Academy of Contemporary Music
Encyclopedia
The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) is a music academy located in Guildford
, Surrey
, England
.
The school differs from more traditional music academies by its focus on rock
and pop music
, and its vocational approach. To facilitate careers for its students, it has established relationships with record labels and management companies, which offer opportunities for auditions and management/production jobs.
The school tries to appeal to young people (aged 16 and up) by having a very modern and "hip" look and feel. The reception, for instance, looks like the stage at a rock concert, with black light
s and steel decorating the interior of both the reception and the rest of the halls of the main building. The Academy is constantly improving and developing its buildings.
The school provides practice facilities, personal tutoring and has performances both for students and other audiences that are held in Guildford's Electric Theatre
The faculty is varied, ranging from successful musicians to very skilled previous ACM students.
which is located in the heart of Guildford granting BTEC
/Edexcel
awards for the lower discipline, and Middlesex University
and University of Surrey
who validate the Certificate in Higher Education for the intermediate discipline and degree BA (Hons) and BMus (Hons) through to an MA (Masters) in contemporary music.
In May 2008 ACM was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: Innovation 2008. The Queen’s Award, which is endorsed by Her Majesty the Queen, follows the Prime Minister's recommendation that the Innovation category should be conferred upon ACM in recognition of ACM’s unique and industrious education philosophy. ACM celebrated the Award with a VIP reception at the Academy with many top-level representatives from the music industry, government and education sectors in attendance to show their support. In the Fall of 2009, ACM, with support from The University of Central Oklahoma
, opened up its first location outside of the UK in Downtown Oklahoma City
, with Scott Booker as the Executive Director.
The Diploma is a level 3 qualification while the Higher Diploma is a level 4 qualification. The Higher Diploma requires that students are more advanced and have to portray more skill and knowledge in their application. Both courses take one year to finish (three semesters). The Diploma awards you a BTEC
/Edexcel
whilst successful Higher Diploma students receive a Certificate in Higher Education and are allowed to move on to the Degree studies (two years long) as long as they pass the course. At Diploma level, here are three grades awarded, as dictated by the BTEC standards; PASS, MERIT and DISTINCTION. It is not recommended for students to try to move on to the Degree from the Diploma as a very high level of technical proficiency and understanding is required.
, tutor or even a successful musician, solo or in a band.
Students are made to work in bands created for and in school, and are observed and tutored in their progression in that scenario, as well as graded in the end.
. The course is run in association with Cato, who are the UK's leading tour production company. The course will cover modules such as; technical stagecraft, sound checking, tour planning, artist interaction, stage management and monitoring. This will be a 1 year course, that will give students a Btec National Award (level 3) qualification, which is the equivalent of 1 A-level.
Guildford
Guildford is the county town of Surrey. England, as well as the seat for the borough of Guildford and the administrative headquarters of the South East England region...
, Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
The school differs from more traditional music academies by its focus on rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
and pop music
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
, and its vocational approach. To facilitate careers for its students, it has established relationships with record labels and management companies, which offer opportunities for auditions and management/production jobs.
The school tries to appeal to young people (aged 16 and up) by having a very modern and "hip" look and feel. The reception, for instance, looks like the stage at a rock concert, with black light
Black light
A black light, also referred to as a UV light, ultraviolet light, or Wood's lamp, is a lamp that emits ultraviolet radiation in the long-wave range, and little visible light...
s and steel decorating the interior of both the reception and the rest of the halls of the main building. The Academy is constantly improving and developing its buildings.
The school provides practice facilities, personal tutoring and has performances both for students and other audiences that are held in Guildford's Electric Theatre
The faculty is varied, ranging from successful musicians to very skilled previous ACM students.
History
The Academy of Contemporary Music was the brainchild of Phil Brookes, a guitar tutor from Woking. He wanted to bring contemporary music education and the music industry closer together, ultimately becoming mutually beneficial and working together in the same environment. Originally ACM consisted of tutors who were mainly professional musicians and considered teaching students as a part of their profession. As demand for tutoring in contemporary music has grown these musicians have increasingly become central to the teaching ethos of ACM and spend much of their time passing on their knowledge and experiences to ACM students. ACM currently has three educational partners: Guildford CollegeGuildford College
Guildford College of Further and Higher Education in Guildford, Surrey caters for students of age 16+ in full-time and part-time study. It has three campuses, one at Stoke Road, adjacent to Stoke Park in Guildford; the second at Merrist Wood near Worplesdon and the third Farnham College...
which is located in the heart of Guildford granting BTEC
Business And Technology Education Council (BTEC)
The Business and Technology Education Council is the British body which awards vocational qualifications. Such qualifications are commonly referred to as "BTECs"....
/Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel, a UK company, is one of England, Wales and Northern Ireland's five main examination boards, and is wholly owned by the private-sector Pearson PLC, a UK-based media and publishing conglomerate. Its name is a portmanteau word derived from the words "educational" and "excellence"...
awards for the lower discipline, and Middlesex University
Middlesex University
Middlesex University is a university in north London, England. It is located in the historic county boundaries of Middlesex from which it takes its name. It is one of the post-1992 universities and is a member of Million+ working group...
and University of Surrey
University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is a university located within the county town of Guildford, Surrey in the South East of England. It received its charter on 9 September 1966, and was previously situated near Battersea Park in south-west London. The institution was known as Battersea College of Technology...
who validate the Certificate in Higher Education for the intermediate discipline and degree BA (Hons) and BMus (Hons) through to an MA (Masters) in contemporary music.
In May 2008 ACM was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: Innovation 2008. The Queen’s Award, which is endorsed by Her Majesty the Queen, follows the Prime Minister's recommendation that the Innovation category should be conferred upon ACM in recognition of ACM’s unique and industrious education philosophy. ACM celebrated the Award with a VIP reception at the Academy with many top-level representatives from the music industry, government and education sectors in attendance to show their support. In the Fall of 2009, ACM, with support from The University of Central Oklahoma
University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma, often referred to as UCO, is a coeducational public university located in Edmond, Oklahoma. The university is the third largest in Oklahoma, with almost 18,000 students and approximately 434 full-time and 400 adjunct faculty...
, opened up its first location outside of the UK in Downtown Oklahoma City
Downtown Oklahoma City
Downtown Oklahoma City is located at the geographic center of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and is the principal business district of the city. With 115 city blocks and around of office space, downtown Oklahoma City also is the economic, financial, and entertainment center of the city...
, with Scott Booker as the Executive Director.
Disciplines
The academy offers full time courses for guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboards, music production, artist development & songwriting, radio broadcasting and music business. Depending on knowledge and skill at application time, as well as future intentions, students are recommended to study Diploma, Higher Diploma, Degree courses or Masters. ACM also offers Part time courses which consist of ACM Plus+ courses for over people over the age of 16 and ACM Junior courses for ages 10-16.The Diploma is a level 3 qualification while the Higher Diploma is a level 4 qualification. The Higher Diploma requires that students are more advanced and have to portray more skill and knowledge in their application. Both courses take one year to finish (three semesters). The Diploma awards you a BTEC
Business And Technology Education Council (BTEC)
The Business and Technology Education Council is the British body which awards vocational qualifications. Such qualifications are commonly referred to as "BTECs"....
/Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel, a UK company, is one of England, Wales and Northern Ireland's five main examination boards, and is wholly owned by the private-sector Pearson PLC, a UK-based media and publishing conglomerate. Its name is a portmanteau word derived from the words "educational" and "excellence"...
whilst successful Higher Diploma students receive a Certificate in Higher Education and are allowed to move on to the Degree studies (two years long) as long as they pass the course. At Diploma level, here are three grades awarded, as dictated by the BTEC standards; PASS, MERIT and DISTINCTION. It is not recommended for students to try to move on to the Degree from the Diploma as a very high level of technical proficiency and understanding is required.
Musical studies
The studies that relate directly to musical performance (bass, vocals, drums, keyboards and guitar) focus on making the student learn to perform at an industry professional standard consistently, teaching music theory, ear training, different playing styles, songwriting and music culture. The student is to be prepared to work in the music industry in many different scenarios, ranging from being a Session musicianSession musician
Session musicians are instrumental and vocal performers, musicians, who are available to work with others at live performances or recording sessions. Usually such musicians are not permanent members of a musical ensemble and often do not achieve fame in their own right as soloists or bandleaders...
, tutor or even a successful musician, solo or in a band.
Students are made to work in bands created for and in school, and are observed and tutored in their progression in that scenario, as well as graded in the end.
Business and production studies
The school also offers courses in music production and the business side of the music industry. These elements of the curriculum frequently work together with other students doing musical studies and both get experience out of it. The business side can manage ACM bands and artists, book and manage gigs, arrange auditions etc., while the production side does all related to music production (e.g. recording, sequencing, mixing, etc.). This is done to provide studio experience for the music students and is an integral part of the studies of music production students.Creative sound design for new media
The school has recently added the BA (Hons) Degree in Creative Sound Design for New Media to its portfolio of courses. Accredited by the University of Surrey, the course is designed to provide students with a vocational pathway into the industry as music and sound content providers for all areas of new media including, web & internet, electronic games, post production and animation.Tour production and management
In September 2009 ACM will be running a new course aimed at helping people who want to work as road crewRoad crew
The road crew are the technicians or support personnel who travel with a band on tour, usually in sleeper buses, and handle every part of the concert productions except actually performing the music with the musicians...
. The course is run in association with Cato, who are the UK's leading tour production company. The course will cover modules such as; technical stagecraft, sound checking, tour planning, artist interaction, stage management and monitoring. This will be a 1 year course, that will give students a Btec National Award (level 3) qualification, which is the equivalent of 1 A-level.
Previous students
Some previous students of the ACM who have successfully moved into the music industry include:- Newton FaulknerNewton FaulknerSam Newton Battenberg Faulkner is an English singer-songwriter and musician from Reigate, Surrey. Known for his guitar playing, which involves rhythmically tapping and hitting his guitar's body, Faulkner came to prominence in 2007, with the release of his debut studio album, Hand Built by Robots...
, guitarist/singer/songwriter whose recent album Hand Built By RobotsHand Built by RobotsHand Built by Robots is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner, released on July 30, 2007 on Ugly Truth Records. Preceded by the single "Dream Catch Me", the album initially charted at #3 in the UK album chart, and subsequently reached #1 in its fourth week. Regarding...
went to number one in the UK Album Charts. - Amelle BerrabahAmelle BerrabahAmelle Berrabah is a British singer, songwriter and member of pop girl group the Sugababes. Since replacing founding member Mutya Buena in the group in December 2005, Berrabah has attained two UK number one singles, "About You Now" and "Walk This Way", as well as a number one album, Change...
, member of girl group The SugababesSugababesThe Sugababes are an English pop girl group based in London, consisting of members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen. The Sugababes were formed in 1998 with founding members Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan. Their debut album, One Touch, was released in 2000 under London...
. - Ben KingBen King (guitarist)Ben King is a British-American professional guitarist, who is currently touring with English blues-rock band The Yardbirds. He has gained popularity as a musician owing to his extensive technical ability of the guitar coupled with his young age....
, lead guitarist with The YardbirdsThe Yardbirds- Current :* Chris Dreja - rhythm guitar, backing vocals * Jim McCarty - drums, backing vocals * Ben King - lead guitar * David Smale - bass, backing vocals...
. - Guy Davis, member of rock group ReubenReuben (band)Reuben were an English three-piece musical group from Camberley, Surrey. Their music was a fusion of alternative rock and heavy metal, as their songs cover a variety of styles, ranging from heavy and upbeat, such as their 2005 single "Blamethrower" to slower, more melodic songs such as their 2004...
.
Notable teachers
- Dave KilminsterDave KilminsterDave Kilminster is a British guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and music teacher. He is known for touring with Keith Emerson and with Roger Waters on his The Dark Side Of The Moon 2006 - 2008 tour, performing much of the guitar and vocal duties that are originally David Gilmour's...
- British prog rock guitarist currently performing with Roger WatersRoger WatersGeorge Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
' tour. - Eric RocheEric RocheEric Roche was an Irish fingerstyle guitarist.-Biography:Roche was born in New York City, but his family soon moved to Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. He was a learnt accountant, but practised only for a short time before enlisting for classical guitar in 1992 at the London Musician's Institute...
(b. 1967 - d. 2005) - Eric was a musician and tutor who died of throat cancer on 9 September 2005. - Pete Friesen - Former guitarist with Alice CooperAlice CooperAlice Cooper is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than four decades...
and The AlmightyThe Almighty (band)The Almighty are a hard rock/heavy metal band, from Glasgow in Scotland who formed in 1988. They have released seven studio albums, two anthologies and one live album.-1988-1993:...
. - DJ Chad Jackson - Winner of 1987 DMC World DJ Championships.
- Mike SturgisMike SturgisMike Sturgis is an American drummer, having played for the band 21 Guns and later with Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith in Psycho Motel, where he played on both State of Mind and Welcome to the World albums...
- Jamie Humphries - One of Britain's leading session musicians, renowned for his revolutionary teaching methods and touring with various artists, including David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.
- Tim BrichenoTim BrichenoTim Bricheno has been the guitarist and writer with several notable English indie bands, including All About Eve, The Sisters of Mercy, XC-NN and Tin Star...
- formerly guitarist with bands such as All About EveAll About Eve (band)All About Eve were a British rock/pop band. The creative core consisted of the Coventry born Julianne Regan , and the Huddersfield born Andy Cousin , with other members changing over the years...
and The Sisters of MercyThe Sisters of MercyThe Sisters of Mercy are an English rock band that formed in 1980. After achieving early underground fame in UK, the band had their commercial breakthrough in mid-1980s and sustained it until the early 1990s, when they stopped releasing new recorded output in protest against their record company...
. - Guthrie GovanGuthrie GovanGuthrie Govan is a guitarist known for his work with the bands Asia , GPS, The Young Punx and The Fellowship as well as Erotic Cakes...
- A former teacher at ACM Guthrie is a world renowned virtuoso guitarist in "Asia”, “The young punx” and "The Fellowship". Furthermore his solo work cemented his place as one of the best electric guitar players in the world.