In this instalment of our Featured Alumni series, we catch up with Music Production graduate and studio engineer Alex Ferguson!
Alex graduated from ACM at the age of 19 with a first-class honours degree. Since graduating, he has been able to work in the live sound and studio recording industries: He started off interning at our partner Metropolis Studios in January 2014, which led to him gaining live sound and events experience working at Glastonbury, Lynx music events, PRS For Music, and many more.
Alex then joined AIR Studios in March 2015.
So tell us a little bit about your previous music industry experience and why you chose to work in this industry.
My music career began at ACM. I’ve been fortunate enough to work heavily within the live and studio industries. I started my first runner job at Metropolis Studios in 2014 which led to me meeting so many important friends in my life that have guided me along the way.
Alongside studying and giving myself to anyone that wanted an extra pair of hands, I started doing lots of gigs with PRS For Music and Lynx Music Events. Now I’m now a full-time assistant engineer at AIR Studios. There was never anything else I wanted to do. I chose a job I love and I’m yet to work a day of my life because of it!
Tell us about what you’ve been involved with since leaving ACM?
I’ve been working at AIR studios for 2 years now as an assistant engineer. One of the many benefits of working at AIR is that the clientele is forever changing, and every session brings you different challenges and opportunities. Recently I’ve been working with many incredible composers such as Hans Zimmer, James Newton-Howard, Alan Menken and Henry Jackman.
Currently working on lots of different sessions, but sadly I’m not allowed to disclose anything about those yet!
What are your aspirations for the future?
For the next 5 -10 years I can’t foresee any change as I’m working my way up within AIR. My ultimate goal would be to become a freelance engineer and get managed by AIR or another management company and continue doing what I love!
How did your course prepare you for life in the music business world?
My time at ACM was fundamental in preparing me to work in the music industry.
My biggest thanks will forever go to John Gallen, Ewan Grant, Adi Winman, Prof Stretch and of course the Industry Link team!
One of the most valuable attributes to working in the industry is being able to network. I was lucky enough by the end of my time at ACM to call my lecturers my friends, having rinsed them of all their industry experience!
Do you have any advice for those looking to get in to the industry?
It’s tough to get your foot in the door. Especially in the ever-closing studio world. You never quite understand how important it is to network and build relationships until you are out of the protective bubble that university provides. My advice mainly would be to be the best and most genuine person you can. First impressions are everything and any experience is good experience! If you’re likeable, 9 times out of 10 someone will be willing to help you out if you ask the right questions. “The harder I practice, the luckier I get.”
If you’d like to be a student at ACM to kickstart your career in the music industry like Alex, please call our Admissions Team on 01483 500 841 or visit www.acm.ac.uk/open-days/ to book a place on an ACM Open Day today.
