In addition to the lectures, lessons, one to one tutorials and extra-curricular classes we run throughout each term, we invite various musicians, music professionals and artists to come in and talk to our students.
With each discipline benefiting from both subject specific events, such as lectures from renowned players, producers or managers, as well as cross discipline masterclasses from some of the top names in the world, students benefit from a wealth of experience and advise.
It’s also a great opportunity to see some fantastic performances in an intimate setting!
There are supergroups, and then there are Producers, arguably the most successful line up of musicians and producers ever.
Lol Crème – ex-member of brilliant ’70s pop group 10cc and one half of hit-makers and production/video duo Godley & Creme. Trevor Horn – the legendary British producer. Stephen Lipson – the award-winning » more
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Paul Booth is one of the most in demand musicians on the scene today. Although a very prominent figure on the jazz scene, his versatility has seen him play across many musical genres and ACM is proud to welcome Paul to deliver two masterclass sessions on » more
ACM were proud to welcome Russell Gilbrook to ACM to deliver a drumming masterclass to members of our Music Performance School.
Russell had his first lesson when he was just 4 years old, was earning money from music at the age of 6, and was depping West End shows at the age of 12. » more
Over the years Jamiroquai have become synonymous for producing music that can’t help but put a smile on your face and ACM have been lucky enough to welcome some of the bands members on number of occasions.
In 2012, ACM welcomed Paul Turner, Derrick McKenzie and Rob Harris back to represent the Acid » more
Emre, one of the UK’s more proficient Pro Tools editors and session drummer visited ACM Guildford on Thursday 2nd February, to show off some of his editing skills.
Emre has produced, mixed, engineered, programmed, composed and drummed on countless projects for a wide variety of artists and clients. The list and breadth of projects » more
Drummer Derrick McKenzie of Jazz funk legends Jamiroquai dropped in with band members Paul Turner and Rob Harris to show students how to work in and execute an effective rhythm section. After wowing the audience with their trademark sound, they answered questions from a number of students before taking part in a much appreciated signing session. Thanks guys and see you » more
World renound percussionist Pete Lockett stopped by ACM to conduct a workshop with students at ACM. The world music player give students an incite into the inner workings of the Tabla, and discussed their traditional Indian roots. Pete is an award winning musician, and one of the most versatile and prolific percussionists in the world.
Nu Skool drummer Craig Blundell gave a captivated audience a technical and progressive masterclass recently.
The musician, who’s best known by his drum and bass alter ego Dr. OKtopUs, showcased his talent by demonstrating the new and evolving ways for drummers to intergrate the latest technology into their playing.
Following on from his hugely successful column in Drummermagazine, worldwide clinics and appearances with prog-rock supremos Frost, International Roland V-Drums clinician Craig Blundell will be leading students through his unique blend of extreme coordination studies and the integration of electronics into modern drumming styles. Designed to push drummers out of their comfort zone and address their weaknesses, this » more
Nu Jazz giants and Mercury award nominees Polar Bear came to ACM to run a rather unique workshop for a very lucky group of students. 30 people had the opportunity to join the band in an interactive and practical jam session. The band gave the lucky few advice on technique, songwriting tips and » more
Graham Hawthorne came to ACM to talk about playing with the likes of Dave Leibman and Jon Hendricks and touring with numerous pop acts including Aretha Franklin, Liza Minelli, Debarge, Crystal Gayle, Melissa Manchester, and Burt Bacharach.
Having played and recorded with such varied artists as David Byrne, Bon Jovi, James Brown, Joan » more
Session drummer Russ Miller gave up some of his time to tutor at ACM recently. The sticksman showcased his talent and discussed technique with a packed room of drummers. Russ is internationally known as one of the top touring and session drummers of today.
As a Multi-Platinum recording artist, he has played on » more
Top Session musician and musical director Ric Chandler dropped by The Academy of Contemporary Music to give a very special drum masterclass. Students from the academy were astonished by Ric’s drumming ability as the artist, known for his work with dance music dominator Calvin Harris, and 80’s hitman Gary Numan, demonstrated his diversity behind the drum set through programmed » more
Heads most definitely turned when drumming sensation Simon Phillips gave the last masteclass of 2008 to ACM students. Simon’s signatureTAMA drum set was on full and magnificent display for this one, and he wasn’t shy in showing just how creative he can be with the awesome monster! To date, Simon has toured and recorded with many bands » more
Hungarian jazz sensation Gabor Dornyei came to ACM for a special masterclass. Awarded ‘Drummer of the Year’ in his naitive country of Hungary, Gabor won the ‘Golden Drumstick Award’ in 2004. He worked for 3 years, as the drummer of the Hungarian National Radio’s Big Band and played many times for Walt Disney Corp. in studio sessions. Students were mesmerised by » more
A big thank you to session player Geoff Dunn for the outstanding drum masterclass that had the audience captivated till the end.
Geoff started his career with acid jazz pioneers Incognito, recording their first two ‘cult’ albums before moving on to play and record with an amazing array of artists including Shalamar, Spyro Gyra, Georgie Fame, Bob » more
Martin Ranscombe – a.k.a. The Drum Guru lead a rather unique masterclass in drum set tuning. Martin specialises in tuning education and gave his audience some useful and practical tips on how to get the best sound from your drum set.
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