ACM hosted a unique masterclass for current students on 10th June, from local session musician Chris Eaton. Chris explained the niche market of Slide Guitar. The masterclass began with performances, demonstrating the use of bottlenecks on various types of guitar, as well as a brief history of this technique quoting such slide heroes as Roy Rogers and Sonny Landreth. Students then had the opportunity to try their hand at this playing style with a rendition of ‘Summertime’ by Gershwin, and in return received ‘Diamond Bottlenecks’ as a donation from Chris.

Chris said “I was trying to demonstrate something different, as I believe ‘Slide Guitar’ is the Godfather of modern guitar playing and the kin to the human voice, that’s why I love it”.

For more information on Slide Guitar Technique and private tuition with Chris, please visit www.slideguitartuition.co.uk

For more information on Diamond Bottlenecks, please visit www.diamondbottlenecks.com

ACM was both awestruck and honoured to welcome one of the music industries most experienced and legendary guitarists on the planet….Mr Steve Vai.

In an ACM exclusive, one off masterclass, Steve kicked off the proceedings with a jaw dropping showcasing of his unique sound and talent which was met with a standing ovation. Then came the opportunity which, for many, would be a once in a lifetime chance to quiz a living legend about every aspect of his experiences, both in music and life in general.

After another mind-blowing performance, a few lucky students got the opportunity the many musicians would only ever be able to dream of....Jamming with a fully fledged legend!



ACM Higher Diploma student, Chris Reynolds, who was amongst those lucky few said;

"I was so scared! At first when I started to play, it felt like the pick was made of ice as I struggled to grip it due to the fear-driven perspiration that my hands were suffering from, but once I looked over and saw Steve smiling at me, my confidence grew and before I knew what was happening, I was swapping chops with a legend!"

Check out some amazing photos of Steve's visit in the the ACM Live Image Gallery.

Students at ACM were treated to a funk-fuelled masterclass courtesy of Jamiroquai band members Paul Turner, Rob Harris and Derrick McKenzie.

Together with front man Jay Kay, Jamiroquai have been one of the nation's favourite contemporary acts, selling well over 21 million records worldwide since the early 1990's. The musicians exclusively took time out of their busy recording and performance schedule to speak to budding musicians at the academy about their inspiring music career and exclusively performed tracks from the Jamiroquai repertoire.

Bass player Paul Turner said: “We like to visit the Academy as often as possible. It’s always a pleasure coming here and talking to the students. There is a lot of talent here”.

After finishing the clinic, the musicians sat and chatted with students who were keen to get some one to one time with them before leaving for more funk-focused fun!

This was Carl Verheyen's debut appearance at ACM and the first masterclass of the new year. The Supertramp guitarist was a massive hit with the appreciative audience, displaying jaw-dropping fret magic and taking them through his career as a member of one of the most successful acts of all time.

When Carl learnt that Greg Koch & Reggie Hamilton would be gracing the ACM halls the day after with Rick Latham doing a clinic later in the day, he promised to return to the college to showcase his talents with the guys.

Ian Brown's guitarist Aziz Ibrahim recently held a top masterclass at ACM. The Mancunian axeman was instrumental in helping to shape the sound of some of the most influential bands of the '90s, and proved a real hit with the students as he took them through a whole plethora of topics relating to his thirty plus years of experience.

Aziz commented, “I have often wondered just why a musician would need to come to a place like ACM. Now I have seen what they have to offer, I no longer have that concern - it’s a wonderful institution”

With a hat full of hit albums and singles in the States, Jamie West-Oram has built a reputation across the pond with his band The Fixx, stalwarts of the American pop charts. One of the few British New Wave bands to conquer the airwaves in the United States at the time, the Fixx stood out for their echoing vocals, political lyrics, richly textured production and great guitar playing. Jamie bought drummers, bassists, guitarists and vocalists together to work on arrangement, timing, note choice and other aspects of effective songwriting. See ya soon, Jamie!

Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Pointner joined ACM Heads of School Mike Sturgis and Stefan Redtenbacher on stage for a very special Jazz masterclass. Wolfgang's first port of call was to guide his audience through the finger blistering techniques that have gained him the reputation of being one of Austria's finest.

The British Country Music Association Lifetime Achievement Winner returned to ACM to treat the guitar students to the usual immaculate performance. The country star has worked with a huge number of stars, such as Joan Armatrading, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton and Dolly Parton to name but a few. Thanks for coming back Albert - you’re always welcome.

This one was a masterclass in seriously unadulterated blues with one of the UK scenes most dynamic blues guitarists. Matt was joined on stage by his band and offered students an insight into his playing style and live performance methods.

Songwriter Jake Shillingford stopped by ACM to give fellow songwriters a few pointers in how to create great music. Jake, who has written songs for artists like Robbie Williams gave students the opportunity to tap into his 25 year experience within the music industry.