BIMM Berlin Prospectus

YOUR
MUSIC
CAREER
STARTS
HERE
LONDON
BERLIN
DUBLIN
MANCHESTER
BRISTOL
BRIGHTON
EUROPE’S
MOST CONNECTED
MUSIC COLLEGE
PROSPECTUS
2016/17
ABOUT BIMM
1
BIMM-INSTITUTE.DE
DEAR STUDENT,
YOUR MUSIC CAREER
STARTS HERE.
As the College Principal for BIMM Berlin,
I know how important it is to choose the
right place to study, and to start your
education and career off on the right path.
and if you’re passionate about a life in
music, I can think of nowhere more suitable
for you than BIMM – Europe’s leading
provider of contemporary music education.
Like many of you, I knew I wanted my
life to be in music, but it was only when
my Mum suggested I think about doing
a degree in it that this dream started to
become a reality. As I look back on this
time, all of my friends were going to
university and I had my mind set on doing
English – because I was good at it… and
I’d never formally studied music. What
I realised was that when choosing what
you want to do for the rest of your life,
picking something because you’re good at
it isn’t necessarily the best option. Music
has always been my passion and I decided
to take a chance and audition for a place
at university to study it. Eight years later
and I have a first class degree, a Master’s
degree with distinction and a PhD – all of
which are based in
music. Passion is
the heart of the
music industry
Berlin is an incredible, multifaceted city with
many subtleties and scenes, and our college
reflects this in the multinational student
cohort and the great range of talent and
experience represented in our tutor team.
The music scene here is one of the most
renowned in the world, and for many of our
staff – those of us who moved here from
the UK or those that have been settled here
for years – the city continues to enthral and
captivate us. It’s intense… but it creates a
scene that’s full of possibilities.
Just like all the tutors here at BIMM Berlin,
I’m industry active and continue to write,
record, produce and perform music, and all
of this feeds directly into your education
in a relevant, timely and practical way. If
you’re looking for a creative, successful and
sustainable career in the music industry,
then I look forward to welcoming you and
being a part of your journey.
DR NICK DONOVAN
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
– BIMM BERLIN
2
CONTENTS
WELCOME 03
CONTENTS
12
18
50
05 ABOUT BIMM
06 BERLIN – THE PLACE TO STUDY
08 THE BIMM ADVANTAGE
10 LIFE AT BIMM
12MASTERCLASSES
14 CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT
18 STUDENT SUCCESS
22TUTORS
27COURSES
42 STUDENT SERVICES
44 HOW TO APPLY
45INTERNATIONAL
47 FEES AND FINANCE
48 EDUCATION PARTNERS
49ACCOMMODATION
50 OPEN DAYS AND COLLEGE TOURS
52 CONTACT INFORMATION
“ REALLY IMPRESSED WITH
WHAT YOU HAVE HERE,
YOU’RE VERY LUCKY.”
ROGER DALTREY CBE
BIMM PATRON
4 CONTENTS
04
CONTENTS
ABOUT
AT BIMM YOU’LL BE PART OF A CREATIVE COMMUNITY THAT GIVES YOU THE BEST
OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TALENT AND WORK IN ONE OF
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST AND MOST CELEBRATED INDUSTRIES.
The global music industry is worth around
$50bn annually and this figure continues
to grow each year, providing a multitude of
employment opportunities in Europe and
abroad. For 15 years, BIMM has been producing
some of the industry’s brightest talents, from
best-selling artists such as The Kooks, Tom
Odell, Radiohead, James Bay and George Ezra
to leading songwriters, musicians, agents,
producers, journalists, business professionals
and major-label managers.
Location is vital to breaking into the music
industry, so we’ve based our colleges in Berlin,
London, Brighton, Bristol, Manchester and
Dublin – the six European cities where music
matters most. These locations have thriving
music scenes that allow you to take advantage
of our unrivalled industry connections and
the many collaborative opportunities that
arise. In this creative environment you can
network and develop lifelong contacts while
performing and staging gigs at local venues
and festivals, as well as working with record
labels, music producers and rehearsal studios
to get an authentic taste for what life in the
music industry is really like.
All of our colleges offer fully accredited
courses and are QAA-assured. Our tutors
are experts in their field and still tour,
play and produce music with some of the
world’s biggest recording artists, such as
Radiohead, Paul Weller, Beyoncé, Madonna
and Sir Paul McCartney.
WHY BERLIN?
Berlin has been a key centre for
music since the 18th century, and has
continued to be hugely influential on
a global scale. Cosmopolitan, creative,
avant-garde, subversive and openminded; it’s a city that mixes this deep
regard for the history and tradition of
music with a desire to be distinctively
contemporary and cutting-edge. In fact,
you’d be hard pressed to find another
European capital with such a rich
cultural heritage when it comes to music
and the arts; giving our students direct
access to a vibrant creative community
made up of diverse events, festivals,
venues and gigs.
ABOUT BIMM 05
BERLIN
THE
PLACE
TO STUDY
BERLIN IS A MUSICIAN’S PARADISE.
THE RENTS ARE LOW, THE LIVING’S
CHEAP AND THE FRIDAY NIGHTS
REGULARLY STRETCH THROUGH
TO MONDAY, WITH EVERYWHERE
FROM SCUZZY BACKROOMS AND
CAVERNOUS WAREHOUSES, TO
BOATS MOORED ON THE RIVER
SPREE BOUNCING TO MINIMAL
TECHNO, EXPERIMENTAL INDIE
AND DIY PUNK ALIKE.
A century of history may have left its scars,
but the German capital has a restless
energy that makes it almost uniquely
present: a 21st century metropolis that
teems with opportunity without sacrificing
its grit or approachability.
There are good reasons why so many
artists have fled this way in recent
decades, from David Bowie, Brian Eno and
Iggy Pop, to Nick Cave, Depeche Mode,
U2 and Bloc Party: the city is a magnet for
talent, driving inspiration and rewarding
hard work with even harder play. As the
centre of Europe, Berlin looks out to the
world, but it’s dancing while it does so –
new scenes and sounds innovating within
its tower blocks and underpasses, forest
glades and backstreet galleries.
The tourist guides might not be there to
catalogue it but here something interesting
is always happening in a city that’s forever
changing – and as a place to launch your
career in music, there’s genuinely nowhere
more exciting than Berlin.
“ WE WERE ALWAYS
ENCOURAGED TO BETTER
OURSELVES AT BIMM, TO
HAVE ENQUIRING MINDS,
AND TO CHALLENGE
OURSELVES WITH OUR OWN
INDIVIDUAL GOALS. I KNOW
THAT IT’S MADE A REAL
DIFFERENCE TO MY CAREER
AND HAS HELPED ME TO
REALISE MY AMBITIONS.”
CHARLIE MCCLEAN,
FOUNDATION DEGREE GRADUATE
06 BERLIN
BERLIN 07
BERLIN +
LONDON
= THE BIMM
ADVANTAGE
WHEREVER WE LAUNCH IN THE WORLD, WE’RE
DETERMINED TO OFFER OUR STUDENTS A
TRULY UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE;
ONE YOU JUST CAN’T GET ANYWHERE ELSE.
BIMM BERLIN IS NO DIFFERENT.
All our students will attend classes in
Berlin via our partners Noisy Musicworld
who are situated in the centrally located
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district of Berlin
– an area which attracts musicians, artists
and students from all over the world and is
undeniably the creative and business hub of
the German music industry.
BIMM Berlin’s placement here gives our
students direct access to the local creative
and music community, including being in
close proximity to many of Berlin’s most
current clubs and venues. In fact, the Noisy
Musicworld building itself is a music industry
hub with recording studios, rehearsal rooms,
equipment hire, a radio station and an online
event ticketing agency, providing many
opportunities for our students to perform
together and work in partnership.
because it operates right at the centre
of the global music scene, giving them
direct access to the most happening music
venues, the coolest record labels, the most
groundbreaking festivals, and the most
iconic music brands in the world.
This exchange is part of our commitment
to connecting all our students to our
global network of aligned campuses –
allowing them to link up and collaborate
with international performers, songwriters,
producers, music business professionals,
journalists and tutors – and is guaranteed
to make a degree from BIMM Berlin the
most valuable and highly respected one
on the market. So if you’re looking forward
to a long and successful career in the music
industry, let BIMM Berlin help you make
it happen.
But that’s just the beginning!
We’re excited to announce that all BIMM
Berlin courses include the option for our
undergraduates to study their second year at
our BIMM London college. Our international
exchange students will love BIMM London
08 THE BIMM ADVANTAGE
THE BIMM ADVANTAGE 09
LIFE
AT
BIMM
AT BIMM WE WANT TO HELP YOU BROADEN
AND DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS AS A MUSICIAN
OR MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL.
“PROVIDING YOU
WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO
ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS.”
WHETHER IT’S LEARNING INSIDE THE
CLASSROOM, IN A STUDIO, ON STAGE
OR AT A FESTIVAL, WE’LL PROVIDE
YOU WITH ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES
YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE YOUR
GOALS THROUGH CONNECTING AND
INTERACTING WITH THE INDUSTRY IN
REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS.
GUESTS AND MASTERCLASSES
We believe that to be the best it helps to
connect with the best, so we encourage
you to meet and network with leading
music industry professionals. We
use our connections to attract A-list
musicians, songwriters, label executives,
A&R reps and booking agents to share
their knowledge with you in regular
Masterclasses. Previous guests have
included: Danny O’Donoghue (The Script),
KT Tunstall, Chuck D (Public Enemy),
Imelda May, Graham Coxon (Blur), Keane,
Stephen Street (Producer: Blur, The
Smiths), Michael Eavis (Glastonbury),
Lawson, Ben Thompson (Two Door Cinema
Club) and BIMM patron Roger Daltrey CBE
(The Who).
BIMM ALBUM
Every year we release an album featuring
a host of BIMM musicians. BIMM bands and
artists submit demos for consideration,
and the chosen acts get to record at a
professional studio with engineers and
producers. The album is released to the
public and given to industry professionals
to showcase the very best of BIMM talent.
10 LIFE AT BIMM
GIGS
Life at BIMM is not all about coursework,
revision and exams – live music is a huge part
of what we’re all about. Throughout your time
at BIMM, you’ll be heavily involved in Berlin’s
live scene, whether it’s gigging, rehearsing or
promoting. We also run and put on our own
end-of-term gigs, showcasing our musicians,
bands and songwriters at a series of events
across the city.
“ I FELT I FINALLY FITTED
IN THERE. YOU COULD DO
YOUR OWN THING AND
THAT’S WHAT WE DID.”
LUKE PRITCHARD, THE KOOKS
BIMM GRADUATES
LIFE AT BIMM
11
MASTERCLASSES
“TO BE THE BEST IT HELPS
TO MEET THE BEST.”
GRAHAM COXON
BLUR
PREVIOUS BIMM SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE…
CHUCK D
BOB GELDOF
PUBLIC ENEMY
PAUL WELLER
THE JAM
FRANK TURNER
SINGER-SONGWRITER
MARKY RAMONE
RAMONES
MICHAEL EAVIS
GLASTONBURY
FESTIVAL
KT TUNSTALL
SINGERSONGWRITER
RUFUS
WAINWRIGHT
SINGER-SONGWRITER
12 MASTERCLASSES
MASTERCLASSES 13
INDUSTRY
INSIGHT
BIMM
CONNECT
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
WE KNOW HOW SERIOUS YOU
ARE ABOUT FORGING A CAREER IN
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, AND HERE AT
BIMM, WE’RE JUST AS DETERMINED
TO HELP GET YOU THERE. BY BEING
THE BEST CONNECTED, WE
GUARANTEE TO MAKE YOU BEST
PREPARED FOR THAT JOB IN MUSIC.
We do this by connecting you to firsthand industry experiences where you’ll
learn practical skills that can’t be taught
in the classroom, but are essential in
the real-world of employment. Our
approach works too, because 81% of
BIMM graduates are working within six
months of leaving us, with almost 60%
saying they found their job thanks to
connections made at BIMM. Your
music career starts here.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT HUBS
BIMM has over 50 dedicated Career Advisors
at our on-site Student Creative Career
Development Hubs across all six of our colleges.
14 CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT
If you want to work in the music
business, it helps to know how it runs.
As a BIMM student, you’ll learn this in
person, via our ongoing programme of
industry partner events, Masterclasses
and artist development sessions. From
networking at Music Week’s industry
event RADAR or soundchecking at
The Great Escape, to an internship
with one of the world’s biggest record
labels, you’ll get unprecedented access
to our network of contacts – and will
be rubbing shoulders with those who
make the music industry happen.
81 %
of graduates are working within
six months of leaving BIMM*
GET CAREER
READY
At BIMM, our success is your success. From
day one as a student, we want to know
your career goals – we’ll log, track and
nurture them, to make sure you accomplish
them. We have dedicated Career Advisors
who’ll help you search for suitable jobs,
will assist one-on-one with your CV, and
will find you work experience or a work
placement that directly suits your needs.
Last year, 34% of our students completed
an internship while at BIMM, and we’re
dedicated to seeing this figure increase
year-on-year. We’re committed to helping
you achieve a lifelong sustainable career
in the music industry, and with our advice,
guidance and support, you’ll leave us
knowing exactly how to go out and get it.
EMPLOYMENT
PORTFOLIO
We know how competitive the music
industry can be. If you want to stand
out, you need to be prepared. At
BIMM, we’re dedicated to giving you
unparalleled access to resources
designed to expand your portfolio
and land you that job. Whether
it’s developing your online profile,
growing your social media networks,
having professional photography
taken, developing an Electronic Press
Kit (EPK), recording tracks for the
BIMM Album in a professional studio,
or filming a BIMM Sessions music
video, you’ll graduate with a series
of quality assets for your CV, and the
connections and knowledge required
to professionally promote yourself.
60%
of graduates found their job thanks
to connections made at BIMM*
* 2014/15 Graduate Survey
CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT 15
BPI
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
SONY MUSIC
WARNER MUSIC
MUSIC WEEK
LIVE
EXPERIENCE
Performing live in the classroom is one
thing, but nothing is more important than
hitting the stage in front of a real audience
of friends, fans, fellow students and
industry influencers. Whatever your chosen
discipline, you’ll regularly participate in live
events, including not only BIMM-run gigs
and A&R showcases, but also opportunities
with fellow students that come from being
part of the wider BIMM community. You’ll
gain hands-on experience of the inner
workings of the music business, making
you a better, more confident musician.
“ IF YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT
A CAREER IN THE MUSIC
INDUSTRY AND WANT A
GREAT EDUCATION IN HOW
THE INDUSTRY WORKS –
THIS IS THE REAL DEAL.”
ROB HARRIS, JAMIROQUAI
INDUSTRY
EXPERTS
Our tutors are some of the most influential
and successful people in the music business
and are still making waves today. Together,
they’ve built up an enviable black book of
contacts, including some of the biggest
names in global music. In 2015, through these
contacts, over 1,200 of our students had the
opportunity to showcase themselves in front
of major record labels, such as Virgin and
EMI. They were also able to participate in
everything from technical Masterclasses, and
talking guitar techniques with Graham Coxon,
to an industry Q&A session with Public
Enemy’s Chuck D. You’ll learn face-to-face
from those who really understand how the
music industry works… and are willing you
to succeed.
16 CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT
GET CONNECTED
EXCLUSIVE
FESTIVAL
PARTNERSHIPS
The European festival and live events
industry is one of the largest in the world,
with a total of £3.1 billion generated in 2014 in
the UK alone. BIMM partners with a selection
of Europe’s biggest festivals to give you
exclusive access to the most enviable real-life
work experience around. Throughout 2015,
over 1,100 BIMM students helped to set up,
run and perform at festivals throughout the
UK and Europe – taking care of everything
including stage and event management, live
sound,
“ journalism and social media reporting.
You’ll be industry-ready… and so will your CV.
PRS FOR MUSIC
THREE SIX ZERO
BELIEVE DIGITAL
REEPERBAHN FESTIVAL HAMBURG
THE GREAT ESCAPE FESTIVAL
INTL LIVE MUSIC CONFERENCE
EAST SIDE MUSIC DAYS BERLIN
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL
LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY
PLEDGEMUSIC
DUFF PRESS
AT BIMM WE’RE
SOME FRIENDLY PR
PROUD OF OUR
CLOSE INDUSTRY
RAK STUDIOS
CONTACTS AND
ENJOY SUPPORTING
COMMUNION MUSIC
OUR STUDENTS AS
THEY PROGRESS IN
THE AGENCY
THEIR CAREERS.
BIMM CONNECT 17
STUDENT SUCCESS
BIMM GRADUATES PROVE THAT TALENT, HARD WORK AND CONNECTIONS ARE
AN IMPRESSIVE MIX, WITH NEARLY 80% OF OUR ALUMNI MAKING A LIVING OUT
OF MUSIC ALONE. HERE WE PROFILE SOME OF OUR SUCCESS STORIES
– WITH MANY MORE TO BE FOUND AT: WWW.BIMM-INSTITUTE.DE/STORIES
IZZY BIZU
JAMES BAY
The rise of BIMM Brighton singer-songwriter and guitarist
James has been meteoric. In 2015, he won the BRITs ‘Critics’
Choice Award’ and placed second in the ‘BBC Sound Of’ list.
His single ‘Hold Back The River’ peaked at No. 2, hitting the
top spot in Ireland, while ‘Let It Go’ charted in the UK Top
10. His debut album ‘Chaos and the Calm’ went to No. 1 in the
UK, and is currently the fifth biggest artist album of 2015.
18
STUDENT SUCCESS
Izzy studied a Diploma in
Vocals at BIMM London,
graduating in 2012, and
wasted no time in getting her
music career up and running.
In 2013 she won the ILUVLIVE
Open Mic competition in
front of a crowd which
included Emeli Sandé and
Naughty Boy. Since then she’s
supported Sam Smith on his
UK tour, opened for Jamie
Cullum at The Roundhouse,
played Glastonbury twice,
signed a worldwide recording
contract with Epic Records,
and performed two tracks on
‘Later… With Jools Holland’.
JENN HANEEF
YAMAHA
BEN THOMPSON
TWO DOOR
CINEMA CLUB
As live drummer for
Two Door Cinema Club,
BIMM graduate Ben has
toured the globe several
times, performed at a
multitude of domestic and
international festivals and
made numerous television
appearances. A musician
endorsed by Vic Firth and
Zildjian, Ben’s abilities
are well honed, and he
continues to be a pivotal
part of Two Door Cinema
Club’s success.
After graduating from BIMM Bristol, where
she was awarded her degree by Glastonbury
Festival founder Michael Eavis, Jenn secured
a career at Yamaha as a drum tutor, teaching
both groups and individual students. She
went on to launch the Waterloo Music School
in Bristol with fellow BIMM alumna Louisa
Baker, teaching drums, keyboards, vocals,
guitar and bass to a variety of ages across
the local community. Both graduates perform
in the all-female band The Baronesques.
THE KOOKS
ZARA MCFARLANE
Multi-million-selling
indiepoppers The Kooks began
as students at BIMM, forming
as a band in Brighton in 2002.
Their 2006 debut album ‘Inside
In/Inside Out’ is certified as
four-times platinum in the UK,
and its follow-up, 2008’s ‘Konk’,
went straight into the domestic
chart at No. 1, with album
number three, ‘Junk Of The
Heart’ going Top 10 in 2011. The
band is BRIT Award nominated
and won in the category of
‘Best UK & Ireland Act’ at the
MTV Europe Awards in 2006.
Since graduating from BIMM
London, jazz singer Zara has
been signed to DJ Gilles
Peterson’s Brownswood
Recordings, released two
albums to rave reviews in the
media, and has toured the
world; including performing
all over the US and gigging at
an exciting array of European
summer festivals. She’s also
won a plethora of awards and
honours, including The Art
Desk’s ‘Album of the Year’,
‘Best Jazz Act’ at the 2014
MOBO Awards and ‘Vocalist
of the Year’ at the 2015 Jazz
FM Awards.
STUDENT SUCCESS 19
CHARLIE MCCLEAN
BIFFCO SONGWRITING
GEORGE EZRA
George joined BIMM Bristol in 2011 to study
Songwriting – and was signed to Columbia
Records less than a year later. His debut
single ‘Budapest’ reached No. 3 in the
charts, attaining Platinum status. His debut
album ‘Wanted On Voyage’ hit No. 1, selling
over one million copies in the UK alone,
and was the UK’s third biggest-selling
album of 2014.
ADAM PITTS
LAWSON
BIMM graduate Adam is the drummer for
Lawson, a major-label-signed foursome
with no fewer than six Top 20 singles to
their name and success throughout the
world. Lawson have twice supported pop
heavyweights The Wanted, and have also
toured alongside Will Young and Westlife.
The band’s 2012 debut album, ‘Chapman
Square’, was a Top 5 hit on its initial release,
and they had a No. 3 hit with ‘Juliet’ both in
the UK and abroad.
TOM ODELL
PHILIP SELWAY
RADIOHEAD
BIMM Brighton Songwriting graduate Tom
signed to Columbia Records and in 2013
was nominated in the ‘BBC Sound Of’ poll.
He won the ‘Critics’ Choice Award’ at The
BRITs, played Glastonbury Festival and his
debut album ‘Long Way Down’ went to No.
1. His rise continued into 2014, with two
BRIT Award nominations and a win as the
Ivor Novello ‘Songwriter of the Year’.
Philip is a former student who has well and
truly taken the music world by storm as
drummer for the band Radiohead – to date
they’ve sold in excess of 40 million albums
worldwide. Radiohead’s 1997 album ‘OK
Computer’ was voted the best album of the
past 25 years by readers of Q Magazine, and
in 2008 Philip was named the 26th greatest
drummer of all time by Gigwise.
20 STUDENT SUCCESS
Biffco is the songwriting team behind hits
for Ellie Goulding, Kylie Minogue, the Spice
Girls, Little Mix and many more – and BIMM
graduate Charlie is an essential part of its
creative processes, working as assistant
producer alongside the company’s founder,
Richard ‘Biff’ Stannard. With considerable
writing and backing vocalist experience
behind her, Charlie is rapidly developing her
talents as an engineer, working with the likes
of One Direction and Susan Boyle.
NATASHA BENT
JORDAN
WHITMORE
KATE WALSH
SONGWRITER
Having completed a BA
(Hons) in Professional
Musicianship at BIMM
in 2010, Jordan became
a member of the
Atlantic Records A&R
department. The label
is home to high-profile
acts such as Ed Sheeran,
Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz,
Missy Elliott and Plan B.
Jordan also works for
Brighton-based music
supervision company The
Sound Works.
After graduating from the
Songwriting course at BIMM
Brighton, Kate went on to
become the first unsigned
act to top the iTunes chart
with her second album
‘Tim’s House’, knocking
Take That from the top slot
and securing distribution
with Mercury Records. Kate
continues to write and
record music on her own
label Blueberry Pie, and
is currently a Songwriting
tutor at BIMM Brighton.
A graduate of BIMM
Brighton, Natasha
is now a highly
successful booking
agent. She is vice
president at The
Agency Group in
London, personally
representing artists
including Foals, The
Knife, CHVRCHES
and Foster The
People, while The
Agency Group’s
wider roster features
acts including 50
Cent, Bring Me The
Horizon, Paramore
and A$AP Rocky.
For more success stories, visit bimm-institute.de/stories
STUDENT SUCCESS 21
MEET YOUR TUTORS
“EUROPE’S BEST CONNECTED.”
OUR BIMM BERLIN TUTORS ARE SOME OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL
PEOPLE IN THE MODERN MUSIC BUSINESS.
They really have done it all – from coining
the term ‘Britpop’ and being the first
journalist ever to interview Nirvana, to
touring the world with Metallica and writing
the UK’s fastest-selling rock biography.
And they all remain active in the industry,
meaning you’ll have direct access to their
in-demand insider knowledge!
Pete has been involved in the music industry for the
past 30 years. He started his career in 1979 as an
engineer at Utopia Studios, working with such acts
as The Boomtown Rats, The Police, Stevie Wonder,
Sheryl Crow and Spandau Ballet. In the mid 80s, he
produced Sting’s Grammy-nominated debut solo
record ‘The Dream of the Blue Turtles’ and later won
a Grammy for the live recording of the same album.
TONI KATER SONGWRITING TUTOR
Toni has been working as a musician and author for more
than 20 years. She released her debut album in 2004 on the
2raumwohnung label, and since then she’s been a mainstay on
the live circuit, has set-up her own record label and released her
fifth studio album in 2015. She works as a songwriter and singer
for many different publishing houses and music projects, such
as 2raumwohnung, Rosenstolz and Stephan Remmler. As well as
her solo work, Toni composes and performs music for theatre,
commercials and films.
SHON ABRAM
VOCALS TUTOR
Shon is a singer, songwriter, dancer
and actor from Hollywood, California,
who has performed in countries all
over the globe, including Japan,
Russia, South Africa, Fiji and Mexico,
among many others. As a singer,
he’s provided vocals for the Grammy
Award winning band Imagine
Dragons, and has performed at the
Stonewall Gala 2014 with Eurovision
winner, Conchita Wurst. His solo work
has included the releases ‘Demo EP’
and ‘Journey of a Man – Body, Mind,
Soul’, and has featured on the Fritz
radio show ‘Fritz Unsigned’.
22 TUTORS
PETE SMITH
RECORDING SKILLS TUTOR
PETER ‘BUDGIE’ CLARKE
HEAD OF DRUMS
Budgie is known internationally for his unique
style of self-taught drumming. His first major
label recording was for Island Records in
1979, drumming on The Slits’ debut album
‘Cut’. He then became the drummer of the
influential band Siouxsie And The Banshees
and its side project, The Creatures. In a career
spanning more than three decades, Budgie
has travelled extensively throughout Europe,
North and South America, Canada, Russia,
Asia and Australia. Since 2009 he’s toured
as a member of Juno Reactor, and in 2012 he
played with Danish group Efterklang on their
‘Piramida’ orchestral tour, which included
concerts at the Sydney Opera House and the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
TUTORS 23
SIMON HORN HEAD OF BASS
Bassist Simon has had a successful music career,
playing and recording with artists including Frank
Gambale, John Jorgenson and ‘The Voice of Germany’
singer, Michael Lane. His interest in experimenting
and exploring new instruments and techniques
has resulted in an album made completely of
bass samples. His original projects have included
collaborating with singer-songwriter Vimala, and his
musical works have been published by Alberts Music
in Australia (AC/DC’s label). He’s also a creative
consultant for advertising agencies, providing music
to enhance corporate campaigns and products.
LEE COHEN
MUSIC BUSINESS TUTOR
Lee Cohen is a 20 year veteran of touring and
artist management, working with artists such
as The Dandy Warhols and Cat Power. He
recently completed his MBA at the University
of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where he studied the
intersection of the Innovation Value Chain and
Open Innovation across the creative industries.
Currently residing in Berlin, he’s managing US
indie folk artist Jessica Pratt, business managing
Canadian singer-songwriter Mac DeMarco, and
handling tax matters in the US for multiple artists
from all over the world.
JANE ARNISON
SONGWRITING TUTOR
Originally from Australia, Jane now calls Berlin
home and rates it highly as a springboard for her
own creative endeavours. Her main project is her
band Evvol, whose debut album has just been
released by !K7 Records. She also works as a house/
techno producer and DJ under the moniker Jon
Dark, co-runs local label Mad Dog & Love and is
part of the My Haus collective. In addition to her
own creative projects, Jane works with many local
and international artists as producer, recording
and mixing engineer, composer and arranger, and
mastering engineer.
24 TUTORS
GITANJALI RAM
MUSIC THEORY TUTOR
SIMONE DIETRICH
HEAD OF VOCALS
Gitanjali studied piano at the Guildhall
School of Music and Drama in London.
A versatile performer, she’s toured
extensively playing at a variety of music
festivals in the UK, as well as working
with ensembles, opera companies,
and as a soloist. She’s played on BBC
television and has made numerous solo
piano recordings for broadcast in the
Far East. After 20 years as a professional
performer and teacher, very little phases
Gitanjali: she believes that all forms of
music should be accessible to everyone.
Since having trained on the MA Voice
Studies course at London’s Central
School of Speech and Drama, Simone
has worked as a singer, teacher and,
more recently, a voice and dialect
coach for individual actors on both
local and international film and TV
projects. Her voice can be heard on
German TV programmes such as
SOKO Leipzig and Kolberg, and she’s
performed as a backing vocalist and
coach for a multitude of artists, both
in Berlin and London.
TUTORS 25
KNOX CHANDLER
HEAD OF GUITAR
Knox’s musical career has spanned
over three decades, including long
stints as a member of The Psychedelic
Furs, Siouxsie and the Banshees
and Cyndi Lauper’s band. He’s also
performed, recorded, arranged and
produced with acts including R.E.M.,
Depeche Mode, Grace Jones, Marianne
Faithful, The Creatures and Lou
Reed. His recent shows continue to
demonstrate his ongoing importance
in contemporary music and include
performing with The X-Patsys (Robert
Longo, Barbara Sukowa), The Butterfly
Effect: East-West Percussive Parade
(Budgie, Mabi, Sugizo, Leonard Eto),
as well as solo guitar performances.
BERLIN
COURSES
28 BA (HONS) CREATIVE MUSICIANSHIP
32 BA (HONS) SONGWRITING
36 BA (HONS) MUSIC BUSINESS
38 BA (HONS) MUSIC PRODUCTION
JEFF COLLIER
MUSIC BUSINESS TUTOR
Jeff is an American recording artist,
drummer, singer, published songwriter,
producer and vocal production specialist
working in rock and popular music of all
kinds. He has toured extensively, and has
worked in the studio with artists such
as IAMX, Apocalyptica, Oliver Koletzki,
Kreator and 3 Colours Red, as well as with
producers including Tony Visconti (David
Bowie, T. Rex), Jim Abbiss (Adele, Arctic
Monkeys, Kasabian), Steve Lyon (Depeche
Mode, The Cure), and Don Dixon (R.E.M.).
During his career, Jeff has lived and
worked in his native USA, as well as
London, Dublin and more recently, Berlin.
For a full list of tutors, visit bimm-institute.de/tutors
26 TUTORS
COURSES CONTENTS 27
“TURN YOUR PASSION
FOR MUSIC INTO A CAREER.”
GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS AND VOCALS
BA (HONS)
CREATIVE
MUSICIANSHIP
GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS
AND VOCALS
3 YEARS FULL-TIME
If you’re a musician who’s keen to develop
your individual creative voice, then the BA
(Hons) Creative Musicianship will help turn
your passion for music into a career.
The programme combines instrumental study
with the opportunity to develop collaborative
and entrepreneurial skills while performing a
wide range of original and adapted music.
At BIMM Berlin, we understand that live
performance is the key to you becoming a
great musician, so you’ll spend a lot of time on
stage to help you develop and find your niche
as a performer. You’ll participate in weekly Live
Performance Workshops (LPWs) in all three
years, performing with your fellow students
while receiving expert guidance from highly
skilled BIMM tutors.
Perhaps the most exciting part is that you
get to choose where you complete your
second year of study – BIMM Berlin or BIMM
London. Wherever you decide, you’ll study
Techniques in both Years 1 and 2, ensuring the
development of performance excellence is
facilitated alongside the pursuit of creativity
and artistry, and you’ll have the choice to
continue with it in Year 3 at BIMM Berlin as an
optional module.
You’ll explore and develop your potential
career pathways through research and
professional projects, learning the essential
skills required to work successfully in the
music industry.
Through a range of optional modules,
including Showcase, Music for the Moving
Image, Creative Technology Applications and
Music Pedagogy in Practice, you can tailor the
degree to fit your own personal goals.
28 BA (HONS) CREATIVE MUSICIANSHIP
Above all, the BA (Hons) Creative Musicianship
offers an opportunity for you to explore your
creative side as a musician, encouraging you
to experiment with your style, try new things
and push yourself to become the most unique
and original individual artist you can be. As a
graduate you’ll be ready to pursue a range of
different career options, including artist, band
leader, band member and arranger/composer.
So, what are you waiting for? To make your
way as a musician, connect with us, and we’ll
connect you to a life in music.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
EU STUDENTS:
To be considered for a place, students must
have passed the Abitur with an overall grade
of 4.0. A score of 10 / gut in the Hauptfach
/ Leistungskurs / Kurs mit erhöhtem
Anforderungsniveau will meet necessary
English Language requirements. Completion
of the IB with a minimum score of 24 overall is
required. Applicants studying A1/A2 in English
will meet our English Language requirements.
Please contact the Admissions Team if you’ve
studied other qualifications. If you haven’t
studied an approved English Language
qualification, we require that you take an IELTS
exam achieving a minimum score of 6.0 with
no less than 5.5 achieved in each band.
UK STUDENTS:
Minimum entry requirements are five GCSEs at
grade C or above (including English Language),
plus two A-levels at grade C or above (160
UCAS points) or a BTEC level 3 equivalent.
Validated by the University of West London.
BA (HONS) CREATIVE MUSICIANSHIP 29
BA (Hons) Creative Musicianship
COURSE MODULES
YEAR 1
In Year 1, students address
the building blocks of
individual artistry that will
underpin not only the rest
of their studies, but also
their future career. This
includes interpreting a
wide-range of music in both
traditional and experimental
contexts while developing
an understanding of
songwriting, music
technology and the music
business. Students take six
modules (120 credits). All
modules are mandatory
and run throughout the
academic year (30 weeks).
• Band Performance 1
• Performance Techniques 1
•S
ongwriting and Creative
Technology 1
• Styles
• Harmony and Theory
• Popular Music Studies
YEAR 2
BERLIN OR LONDON
– YOUR CHOICE!
Year 2 requires students
to apply their skills to
increasingly ‘real-world’
scenarios while utilising the
weekly Live Performance
Workshop (LPW) to explore
the original music of
their peers. Students also
have the chance to select
optional modules that allow
them to focus their learning
journey on either showcase
performance, creative
technology applications
or composing for moving
image. Students take six
modules (120 credits). There
are five mandatory modules
and students select one of
three optional modules. All
modules run throughout the
academic year (30 weeks).
• Band Performance 2
• Performance Techniques 2
• Songwriting and
Musicianship
• Artist Development
• The Music Industry
YEAR 3
Year 3 affords students the
opportunity to participate
in the self-directed final
Creative Project, while
choosing from a range
of optional modules that
will best support them to
make the transition from
student to creative artist.
Students take five modules
(120 credits). There are
three mandatory modules
and students select two of
four optional modules. All
modules run throughout the
academic year (30 weeks).
• Creative Project
• Band Performance 3
• Personal and Business
Development
Optional – Songwriting
and Creative
Technology 2
Optional – Techniques 3
Optional – Music Pedagogy
in Practice
Optional – Music for the Moving Image 2
Optional – Showcase
Optional – M
usic for the
Moving Image 1
Optional – Creative
Technology
Applications
For module descriptions
and more information, visit
www.bimm-institute.de
30 BA (HONS) CREATIVE MUSICIANSHIP
BA (HONS) CREATIVE MUSICIANSHIP 31
BA (HONS)
SONGWRITING
If you’re a songwriter with a creative flair
for composition and lyric writing, then the
BA (Hons) Songwriting will help turn your
passion for music into a career.
At BIMM Berlin, we have a strong focus on
writing technique, analysis and personal
stylistic development, and you’ll be
encouraged from day one to explore your
creativity as an artist in a range of disciplines,
from solo and group performance to
commercial songwriting and music production
for film, television and online channels.
to fit your own personal goals. You’ll get to
attend unique and inspiring Masterclasses by
some of the best musicians in the world which
will stretch you as a songwriter. Your course
will culminate in a Song Project designed to
give you the opportunity to develop a song
project of your choice, and to give you a head
start into the workplace when you graduate.
So, to make your way as a songwriter,
connect with us, and we’ll connect you
to a life in music.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
One of the major benefits of this course is that
you get to choose where you complete your
second year of study. Wherever you decide on
BIMM Berlin or BIMM London, you’ll be sure
to gain extensive songwriting inspiration from
your incredible surroundings.
The degree is both academically and
musically challenging, providing the perfect
balance between practical and technical
skills, and theory and analysis. To succeed as
a great songwriter, a detailed understanding
of the music business is essential. We’ll share
our knowledge of music publishing, contracts
and recording technology, and will deliver
our teaching in line with the latest trends
and directions in the evolving music industry.
You’ll be part of a creative community of
gifted writers, performers and music industry
professionals who you can collaborate and
network with to help bring your talent to life.
Through a range of optional modules,
including Writing for Commission, Music
for the Moving Image, Song Production and
Writing for Stage, you can tailor the degree
32 BA (HONS) SONGWRITING
EU STUDENTS:
To be considered for a place, students must
have passed the Abitur with an overall grade
of 4.0. A score of 10 / gut in the Hauptfach
/ Leistungskurs / Kurs mit erhöhtem
Anforderungsniveau will meet necessary
English Language requirements. Completion
of the IB with a minimum score of 24 overall is
required. Applicants studying A1/A2 in English
will meet our English Language requirements.
Please contact the Admissions Team if you’ve
studied other qualifications. If you haven’t
studied an approved English Language
qualification, we require that you take an IELTS
exam achieving a minimum score of 6.0 with no
less than 5.5 achieved in each band.
UK STUDENTS:
Minimum entry requirements are five GCSEs at
grade C or above (including English Language),
plus two A-levels at grade C or above (160
UCAS points) or a BTEC level 3 equivalent.
Validated by the University of West London.
3 YEARS FULL-TIME
BA (Hons) Songwriting
COURSE MODULES
YEAR 1
In Year 1, students address
the essential songwriting
skills that will underpin not
only the rest of their studies
but also their future career.
This includes investigating
and analysing a wide range
of music and developing
an understanding of music
theory, music technology
and the music business.
Students take six modules
(120 credits). All modules
are mandatory and run
throughout the academic
year (30 weeks).
•
•
•
•
Songwriting 1
Song Stylistics
Recording Skills
Music Technology for
Songwriters 1
• Musicianship
• Popular Music Studies
YEAR 2
BERLIN OR LONDON
– YOUR CHOICE!
Year 2 requires students
to apply their skills to
increasingly ‘real-world’
scenarios while studying the
complex legal framework of
the music business. Students
also have the chance to
select optional modules
that allow them to focus
their learning journey on
showcase performance,
writing to brief and/or
composing for moving
image. Students take six
modules (120 credits). There
are five mandatory modules
and students select one of
three optional modules. All
modules run throughout the
academic year (30 weeks).
• Songwriting 2
• Music Technology for
Songwriters 2
• Arranging
• Music Publishing and the
Legal Framework
• The Music Industry
Optional – M
usic for the
Moving Image 1
Optional – Writing for
Commission
Optional – Showcase
YEAR 3
Year 3 affords students the
opportunity to participate
in the self-directed
final Song Project while
choosing from a range of
optional modules including
Situational Composition,
Music Pedagogy and/or
Music Technology that will
best support them to make
the transition from student
to professional songwriter.
Students take five modules
(120 credits). There are two
mandatory modules and
students select three out
of six optional ones. All
modules run throughout the
academic year (30 weeks).
• Song Project
• Personal and Business
Development
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
–
–
–
–
Songwriting 3
Song Production
Writing for Stage
Music for the
Moving Image 2
Optional – Music Technology
for Songwriters 3
Optional – Music Pedagogy
in Practice
For module descriptions
and more information, visit
www.bimm-institute.de
BA (HONS) SONGWRITING 33
“SUCCESS DOESN’T
ALWAYS COME EASILY.
IT TAKES THE RIGHT
COMBINATION OF
TALENT, HARD WORK
AND VALUABLE
CONNECTIONS TO
MAKE YOUR WAY IN
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.”
34 BA (HONS) SONGWRITING
BA (HONS) SONGWRITING 35
BA (HONS)
MUSIC BUSINESS
The BA (Hons) Music Business degree at
BIMM Berlin is a leading specialist vocational
programme designed for those wishing to
pursue a career in the music and entertainment
sectors as an entrepreneur, innovator or
creative executive.
The aim of the course is to nurture
entrepreneurial flair while developing realworld skills and experience in releasing and
marketing music. You’ll be offered the perfect
opportunity to build a detailed knowledge of
the industry while developing your network
and your own ideas in a creative space, using
a mixture of both existing and emerging
digital technologies.
As with all BIMM Berlin courses, you get
to make the unique decision of where to
complete Year 2 of your studies – either BIMM
Berlin or BIMM London. Whichever location
you choose, both cities are well-placed to
encourage and develop your entrepreneurial
ideas – the sky’s the limit!
Our professionally connected tutors will guide
and support you through the teaching of
personal, project management and business
skills integral to artist and event management,
marketing, music publishing, legislation and
label strategies for recording and releasing
music. You’ll also experience a number of
exciting opportunities to develop ‘handson’ industry knowledge through recording
projects, live events, work placements and
internships with a range of creative industry
employers. Berlin is the epicenter of the
European music industry and the country’s
leading venues, broadcasters and companies
are right on our doorstep.
36
BA (HONS) MUSIC BUSINESS
You’ll also be a part of our thriving BIMM
community, mixing and working with a melting
pot of gifted writers, performers, producers,
alumni and industry professionals.
So, what are you waiting for? To make your
way in the music business, connect with us,
and we’ll connect you to a life in music.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
EU STUDENTS:
To be considered for a place, students must
have passed the Abitur with an overall grade
of 4.0. A score of 10 / gut in the Hauptfach
/ Leistungskurs / Kurs mit erhöhtem
Anforderungsniveau will meet necessary
English Language requirements. Completion
of the IB with a minimum score of 24 overall is
required. Applicants studying A1/A2 in English
will meet our English Language requirements.
Please contact the Admissions Team if you’ve
studied other qualifications. If you haven’t
studied an approved English Language
qualification, we require that you take an IELTS
exam achieving a minimum score of 6.0 with
no less than 5.5 achieved in each band.
UK STUDENTS:
Minimum entry requirements are five GCSEs at
grade C or above (including English Language),
plus two A-levels at grade C or above (160
UCAS points) or a BTEC level 3 equivalent.
3 YEARS FULL-TIME
BA (Hons) Music Business
COURSE MODULES
YEAR 1
In Year 1, students address
the essential music business
skills that will underpin not
only the rest of their studies
but also their future career.
This includes developing
an understanding of the
fundamental principles
of business, the changing
music industry landscape,
real-world record label
projects, artist and event
management and both
physical and digital
marketing techniques.
Students take six modules
(120 credits). All modules
are mandatory and run
throughout the academic
year (30 weeks).
•
•
•
•
•
Label Project
Fundamentals of Business
Artist Management
Event Management 1
Physical and Digital
Marketing
• Popular Music Studies
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
BERLIN OR LONDON
– YOUR CHOICE!
Year 2 requires students to
build on their knowledge of
the music industry landscape
and to develop and apply
critical, analytical and
reflective skills to increasingly
‘real-world’ scenarios. The
focus continues to be on
developing independent
learning, team work,
leadership, organisational,
problem-solving, networking
and communication skills
relevant to both academic
study and the music business.
Students take six modules
(120 credits). All modules
are mandatory and run
throughout the academic
year (30 weeks).
Year 3 encourages
the highest level of
independent, self-directed
study and third-year
projects include a real-world
music business start-up
project. Students also study
increasingly complex event
management techniques
while undertaking an
industry work placement
and a dissertation.
Students take four modules
(120 credits). All modules
are mandatory and run
throughout the academic
year (30 weeks).
•
•
•
•
Music Business Project
Industry Placement
Event Management 2
Dissertation
• Digital Project
• Digital Entertainment
Commerce
• Project Management
• Music Publishing and the
Legal Framework
• Business Start Up
• Financing Creativity
Validated by the University of West London.
For module descriptions and more
information, visit www.bimm-institute.de
BA (HONS) MUSIC BUSINESS 37
“THERE’S SO MUCH
GOING ON AND SO MANY
CREATIVE PEOPLE
TO BOUNCE OFF.”
BA (HONS)
MUSIC
PRODUCTION
3 YEARS FULL-TIME
38 BA (HONS) MUSIC PRODUCTION
The way in which music is recorded, mixed
and mastered is as integral to the creative
process as composition and performance. The
best producers can add an elusive magic to a
recording that’s often the difference between
the success and failure of a project.
You’ll undertake hands-on learning in our
high-tech production facilities and will have
direct access to cutting-edge equipment and
software, where you’ll be directed in its use by
professional industry tutors who really know
the ins and outs of the kit.
The BA (Hons) Music Production degree
at BIMM Berlin is a specialist programme
designed for those wishing to pursue a career
in a range of music industry roles, such as
producer, sound engineer or creative artist.
So, what are you waiting for? To make your
way in music production, connect with us, and
we’ll connect you to a life in music.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The aim of the course is to nurture your
creative flair while you develop your skills
as a music producer across a wide range of
contexts, including traditional studio and live
recording, songwriting, live sound and music
for moving image. You’ll study the context
of contemporary music and the industry
that supports it, as well as learning personal,
project management and business skills.
EU STUDENTS:
To be considered for a place, students must
have passed the Abitur with an overall grade
of 4.0. A score of 10 / gut in the Hauptfach
/ Leistungskurs / Kurs mit erhöhtem
Anforderungsniveau will meet necessary
English Language requirements. Completion
of the IB with a minimum score of 24 overall is
required. Applicants studying A1/A2 in English
will meet our English Language requirements.
Networking and collaboration are central to
the degree, and students are encouraged to
create music projects with their peers on the
BA (Hons) Songwriting, BA (Hons) Creative
Musicianship, and BA (Hons) Music Business
programmes.
Please contact the Admissions Team if you’ve
studied other qualifications. If you haven’t
studied an approved English Language
qualification, we require that you take an IELTS
exam achieving a minimum score of 6.0 with
no less than 5.5 achieved in each band.
As with all BIMM Berlin courses, you also
get to make the unique decision of where to
complete Year 2 of your studies – either BIMM
Berlin or BIMM London. Whichever location
you choose, both cities are well-placed
to encourage and develop your ideas and
collaborations – the sky’s the limit!
UK STUDENTS:
Minimum entry requirements are five GCSEs at
grade C or above (including English Language),
plus two A-levels at grade C or above (160
UCAS points) or a BTEC level 3 equivalent.
Validated by the University of West London.
BA (HONS) MUSIC PRODUCTION 39
BA (Hons) Music Production
COURSE MODULES
YEAR 1
In Year 1, students address
the essential production
skills that will underpin, not
only the rest of their studies,
but also their future career.
This includes working with
a wide range of analogue
recording techniques and
equipment, digital mixing,
audio production and
sequencing platforms,
as well as developing an
understanding of music
theory, songwriting and the
cultural heritage of popular
music. Students take six
modules (120 credits).
All modules are mandatory
and run throughout the
academic year (30 weeks).
• Recording Skills
• Software Environments
• Mixing and Audio
Production 1
• Songwriting 1
• Musicianship
• Popular Music Studies
For module descriptions
and more information,
visit www.bimm-institute.de
YEAR 2
BERLIN OR LONDON
– YOUR CHOICE!
Year 2 requires students
to apply their skills to
increasingly ‘real-world’
scenarios involving
arranging, advanced
sequencing and remixing
in contemporary dance
styles, while developing an
understanding of the music
industry. Students also
have the chance to select
optional modules that
allow them to specialise in
studio management, live
sound and songwriting.
Students take six modules
(120 credits). There are five
mandatory modules and
students select one out of
three optional modules.
All modules run throughout
the academic year
(30 weeks).
•M
ixing and Audio
Production 2
• Electronic Music
Production
• Arranging
• Music for the Moving
Image 1
• The Music Industry
Optional – Live Sound
Optional – Songwriting 2
Optional – Studio
Management
40 CONTENTS
BA (HONS) MUSIC PRODUCTION
YEAR 3
Year 3 affords students the
opportunity to participate
in the self-directed final
Production Project, while
choosing from a range of
optional modules, including
Sound Design, Music
Pedagogy, and Composition
for the Moving Image, that
will best prepare them for
a career as a music industry
professional. Students take
five modules (120 credits).
There are two mandatory
modules and students
select three out of six
optional modules.
All modules run throughout
the academic year
(30 weeks).
•P
roduction Project
• Personal and Business
Development
Optional – Songwriting 3
Optional – Sonic
Manipulation
Optional – Location
Recording and
Post
Optional – Music for the
Moving Image 2
Optional – Music for Games
Optional – Music Pedagogy
in Practice
BA (HONS) MUSIC PRODUCTION
ABOUT BIMM 41
STUDENT
SERVICES
WE WANT TO MAKE YOUR TIME
AT BIMM BERLIN AS EASY AND AS
COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE, SO WE
HAVE EDUCATIONAL AND PERSONAL
SUPPORT TEAMS DEDICATED TO
HELPING YOU GET THE MOST OUT
OF YOUR STUDY EXPERIENCE.
EDUCATION SUPPORT
We have a full-time team providing a range
of services for those who need support
throughout their studies. These include students
with special learning difficulties, dyslexia,
medical conditions and other disabilities. Our
Student Services Team will work on a one-toone basis to help students learn skills to assist
with reading, writing, revision and approaches
to exams and coursework.
PERSONAL SUPPORT
Our Student Services Team also offers
counselling and stress management. This is
done on a one-to-one basis and is strictly
confidential. We understand that there are
certain stresses and anxieties that can affect
students, so our fully qualified counsellors will
help with any problems you may have, from
financial worries to personal issues.
FIND OUT MORE
If you have any Student Services questions,
please call our team on +49 303 11 99 186
or email [email protected]
42 STUDENT SERVICES
STUDENT SERVICES 43
HOW TO APPLY
INTERNATIONAL
APPLYING TO BIMM BERLIN IS SIMPLE. ALL YOU NEED
TO DO IS FOLLOW THESE STEPS.
IF YOU’RE A NON-EU RESIDENT, YOU CAN APPLY FOR ALL OUR
FULL-TIME COURSES. JUST FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS.
1. Applying
You can apply to BIMM Berlin by
calling our Admissions Team directly on
+49 303 11 99 186 to request an assessment
or by entering your details in the ‘Apply
Now’ form on the BIMM Berlin website. We
recommend that you attend one of our
Open Days throughout the year so that
you’re fully informed about BIMM before
you submit your application. Please try not
to leave your application to the last minute,
as courses do fill up very quickly and we’d
hate for you to be disappointed.
2. Assessment
Once we’ve received your enquiry, we’ll
invite you to attend BIMM for an audition
and assessment. If it’s difficult for you to
travel to BIMM in person, we’ll arrange for a
remote audition/assessment to take place.
3. Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums,
Vocals) and Songwriting
If you’re applying to BIMM Berlin for one
of our performance-based courses and
are an EU-based student, we’ll expect
you to attend BIMM for an audition and
assessment. If it’s difficult for you to travel
to BIMM in person, we’ll arrange for a
remote audition/assessment to take place.
All BIMM assessments are free of charge.
Upon arrival at BIMM you’ll be greeted
individually and have the opportunity to
have any questions answered. During your
individual assessment we’ll discuss your
personal aspirations and the ways in which
we can help you to achieve your goals.
44 HOW TO APPLY
After your audition/assessment you’ll be
de-briefed by a member of the Admissions
Team and this is an opportunity for you
to ask any questions regarding the course
you’re applying for. We’ll then either make
you an offer of a place or suggest how you
can develop your skills further to meet the
required standard.
4. Music Production
If you’re applying to BIMM Berlin for our
Music Production course and are an EUbased student, we’ll expect you to attend
BIMM for an assessment/interview. If
it’s difficult for you to travel to BIMM in
person, we’ll arrange for a remote audition/
assessment to take place. An offer will then
be made based upon your qualifications,
experience and a successful assessment.
5. Music Business
For our Music Business course, you’ll be
required to complete an application form
and we’ll assess your suitability based on
the personal statement you submit within
your application form. Applicants will not be
required to attend an interview.
Our Admissions Team is available to help
with any queries you may have about
applying to BIMM. Please don’t hesitate
to contact us by calling +49 303 1199 186,
emailing [email protected] or
filling in the ‘Apply Now’ form on the
BIMM Berlin website.
From the 18th century right up to today,
Berlin has been at the cutting edge of the
global music scene. Whether it’s creating
operatic masterpieces, pushing the limit
on avant-garde art or developing ultra-fast
dance tracks, music in Berlin has always been
creative, experimental and cool.
At BIMM, we’re in a unique position. Our job
is to help to build up the music network of
our students, but because of the positioning
of our colleges at selected locations at the
heart of the world’s music industry, we’ll not
only connect you to the British and European
music industries, but the global one too.
We’re very proud to welcome students from
all over the world. We currently have over
750 international learners from 60 different
countries who bring a welcome dimension to
the vibrant BIMM environment.
So if you’re an international student, why
not apply to study music in Europe’s most
creative centre for music?
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1: Making your application
Apply directly with us – find your course
and click the ‘Apply Now’ button on the
BIMM Berlin website to be guided through
the process.
Step 2: Booking your audition
A member of our Admissions Team will
contact you to discuss the details of your
application, as well as organising an audition
date and time with you.
Step 3: Remote assessments
For Performance courses, if you’re not able
to visit us for an assessment, we’ll send you
demo guidelines and an application form.
For the Songwriting and Music Production
courses, we’ll send you details of a portfolio
of evidence which you’ll need to submit and
a phone interview can be booked.
For the Music Business course, you’ll receive
an application form and we’ll assess your
suitability based on the personal statement
you submitted in your application form.
Step 4: Return assessment requirements
Complete the audition/assessment
requirements as detailed on our website and
return them to our Admissions Team.
Step 5: Assessment viewing
A tutor will view/listen to your assessment/
audition and may contact you to discuss
your goals for the course.
Step 6: Assessment de-brief
After your assessment/audition you’ll be
de-briefed by a member of the Admissions
Team and advised as to whether we can
offer you a place.
Continued overleaf.
HOW TO APPLY 45
FEES AND
FINANCE
AS PART OF EUROPE’S MOST SUCCESSFUL GROUP OF
MUSIC COLLEGES, BIMM IS UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO OFFER
OUTSTANDING VALUE AND QUALITY.
INTERNATIONAL (Continued)
Step 7: Contract confirmation
You’ll be sent a contract and offer letter via
email which needs to be confirmed within
28 days of the dated contract.
Step 8: Information pack
Once a place is confirmed, you’ll receive
an information pack from the Admissions
Team, as well as details on becoming an
International Student.
Step 9: Arrival
Student Ambassadors will meet you
on your arrival in Berlin before you
start your course. Please contact
[email protected] to confirm
your arrival date and time.
ENGLISH QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants whose first language is not
English will need to complete an English
language test:
Applicants require IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
with a minimum of 5.5 to be achieved in
each band.
We also accept the following equivalent
English Language exams:
•Cambridge First Certificate Level B2
or above
• Cambridge Advanced Level B2 or above
• ESOL Skills For Life Level 1 at Level B2
•PTE Academic Level B2 (Pearson) with
a minimum of 51 in each band
•GCSE English Language (First Language)
at C or above
•Swedish Fullstandyg Slutbetyg fran
Gymnasienskolan at VG/C or above
in English A(5) and B(6)
•International Baccalaureate English
Language at 5 or above
•As part of their Upper Secondary
Certificate some countries can use their
school English Qualification. These need
to be approved by the Admissions Team.
ENTRY CRITERIA
You’ll also need to meet the academic entry
criteria for the course you wish to apply for.
You’ll need to provide us with evidence of your
qualifications when you make your application.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information, please contact
[email protected] or call
+49 303 11 99 186.
We’re dedicated to giving our students the
best music education possible – which means
accessing our globally successful first-rate
tutors in a high-tech location at the epicentre
of the Berlin music scene… not to mention
the option of spending a year studying at
the prestigious BIMM London! Such cuttingedge facilities can be expensive, but we make
sure all BIMM Berlin courses are great value for
money – representing a practical and affordable
investment for your future career in the
music industry.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
OPTION 1: PAYING YOUR COURSE FEES IN FULL
If you would like to pay your course fees in full each year, the total costs
for BIMM Berlin Higher Education courses are:
ALL BIMM BERLIN COURSES
EU
Students
Non-EU
Students
Deposit (per year)
€450*
€1,450*
Payment (per year)
€7,000
€11,500
Total Annual Cost
€7,450** €12,950**
* Deposit to be paid by 30th June 2016 (pay online or by telephone)
** Fees to be paid in full before 30th September in each academic year
OPTION 2: PAYING YOUR FEES BY MONTHLY INSTALMENT
BIMM Berlin students also have the option to pay by instalment
via 10 monthly payments each academic year:
ALL BIMM BERLIN COURSES
EU
Students
Please note this option is only
available to EU Nationals.
Deposit (per year)
€450*
Payments x 10 (per year)
€750**
Total Annual Cost
€7,950
* Deposit to be paid by 30th June 2016 (pay online or by telephone)
** Monthly payments are to be paid by standing order and run from October to July
All fees quoted apply to the 2016/17 academic year only, and are on a per annum basis.
UK Students: please note that BIMM Berlin courses do not qualify for Student Loans Company funding.
46 INTERNATIONAL
FEES AND FINANCE 47
EDUCATION PARTNERS
BIMM IS PRIVILEGED TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A HOST
OF HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS.
Our partners enable us to offer fully
accredited courses which deliver
internationally recognised academic
qualifications to successful graduates.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON
BIMM Berlin and BIMM London graduates
are awarded their undergraduate and
postgraduate degrees from the University of
West London’s prestigious London College
of Music. BIMM Dublin Creative Musicianship
and Music Production graduates will also leave
with an esteemed award from UWL.
NOISY MUSICWORLD
BIMM Berlin students attend classes at this
impressive music school located right at the
heart of Berlin’s booming creative quarter.
UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
BIMM Brighton and BIMM Manchester
Higher Education graduates leave with an
award from one of the UK’s most highly
respected universities.
BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
The excellent Bath Spa University is our
key education partner in the South West
of England validating all Higher Education
courses at BIMM Bristol.
CENTRAL SUSSEX COLLEGE
Our outstanding Further Education partner,
Central Sussex College, supports BIMM
Brighton in the accreditation of our Level 2
and 3 programmes, as well as our Level 3
courses at BIMM London.
KNOWSLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The innovative Knowsley College supports
BIMM Manchester in the accreditation of our
Level 3 programmes.
As an education provider, BIMM is dedicated
to maintaining the highest standards for our
students. BIMM Group has been successfully
assessed by the rigorous Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and has
also received the UK Visas and Immigration
(UKVI) ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ status.
ACCOMMODATION
BERLIN IS A THRIVING STUDENT CITY WITH PLENTY OF AFFORDABLE
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS, SO FINDING SOMEWHERE TO LIVE WON’T
BE DIFFICULT. IT’S VERY EASY TO GET AROUND, SO WHEREVER YOU
CHOOSE, YOU’LL BE WITHIN EASY REACH OF OUR FRIEDRICHSHAINKREUZBERG CAMPUS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
Whether you decide to live in a bedsit, a
flat, a shared house or even on a part-board
basis with a family, there’s plenty to choose
from… although they do fill up fast.
There are no halls of residence at BIMM
Berlin, but our Student Support Team can
offer a lot of guidance when it comes to
finding suitable student digs.
AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATION
INCLUDES:
•
•
•
•
Dedicated student housing
Private landlords
Houseshare opportunities
Part-boards with families
DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
The greatly admired DIT validates two of
our BIMM Dublin courses. Graduates will
leave with a qualification awarded by Dublin
Institute of Technology.
You can find more details on the BIMM Berlin website.
When you apply we’ll send you an Accommodation Pack
to help you find your perfect place to live, and each year
we also have a dedicated online forum for new students
to find out all they need to know about living in Berlin.
48 EDUCATION PARTNERS
ACCOMMODATION 49
OPEN
DAYS AND
COLLEGE
TOURS
“NEARLY 80% OF BIMM STUDENTS GO ON
TO WORK IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.”
OPEN DAYS
COLLEGE TOURS
Throughout the year we hold monthly Open
Days so you can see for yourself what life as
a BIMM student is really like.
Throughout the year BIMM tours the
UK and Europe visiting schools and
colleges to talk to students about
careers in the music industry.
At an Open Day you can:
• Watch live performances from
BIMM bands
• See a presentation on our courses
and philosophy
• View our high-tech facilities
• Meet our world-class tutors
• Ask questions about life at BIMM and
industry opportunities
BOOK YOUR PLACE
To book on one of our Open Days, please
visit the BIMM website and complete our
online booking form. We’ll be in touch to
confirm your place.
50 OPEN DAYS AND COLLEGE TOURS
Our college tours are an interactive
experience featuring live music as well as
a presentation and Q&A session with our
experienced College Tours Team. We lift
the lid on how the music industry works
and offer advice and guidance on how
best to pursue your dream career.
WANT US TO VISIT YOUR SCHOOL?
If you’re a student, parent or teacher
and would like BIMM to visit your
school or college, please contact
our Events Team at:
[email protected]
OPEN DAYS AND COLLEGE TOURS 51
CONTACT
INFORMATION
TO APPLY TO BIMM, BOOK AN ASSESSMENT OR ASK US A QUESTION,
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH.
Noisy Musicworld
Warschauer Straße 70a
10243 Berlin
Germany
Tel: +49 303 11 99 186
Skype: bimminstitute
Email: [email protected]
BIMM IS SHAPED BY ITS PEOPLE –
THE STAFF WHO RUN IT, THE GUESTS
WHO VISIT IT AND THE STUDENTS
WHO STUDY THERE.
www.bimm-institute.de
BIMMBerlin
@BIMMBerlin
tvbimm
Please note: The information in the BIMM Prospectus and online is believed to be
correct. It’s not part of any agreement with parents/students and the Institute.
Courses and course content are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change.
52 CONTACT INFORMATION
BL16.10
ABOUT BIMM 53
YOUR
MUSIC CAREER
STARTS HERE
JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF
MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
AT BIMM BERLIN
INDUSTRY IMMERSION
BIMM MASTERCLASSES
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES
END-OF-TERM GIGS
STUDIO-RECORDED ALBUMS
PLAY AT A FESTIVAL
INDUSTRY-ENDORSED PRO EQUIPMENT
THE BEST CONNECTED TUTORS
Get in touch:
+49 303 11 99 186
[email protected]
54 bimminstitute
CONTENTS
BIMM Berlin
Noisy Musicworld
Warschauer Straße 70a
10243 Berlin, Germany
BIMM-INSTITUTE.DE