News Stories

Read all the latest News Stories at ACM and find out what we're up to!

Hello Wembley!

WEM-BER-LEY! WEM-BER-LEY!

This Sunday saw Manchester United taking on Aston Villa in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley, but also at the world famous stadium were two performances from ACM artists.

Firstly, leading the pre-match National Anthem in front of a sell-out 90,000 capacity crowd were Vocal and Business degree student Camilla Kerslake. Camilla, who was also recently nominated for a Classical Brit Award for her debut self-titled album, is signed to Gary Barlow’s Future Records label and has already appeared at various events and on TV, although this is likely to be her biggest audience so far.

Also performing, this time to the 20,000-odd hospitality guests at the showpiece game, was the ACM Gospel Choir. Led by Mark De Lisser, the choir shot to fame during their appearance on the BBC television programme 'Last Choir Standing', and have since released two albums and toured with Russell Watson. The choir started as an extra-curricular class open to any full time student, and is now a stand-alone group with a strong following and a host of public appearances under their collective belt.

No matter what the result of the game, at least the fans had some first class entertainment!

ACM Awards 2009 at indigO2

ACM Awards 2009 at indigO2

ACM students, staff and friends gathered at the IndigO2 in London to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2009. This years Awards were bigger and better than ever with over 18 students presented with Awards for their outstanding playing and attitude displyed over the passed year. Here comes the roll of honour...

Guitar: Alexis Demetriou - Degree, Joel Peat – Higher Diploma, Jonathon Antony - Diploma

Bass: Benjamin Arthey – Degree, Ian Buchanan – Higher Diploma, George Pardoe - Diploma

Drums: Matthew Child – Degree, Joseph Taylor – Higher Diploma, Alessio Barelli - Diploma

Vocals: Holly Petrie – Degree, Rebecca Hamer – Higher Diploma, Mimi Valentine – Diploma

Music Production: Martin Gordon – Degree, Julia Hauer – Higher Diploma, Francesco Addati – Diploma

Creative Sound Design: Stuart Sibley – Degree

Music Business: Alexander Harvey – Degree, Larissa Dowd – Coutts Award

The prestigious IndigO2 venue in trendy Greenwich rocked with the sound of ACM artists Arcady Bliss, The Yearner Babies, Linda Harrison, Cubrik, Felix Fables and Catch Me I'm Naked. Guests were also treated to a very special performance from ACM Director Phil Brookes and tutors Mike Sturgis (drums), Stefan Redtenbacher (bass), Pete Friesen (guitar), Matt Haslett (guitar), Becky Jenner (main vocals) and Line Hilton, Victy Silva and Jono McNeil (backing vocals).

Videos of these live performances will be up on the site very soon so stayed tuned!

ACM on tour

ACM goes on the road again

It's the start of a new and exciting academic year! To get the new year well and truly swinging, ACM are going ON TOUR AGAIN!

Last year ACM travelled around the South of England visiting Schools and Colleges. To make the event that little bit special we took Rokhsan Heydari with us, a former ACM student and emerging artist who has played on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury '08 and released her single 'You Look At Me' and ‚'Lately'.

Rokhsan gave live performances and shared her experiences as both a student and artist. We also gave a presentation about career opportunities in the music industry and how ACM's courses can help students find a suitable career path.

ACM ON TOUR has been a huge success so far and the schools and colleges we have visited have really enjoyed it and found it very beneficial for both students and local press oportunities. It's been a great way to promote an active interest in contemporary music to young people, encouraging them to begin playing and performing music.

We are now setting up our next tour! We will be taking Rokhsan and some new ACM artists with us for the trip! It is an opportunity you shouldn't miss!

To book an ACM artist to come to your school please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01483 500861. Contact us ASAP because there are limited spaces and we know this will be a popular event!

"We're thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the ACM as it gives our students insight and knowledge about today's music industry."
Paul Søgaard - Music Teacher at St Peter's School in Merrow

All our students are taught not only their chosen discipline but what it takes to build a career in the music industry. The music industry is very broad and varied with career options ranging from artists, composers, producers and publishers to managers, record label executives, A&R, marketing and press etc. We would very much like to talk to your students about career opportunities in this field and to introduce them to ACM as a possible next step.

ACM@UCO opens its doors in Oklahoma

ACM@UCO launches in Oklahoma

ACM opened the first of its U.S academies at the University of Central Oklahoma on 12 August 2009. The school, known as ACM@UCO, is the result of a multi-million pound project to export ACM’s world-class music industry education to the USA. From performance to production, to the business of the music industry, ACM@UCO will provide world-class higher education to students who aspire to a career in music. UK & US students alike will be offered genuine trans-Atlantic opportunities; from student and tutor exchange, through to established UK & US music industry links.

In a unique move, Scott Booker, manager of the internationally renowned rock band The Flaming Lips, will serve as CEO of ACM@UCO. ACM@UCO will include special features integral to the British college's distinctive style of education and success. The curriculum is focused on structuring courses that work hand-in-hand with fulfilling the needs of the music industry, ensuring that students are fully equipped to secure jobs in the sector. Students will have the opportunity to graduate from the ACM@UCO with the real world experience needed to make a career.

Scott Booker said, "This is a fantastic opportunity. ACM@UCO has found a way to reach out to people interested in music and the music business that has not existed before. I am excited and honoured to be involved in this truly innovative program."

ACM Founder and Director Phil Brookes
said, "I am thrilled to see ACM@UCO take shape as the leading light in music industry education in the USA, we have a fantastic team directing the programme combined with facilities that will give the students a learning experience beyond their expectations.”

University of Central Oklahoma President W.Roger Webb said, “This is one of the most exciting and creative ventures I’ve been involved with in many years in higher education. Through this unique partnership with the Academy of Contemporary Music, UCO will provide an opportunity for students to receive hands-on learning about everything they need to know to succeed in the music industry.” Following extremely successful relationships in Africa, Asia & Europe, this will be ACM's first partnership with an American university and is an extraordinary achievement.

Check out the ACM@UCO website at www.acm-uco.com and read this great article on The Hollywood Reporter website.

James leads the way with Music For Youth

Graduate James Reese-Flynn ACM Drum Degree graduate James Rees-Flynn has been busy helping young musicians to realise their potential as part of charity organisation Reigate Pilgrim Band.

Headed by founder Edward West, the charity was set up to give young people the chance of playing music together as a community, and caters for guitars, drums, piano, vocals and traditional steelpans.

James recently assisted teacher Rachel Hayward in taking the steelpan players to the regional heats for Music for Youth, gaining entry to the national heats. If successful, the band will have the opportunity of playing at the finals, held at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

for more information on Music For Youth, click here.

Steve Vai opens the brand new Steve Vai Guitar Studio

ACM Summer School 2009

To honour Steve Vai's visit to the Academy, and his contribution to music, ACM is proud to announce the introduction of an all new Guitar Studio; The Steve Vai Guitar Studio. The all new state of the art facility, will boast a brand new Vai Legacy rig, a horde of signed Ibanez Jem Guitars, a healthy sprinkling of amps and other signed paraphernalia, courtesy of Steve himself and ACM's good friends at Ibanez.

This marks the beginning of a strong and ever growing relationship between The Academy of Contemporary Music and Steve who is keen to nurture his guitar studio for many years to come.

Steve had a message for the guitarists of the future; "This school is phenomenal. If you decide to come here, I think you are very fortunate because being in an environment with a lot of other musicians is a wonderful thing. These may end up being the best years of your life so enjoy them!"

170 people at UK Propellerhead Producers Conference treated to secret preview of new 'Record' Software

A Guy Called Gerald at the Propellerhead Producers Conference, ACM Guildford

Saturday 9th May 2009 saw Propellerhead host simultaneous Producers Conferences across the world in New York, Los Angeles, Berlin, Stockholm and Guildford. The Producers Conference, held at ACM in association with Sound Technology, was a huge success and saw 170 production enthusiasts attending the event which saw clinics from the likes of Gary Bromham, Michael Tognarelli of production outfit Blu Mar Ten, DJ Alex Blanco, as well as a fantastic DJ set from the legendary A Guy Called Gerald.

New Propellerhead software 'Record' The event culminated in the very special suprise announcement of Propellerhead's brand new audio recording offering entitled 'Record'. Propellerhead's Tim Self, gave the audience an exclusive advance look into the inner workings of the programme before distributing beta-test codes giving all attendees immediate access to the software!

for more information on Propellerhead Record, click here.

Rokhsan Heydari featured on BBC Southern Counties Radio

ACM graduate and rising starlet Rokhsan Heydari and band

ACM graduate and rising starlet Rokhsan Heydari joined BBC Southern Counties Radio breakfast show host Mark Carter to talk live on air about life as an ACM student and her flourishing music career.

Rokhsan, who took centre stage to give a spellbinding performance at last years ACM Awards at London's Shepherds Bush Empire, discussed her forthcoming plans both in and out of the studio, her involvement with ACM on Tour, as well as her live slots at last year's Bestival, Glastonbury, Beachbreak Live and South by Southwest festivals.

Click the player below to listen to the feature.

ACM offers career advice at this years Surrey Opportunities Fair

ACM @ the Surrey Opportunities Fair 2009

Guildford Spectrum played host to the first Surrey Opportunities Fair 2009, a careers day designed to bring careers advice to young people in the Surrey area. The event was attended by over 670 students, all eager to weigh up the various options available to them, ranging from further education courses, to apprenticeships and work opportunities.

The ACM stand proved really popular with visitors wanting to pursue a career in todays music industry, and with so many options available to young musicians it was a busy day for the ACM team.

Skills London 2008 a huge success!

ACM at Skills London 08

London’s ExCel Exhibition Centre recently played host to Skills London '08, one of the largest careers events in the UK..

53,000 young people from across the South East attended the event with 180 exhibitors offering advice and guidance with future career decisions.

The ACM stand was no exception, and young musicians could not wait to take away course information and ask questions relating to the music industry.

With an approximate annual turnover of £5billion, the music industry now has more career possibilities than ever before, ranging from songwriting to artist development. This availability means that there has never been a better time to develop a music career and with resources like ACM’s Business and Artist Development Centre, whose goals are to help prepare students for life in such a fast paced and demanding career path, the rate at which artists are transitioning from student to professional is ever increasing.

Alex wins Chad Smith signed and personalised CD!

Chili Peppers competition winner Alex McMahon Congratulations to Alex McMahon for being the lucky winner of our Chili Peppers give away!

Alex entered our competition at this years London International Music Show ’08 held at London’s Excel Centre in June.

Lucky Alex received a copy of The Red Hot Chili Peppers most recent album Stadium Arcadium, mounted and framed with a personalised plaque engraved with his name.

Since opening the Chad Smith Drum Studio in November 2006, Chad, who signed the CD specifically for the competition has been a regular visitor to ACM and is always eager to see how the students are progressing.

Neil Breaks the Prince's Trust Record

Store Van Music - ACM Business Degree student Neil Johnston

First year ACM Business Degree student Neil Johnston has been awarded the largest amount of money ever released by Prince’s Trust for a start up loan.

Neil’s business Store Van Music offers bespoke compositions for international clients, with works such as radio ident’s, film scores, television commercials, theatrical introductions and contemporary popular music writing.

The Prince’s Trust loan has helped Store Van Music to secure new business premises which will allow the business to expand in the amount of works produced, and deliver it at the highest quality.

In achieving this success, Neil showed his business acumen and negotiation skills in the boardroom by securing the biggest payout on Prince’s Trust record for new business start-up during a 1½ hour interview by the review Board.

ACM receives prestigious Queen's Awards for Enterprise: Innovation 2008

ACM win Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: Innovation 2008

ACM celebrated its win of the prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: Innovation 2008 with a VIP reception at the Academy on Monday June 30th. Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Mrs Sarah Goad JP presented the award to ACM at the event, with many top-level representatives from the music industry, government and education sectors in attendance to show their support for ACM.

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. Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Mrs Sarah Goad JP said “I am honoured and delighted to present this award to ACM due to its exceptional and innovative approach to music industry education. It is a fantastic accolade to ACM’s staff and students and is one that is richly deserved.”

Accepting the award on behalf of ACM, founder and director Phil Brookes said “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award, particularly as it recognises our unique philosophy of industry engagement within education. The delivery of industry led education is a key Government priority and we are proud to be an innovator in this field.”

Stiff Dylans single 'Ultraviolet' featured on motion picture 'Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging'

Stiff Dylans

Stiff Dylans single 'Ultraviolet' featured on motion picture 'Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging'

Formed for a part in Paramount Pictures film ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’, Stiff Dylans, whose members include ACM students James Flannigan and Thomas Slaytor have quickly become a musical force in their own right. The four-piece have spent much of the past few months writing, rehearsing and recording new material that looks set to put them rightfully into their own spotlight. The first you will hear from them is 'Ultraviolet'- the lead off track from the soundtrack to ‘ANGUS…’, an addictive three minute pop punk blitzkrieg that was released on 20th July on download, and 21 July on CD. The soundtrack also features their cover of the Buzzcocks ‘Ever Fallen In Love’. The band will be recording and releasing new material later this year and can be seen performing live at a series of special events and festivals throughout the summer.

Tom and James where selected to join the band through the ACM Business and Artist Development Centre audition process that has seen so many artists achieve success.

ACM go down the 'BeachBreak'

ACM @ BeachBreak Live

The weather was hot, the music loud. People were having the time of their lives. In the ACM Club Tropicana stage at this years BeachBreak Live festival, drinks weren’t free, but ACM gave festival goers a chance to build sandcastles and sit in rowing boats whilst listening to some amazing artists. Nick Harrison, Frank Hamilton & 8 Fold tickled their ears with their musical feathers which is better than a free drink, that’s for sure.

Read the full, sand-between-the-toes review from www.dailymusicguide.com

Ibanez team up with ACM

The Ibanez Teaching Studio @ ACM

ACM are pleased to announce their new partnership with guitar manufacturing giants Ibanez. The Ibanez Teaching Studio is the latest addition to ACM’s already impressive portfolio of teaching facilities and contains an impressive range of Laney amps, as well as classic Ibanez guitars signed by legends such as Steve Vai and Paul Gilbert.

Music Production Degree students supply music for 'Heroes; The Greatest War Movies Ever' DVD

fundraising DVD 'Heroes; The Greatest War Movies Ever'

Congratulations to first year Music Production Degree students Darren Jerome and Danny Owen for successfully securing a deal to supply top DVD distribution company Revolver Entertainment with the incidental soundtrack, & TV and online idents, for the release of fundraising DVD 'Heroes; The Greatest War Movies Ever'.

The DVD box-set, featuring movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Platoon, is on sale to raise funds to support the military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. All profits from the DVD sales will go to the charity 'Help for Heroes'.

Camilla Kerslake chosen as the voice of Christmas for Waitrose

Camilla Kerslake, the voice of Christmas 2009 for Waitrose

ACM Vocal and business student Camilla Kerslake has been chosen as the voice of Christmas this year by supermarket giant Waitrose for their Christmas 2009 campaign.

As part of a deal to promote her self titled new album, the TV ad campaign, developed by ad agency MCBD, features Camilla's version of the hymn "How Can I Keep From Singing?".

To tie in with the partnership with the food store, Camilla will also be performing at a number of Waitrose-backed food events including the Taste of Christmas Festival, while her album will be promoted in-store.

Camilla shot to success when Take That frontman Gary Barlow signed the star to his new label Future Records.

ACM feature in The Independent

ACM in The Independent

ACM is proud to be profiled in a feature in the UK daily newspaper The Independent. The article highlights our recent expansion into the USA. Click here for the full story.

Independent on Sunday main feature - May'09

Part Time Gospel Choir now Enrolling

The ACM Gospel Choir

Brand new for September 2009!

Following the success of ACM's Gospel Choir, we are launching a brand new part time course, designed to give vocalists the opportunity to gain experience in Gospel choir performance in an informal and fun environment. 

The course runs for 10 weeks on Wednesday Evenings from 7pm til 9pm and is available for vocalists aged 16yrs+ and costs £250.

"The Part-time Gospel choir is open to all abilities, this course is about having fun through group singing in the styles of great Gospel music" - Adam Wallis, Choir member.

Tutored my members of the ACM Gospel Choir, students will be taught techniques such as group harmony and vocal technique.

To book your place, call our admissions team on 01483 500800. Be quick as places are limited.

Independent on Sunday Main Feature

5 page feature all about the ACM Experience in The Independent on Sunday

ACM is proud to be profiled in a 5 page feature "Who needs Simon Cowell!" in The Independent on Sunday. Read all about the ACM Experience from several students past and present, as well as insights from industry supporters. Click here for the full story.


New Courses for 2009!

Tour production and music management company Cato

ACM is proud to announce the launch of two brand new full time courses starting September 2009...

TOUR PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT
(BTEC NATIONAL AWARD)


Supported by the music industry's most dynamic and experienced tour production and music management company Cato, who currently provide complete production services for acts such as Muse, The Arctic Monkeys, The Streets, Amy Macdonald, Athlete, CSS, Cage the Elephant, Hard-Fi, The Hoosiers and many many more!

The Tour Production & Management course has been designed with the sole purpose of providing a tailored pathway for those wishing to pursue a career as a tour manager or tour technician.

The course will run for 30 weeks and covers an will incorporate all aspects of tour management such as;

  • Tour Planning & Production which will focus on the tour process, what they are for & who is involved as well as looking at how to interact with artists and bands, travelling logistics, setting up the stage & stage managing a show.
  • Technical Stagecraft, focusing on how to get the best out of your backline, monitoring on stage,
  • Stage Technical Maintenance which offers the student hands on experience dealing with all aspects of equipment maintenance and care as well as good Health and Safety.
  • Stage Sound, which deals with live sound for the stage; ensuring that all backline and microphones are properly set up, balance and tones on amps are at optimum levels, and the all important process of managing a sound check.
  • Advanced Staging Techniques which covers electrical theory, rigging, powering the stage, setting the stage in line with the artists requirements, Health and Safety and First Aid.

The course will offer not only the most comprehensive study path for a career in live music, but the practical experience and opportunity will be unprecedented as students will ultimately run all aspects of ACM’s live events, externally and internally, from the weekly Live Performance Workshops to the ACM stage at the Beach Break Live festival.

MUSIC MEDIA AND RIGHTS (Cert HE)


This course has been designed for people wishing to pursue a career within the multimedia sector of today’s thriving music industry.

Course modules will focus on areas such as the music industry; exploring the outlining structure of how the music business works, The internet; how it is used within the music industry, broadcast content and film; how the relationship between film, TV and the music business operates, Interactive entertainment; working with different medium such as computer games, mobile phones and many more, Business; working with and for record labels and how the relationship with other media works.

ACM on Huw Stephens’ Radio 1 Show 'In Music We Trust'

BBC Radio's Huw Stephens

ACM featured prominently in Huw Stephens’ 'In Music We Trust' show that was aired on BBC Radio 1 on the 25th February 2009. The feature is called “The Real Britannia High” and is a documentary about schools like ACM and the Brit School as a place for aspiring artists.


or check out the article on the BBC Radio 1 website

Singing in the rain at Merrist Wood Summer Show '09

Your Mum, performing at Merrist Wood Summer Show '09

No Gene Kelly tributes unfortunately, but there was LOTS of rain at this years Merrist Wood Show '09. However, this didn't stop people from coming to the ACM stage to listen to what could arguably be one of the best line ups at the show to date.

Louise Gaylard, performing at Merrist Wood Summer Show '09 This years artists in attendance were the fantastic Toni-Amanda Coe, joined by her guitarists Sam and Emma, the highly talented and entertaining 10p short, festival favorites and ever charismatically entertaining Your Mum, the brilliant Mad Hatters Tea Party, the very funky Funkline and Diploma starlet Louisa Gaylard.

Guildford College Dancers, performing at Merrist Wood Summer Show '09 Big thanks to Jigsaw Events for the amazing staging and sound, and the Guildford College Dancers for adding some perfectly choreographed movement to Your Mum's set!

 

Free CD of ACM Gospel Choirs' Christmas album in Mail on Sunday

ACM gets down to the last 6 on BBC's Last Choir Standing

Recorded exclusively by the ACM Gospel Choir, stars of TV's Last Choir Standing, this unique feelgood Christmas CD features favourites including Silent Night and uplifting songs such as I Believe I Can Fly, brilliantly delivered with exuberance and soul. It's the perfect Christmas CD, released on 14th December and FREE with The Mail On Sunday.

 To add to the Mail on Sunday's association with ACM, the Gospel Choir have also released their beautiful Christmas single ‘O Holy Night’ on Tuesday 9th December 2009 on iTunes download.

Just four months ago, the soulfully wondrous Gospel Choir from The Academy of Contemporary Music found themselves in the semi-finals of BBC One Saturday night entertainment show, Last Choir Standing.

The ensemble won thousands of fans, inspired by the way in which they took traditional songs and injected them with their very own blend of gospel soul.



ACM – Coming to America

ACM teams up with University of Central Oklahoma in the USA

ACM is proud to announce the creation of ACM@UCO in partnership with The University of Central Oklahoma.

ACM@UCO is scheduled to open its doors to its first wave of aspiring musicians, producers and industry professionals in September 2009. The school is planned to open in The Oklahoma Hardware building, on Flaming Lips Alley in the heart of Oklahoma City’s vibrant Bricktown area. ACM@UCO will include special features integral to ACM's distinctive style of education and success. The curriculum is focused on structuring courses that work hand-in-hand with fulfilling the needs of the music industry, ensuring that students are fully equipped to secure jobs in the sector.

ACM Founder and Director Phil Brookes said, "We are delighted to be working with UCO, to bring ACM's unique brand of music industry education to America. The people involved with UCO are some of the most creative and forward thinking individuals we have had the pleasure of meeting. Everyone at ACM is looking forward to a great partnership and future with UCO, training tomorrow's musicians, producers and music business leaders."

University of Central Oklahoma President W.Roger Webb said, "This is one of the most exciting and creative ventures I've been involved with in many years in higher education.  Through this unique partnership with the Academy of Contemporary Music, UCO will provide an opportunity for students to receive hands-on learning about everything they need to know to succeed in the music industry."

In a further unique move, Scott Booker, manager of the internationally renowned rock band The Flaming Lips, will serve as director of ACM@UCO.    

Scott Booker said, "This is a fantastic opportunity. ACM@UCO has found a way to reach out to people interested in music and the music business that has not existed before. I am excited and honoured to be involved in this truly innovative program."

Check out the brand new website at www.acm-uco.com

ACM Gospel Choir Semi-Finalists On BBC One's Last Choir Standing Announce Details Of Debut Album

ACM gets down to the last 6 on BBC's Last Choir Standing

ACM Gospel Choir - semi-finalists on BBC One’s Last Choir Standing –released their self-titled debut album digitally on September 1st, 2008. The album features firm favourites from the 28-strong choir’s repertoire alongside songs they performed on the show; including, ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ by R Kelly and ‘One Love’ by Bob Marley.


ACM Gospel Choir

ACM Gospel Choir had enthralled both judges and viewers alike as they progressed through each episode of Last Choir Standing, presented by Mylene Klass and Nick Knowles. Invited back for the final episode, after being untimely exited in the semi finals, the choir were joined by Russell ‘The Voice’ Watson, one of the show’s three judges, for a fantastic performance of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Heaven Help Us All’.

Mark De Lisser, the choir’s Musical Director said, ‘it’s been a great experience for the students and I’m incredibly proud of all of them. We’ve had such tremendous support from the public and we’d like to thank everyone who supported us and voted for us throughout the competition. All of us don’t want it to stop here. We’re incredibly excited about the release of our new album and we’ve had serious music industry interest in taking the choir forward with live dates and further recordings. Being part of ACM Gospel Choir is a fantastic opportunity and we want to continue to bring joy and happiness to a wider community through our singing.’

To purchase a copy of ACM Gospel Choirs debut album, it is available to buy through all major download sites for £6.99 by searching ‘ACM Gospel Choir’. Alternatively, you can call ACM on 01483 500800. CD’s are priced at £9.00 posted and £8.00 collected.



Spires help 'Cage the Elephant'

Spires

Things are going very well indeed for ACM degree students and local heroes Spires. The band are currently recording their brand new EP which will be engineered and produced by Pixie Mills,at legendary recording venue The Strongrooms, home to recording artists like Feeder, Arctic Monkeys, The Script, Radiohead and Snow Patrol.

Things are also starting to get interesting for Spires on the live scene as the band have just finished supporting rising rock outfit Cage the Elephant on the UK part of their tour. High expectations surrounding the tour have so far been completely justified with shows being sold out across the country by their ever-increasing fan base. With future projects waiting in the wings including another UK tour with Caged, we are predicting great things from these lads.

website

Agatha helps out at Now Play It!

video tutorial specialists Now Play It

ACM degree student Agatha Molska has been offered a work placement with video tutorial specialists Now Play It.

‘Now Play It’ is a new and exciting way to learn and play your favorite songs.
The video service features real music and real artists such as KT Tunstall, Amy MacDonald, Paul McCartney, The Bravery and many others,  all backed by real learning techniques.

It has been developed to help offer a more instant and direct way of learning, for every ability of musician, and aims to get people as close to the artist and songs they love as simply as possible.

To add more value to the ACM/Now Play It partnership, The Stiff Dylans, whose line-up includes Ex ACMers Tom Slayter and James Flannigan, currently hold the number 1 tutorial in the websites top tutorial section.

For more information on Now Play It, go to www.nowplayit.com

ACM rocks the Gaming world

MotoGP'07 ACM has worked with Platinum Sound Publishing to provide musical content for some of the biggest names in games publishing. Over 100 artists have had their music heard on leading games for XBOX, XBOX 360, PS2, PC and PSP. Titles include MotoGP3, MotoGP6 and MotoGP'07, Juiced Eliminator, Trackmania Sunrise, Crazy Frog Racer.

The official Xbox Magazine praised the MotoGP03 soundtrack saying: "the game has a stunning collection of drum and bass, techno and comedy metal tracks to whip you into a perfect frenzy… we want to rip the music out of the game to listen to on its own!"

ACM and Ford take to the road

ACM students feature in Ford ad

A supergroup consisting of students from ACM, two British rock titans, several top classical musicians, and musical instruments made from two dismantled Ford Focuses are taking to the road, in a rare move to bring advertising to life.

Kerry Edwards, Stacey Edwards, Tom Kent, Nick Roberts and Sebastian Goodwin-Day from ACM will be touring with a selection of the instruments, as featured in the recent television advertisement for the Ford Focus.

Ford Focus on the Move will enable the public to view these spectacular instruments, designed by Bill Milbrodt, an American musician from New Jersey. Each day there will be two live performances from the supergroup, which includes Mike Rutherford of Genesis fame on the clutch plate guitar, Kenney Jones of Small Faces and The Who on the drums made from 16-inch wheels, and the ACM students on the various bits of percussion made from cogs, springs and gears.

Check out the charity single, ‘Six O’Clock in the Morning’, that the band have recorded (using the instruments) which is available to download now with all proceeds going to The Teenage Cancer Trust.

Contact Us
Apply Now
Book a Tour
Banner
Video Zone
Student Portal
Follow us on 
Facebook: acmuk MySpace: myacmspace Twitter: acm_tweets YouTube: acmguildford
© The Academy of Contemporary Music 2010. All Rights Reserved.