audio environments such as recording studios, live
venues and festivals.
• Based around real-world projects with opportunities to
work with music artists and producers both in the studio
and in professional venues.
• Designed to give you more than music in that you will also
gain valuable job skills and life skills.
• Linked to nationally-recognised music qualifications.
• Taught by music technologists at 8 UK locations and
graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
49
50
music courses
Music Technology
Sound Engineering: course details
Courses
The following Sound Engineering courses are available:
• Music Technology (Level 2) A one-year GCSE-equivalent full-time course for
sound engineers with limited experience.
• Sound Engineering (Level 3) A one or two-year A Level-equivalent full-time
course for sound engineers with more experience and skills.
Content
The courses cover acoustics, micing and levels, mixing, processing, sound
reinforcement, mastering, business awareness and promotion. At Level 2 you will
also do some music production content.
Qualifications
Courses are assessed through nationally-recognised Rockschool qualifications
with assessment based on course work rather than exams. Level 3 courses have
equivalence with BTECs and A Levels and carry full UCAS points. You may also be
required to undertake GCSE-equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.
Entry requirements
Our main criteria is an ability and passion for music and technology and a
dedication to gain skills. There are no formal GCSE requirements for Level 3
courses, unlike BTECs which require 5 GCSEs. You will be invited to an audition/
interview where we will assess which course is best for you.
Locations & duration
This course is offered at all centres, three days per week over 35 weeks September to June (daytime).
Next steps
Progression from the Level 2 course is to further study at Level 3. Progression
from Level 3 courses can be to undergraduate study including the following
Access to Music courses:
• BA (Hons) Music Technology (Norwich from 2015)
• BA (Hons) Music Business (Birmingham & London)
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music courses
Artist Development: overview
Music artists have always relied on A&R teams
and management to help them develop their music
and their potential. Today few artists gain from this
process as record labels and production companies
have been forced to cut costs. The solution is our
Level 4 Artist Development programme, which
replicates the typical processes of artist and
repertoire development within a robust educational
framework.
You will work under the close guidance of a highly-experienced
team of musicians, industry professionals and creatives who will
support you as you begin to explore and investigate your work and
its potential.
The course is ideal for music artists such as singer/songwriters,
producers/composers and groups or group members.
Please note that you can study this course free of tuition charges
if you are aged 17 on the 31 August 2014. There is a fee for 19+
students, but it is much less than annual fees for degrees.
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music courses
Artist Development: course details
Content
You will undertake a journey to assess and redefine yourself as a music artist. This
will involve self-assessment, analysis and development of repertoire and target
planning to achieve agreed goals. The aim by the end of the course is that you
will have a more clearly defined music product and brand with the beginnings of a
dedicated fanbase.
Qualifications
The course is assessed through a nationally-recognised Level 4 Rockschool
qualifications with assessment based on course work rather than exams.
Entry requirements
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At least 17 years of age.
Pass in GCE A level (A2) in 2 subjects (or 2 Scottish Advanced Highers), or a
Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner qualification, or a National Diploma in a
music-related subject.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or experience are encouraged
to apply and will be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate ability
through their application.
Students who do not have English as a first language are expected to meet the
IELTS 5.5 standard.
Locations & duration
This course is offered at all centres, three days per week over 35 weeks September to June with options for daytime or evening delivery.
Next steps
Combined with other Level 4 qualifications, this course offers progression to
undergraduate courses, including Access to Music’s own degrees, as well as into
apprenticeships and employment.
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Jamie Morrison
In September 2012, Jamie Morrison took over the drum
stool for top alternative rock band, Stereophonics,
replacing Javier Weyler. However, Jamie didn’t just land
the job by chance. He played a pivotal role in the rise of
The Noisettes, playing on the 2009 number one album
Wild Young Hearts with its hit Go Baby Go (Don’t Upset
The Rhythm). With The Noisettes he appeared on top TV
shows including Jonathan Ross and Jools Holland.
Jamie left The Noisettes in January 2010 to work on KT
Tunstall’s Tiger Suite album. He then
went on to drum for Welsh star Duffy, as well as Motown
legend Martha Reed and the Vandellas. He has also
toured with upcoming UK artist Rebecca Ferguson and is
endorsed by Premier drums.
Jamie started his career by coming to study at Access to
Music, initially at our centre in Cambridge, and then on
the Artist Development course in London. He arrived to
us with an upbringing in jazz, but through his work with
other musicians at Access to Music, he began to broaden
his repertoire and style to become the internationallyrenowned musician he is today.
music courses
meet our students
Louis La Roche
Louis La Roche is a producer, remixer and DJ with
a glamorous roster of artist credits to his name.
Louis has created remixes for Basement Jaxx,
VV Brown, Mercury Awards prize winner Speech
Debelle, Madonna and The Noisettes.
He is also a talented creator of original music with
a number of single and EP releases which have
been played out by major DJs such as Armand Van
Helden, Breakbot and Wolfgang Gartner and his
tracks have been featured on Ministry of Sound
compilations.
One interesting project Louis is working on is an
album sampling Paul McCartney records, spanning
five decades of material. Each track will contain
instrumentals/stems sampled from Paul McCartney
where the components, such as drums, bass, keys
and vocals are all taken from different tracks. He
also plans to make a film about it.
Louis studied at Access to Music Norwich and
then went on to the Artist Development course in
London.
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music business courses
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music business courses
Music Business: overview
Our Music Business course is a great way to
learn about the UK music industry and how to
operate in it:
• For those wanting to get a general background to
working in the UK music industry.
• Centred around gaining an insight into the recording and
live sectors, with opportunities in areas such as event
management and music journalism.
• Ideal for young people aged 16+ looking to work for
businesses and organisations in the UK music industry,
from record labels, venues and festivals to music
magazines and retail.
• Based around real-world projects with opportunities
to organise events, run labels and create digital
businesses, plus opportunities to work at festivals such
as Glastonbury and Latitude.
• Designed to give you more than music in that you will
also gain valuable job skills and life skills.
• Linked to nationally-recognised music qualifications.
• Taught by music industry personnel at 8 UK locations
and graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
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music business courses
Music Business: course details
Courses
The following Music Business course is available:
• Music Business (Level 2) A one year GCSE-equivalent full-time course
for young people wanting to work in the music industry with little or no
experience and skills.
• Music Business (Level 3) A one or two-year A Level-equivalent full-time
course for young people wanting to work in the music industry with some
experience and skills.
Content
The course covers UK recording industry, UK live music industry, UK law
and music organisations, event management, marketing and promotion and
setting up a business.
Qualifications
Courses are assessed through nationally-recognised Rockschool
qualifications with assessment based on course work rather than exams.
Level 3 courses have equivalence with BTECs and A Levels and carry full
UCAS points. You may also be required to undertake GCSE-equivalent
qualifications in English and Maths.
Entry requirements
Our main criteria is an ability and passion for music, business and enterprise
and a dedication to gain skills. There are no formal GCSE requirements for
Level 3 courses, unlike BTECs which require 5 GCSEs. You will be invited to
an interview where we will assess which course is best for you.
Locations & duration
This course is offered at all centres, three days per week over 35 weeks September to June (daytime).
Next steps
Progression from the Level 2 course is to further study at Level 3. Progression
from the Level 3 course can be to employment, apprenticeships or
undergraduate study including the following Access to Music course:
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• BA (Hons) Music Business
Takeover Entertainment
Tinchy Stryder. They signed him to a joint publishing
deal with EMI and the result was a string of bestselling singles and live appearances.
Access to Music students go on to work in all areas
of the industry. Archie Lamb and Jack Foster came
to Access to Music Norwich to develop their music
skills. While there they got hooked on the business
side of music and in 2006 they decided to set up
their own artist management company.
More recently Takeover Entertainment signed a jointdeal with Jay Z and Roc Nation to create a European
record label called Takeover Roc Nation. Takeover
Entertainment also manage Giggs, Dappy and exAccess to Music student and up-and-coming star,
Ria Ritchie.
The new company’s coup was to sign and
mastermind the phenomenal rise of UK grime artist,
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music business courses
meet our students
Gabbi Marsden
‘When I started the Music Business course I wasn’t sure what I wanted to go into. I knew I
wanted to work with bands/artists and help them get heard. I also liked finding out new bands
and reading/writing about them. So the whole music journalism area seemed to fit my career
goals. The major unit that really helped was the Music Press and Journalism. From this I
learned about different types of journalistic style.’
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media courses
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media courses
Digital Media: overview
Access to Music is about more than music.
We are now offering digital media courses in a
unique creative industries context:
• Based around media projects for the music and
creative industries. You will get to work on video and
photoshoots for music artists, create designs for albums,
posters and merchandise and generate web and social
media sites and content. You will also work on exciting
animation and computer games projects.
• Ideal for young people aged 16+ looking to work in
digital media and the creative industries.
• Designed to give you more than media in that you will
also gain valuable job skills and life skills.
• Linked to nationally-recognised qualifications
• Taught by media specialists at three UK locations and
graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
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media courses
Digital Media: course details
Courses
The following Digital Media courses are available:
• Digital Media (Level 2) A one-year GCSE-equivalent full-time course for
young people wanting to work in digital media with some experience and
skills.
• Digital Media (Level 3) A one or two-year A Level-equivalent full-time
course for young people wanting to work in digital media with more
experience and skills.
Content
The courses cover website design, graphic design and illustration; video
production and digital photography, plus animation and computer games
design. You will work on projects, some in collaboration with music students.
Qualifications
Courses are assessed through nationally-recognised BTEC qualifications*
with assessment based on course work rather than exams. Level 3 courses
generate UCAS points for entry to higher education. You may also be required
to undertake GCSE-equivalent qualifications in English and Maths. *TBC
Entry requirements
Our main criteria is an ability and passion for all aspects of digital media and a
dedication to gain skills. You will be invited to an interview where we will assess
which course is best for you. Level 3 courses will require 5 GCSEs for entry.
Locations & duration
This course is offered at Brighton, Lincoln and London, three days per week
over 35 weeks - September to June (daytime).
Next steps
Progression from the Level 2 course is to further study at Level 3. Progression
from Level 3 courses can be to undergraduate study including digital media
degrees.
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traineeships & apprenticeships
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traineeships & apprenticeships
Traineeships: overview
The focus of Traineeships is personal skills development to
improve your employability. This is done by:
• providing job search support
• providing employability support
• personal and social development
• providing a high-quality work placement of at least 6
weeks duration but no more than 5 months in total
• studying English and Maths as part of the programme
(unless the trainee has already gained GCSE A* - C in
both subjects)
Access to Music now offers traineeships for young people
aged 16-24 who:
• are not currently in a job and have little work
experience
• are qualified below Level 3 (e.g. A Level or equivalent)
• have a reasonable chance of being ready for
employment or an apprenticeship within six months of
taking a traineeship
The maximum duration of a traineeship is 6 months. On
successful completion the trainee will automatically be
referred to an interview with the host employer.
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access apprenticeships
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traineeships & apprenticeships
Apprenticeships: overview
Access Apprenticeships specialises in creating apprenticeship
opportunities in the creative industries and other sectors, including:
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creative and digital media
the music industry
live events and promotion
social media and digital marketing
technical theatre
community arts management
business administration
team leading
The benefits of being an apprentice are:
• you gain qualifications at the same time as getting valuable
work experience
• you get paid a minimum wage of £95 a week and the tuition is
free
Apprenticeships are available at various levels and last a minimum of
nine months. If you are interested, please join our talent pool where
we aim to match apprentices to employers. Please send your details
and CV to [email protected]
All Access Apprenticeships vacancies will be posted on the National
Apprenticeship Service website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk/
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‘I feel like the tutors understand me and what
they are teaching me, which helps me have a
strong sense of trust in them.’
KEEPING YOU
SAFE
keeping
you safe
Access to Music believes that the welfare of the
individual is paramount. We recognise our duty and
responsibility to protect when there is a cause for
concern.
All staff and students have the right to:
• Live and work in a safe environment and be
protected from harm.
• Experience emotional well-being.
• Feel valued and be supported by a network of
professional relationships.
• Have a positive self-image.
• Have a secure sense of cultural, social and racial
identity.
• Develop good interpersonal skills and confidence in
social situations.
We believe:
• That all staff and students without exception have
the right to protection from abuse regardless of
gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexuality or beliefs.
• That all concerns, and allegations of abuse will be
taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
We are committed to the principle of safe recruitment,
selection and vetting of all staff.
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OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
Access to Music aims to promote equality and
diversity in everything we do by:
• Creating a positive and welcoming environment
for people to learn, work and engage across their
wider community.
• Treating all people fairly and with respect, giving
them all an equal opportunity to learn and progress.
• Encouraging people from different backgrounds to
continue to learn and to achieve their potential in
life.
• Adhering to legislation and regulations, and
supporting legal requirements.
• Reflecting our commitment to equality and diversity
in all of our courses and activities.
• Working proactively to combat discrimination,
encouraging and promoting equality and
celebrating diversity.
Access to Music emphasises inclusiveness, openness and
fairness, offering a positive outlook on the many differences,
as well as similarities, that can affect how people interact with
each other. We value the abilities and skills that all individuals
bring with them. Our courses and opportunities are designed to
be accessible to everyone regardless of gender, race, disability,
physical ability, mental capability, education, sexual orientation,
religious belief, values, age, personality, experiences and culture.
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STAY CONNECTED!
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0800 28 18 42
[email protected]
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Access to Music Limited.