In this Featured Alumni instalment, we catch up with one of the UK’s most promising young drummers, 2012 Drums alumnus Alex Torjussen!
With a wealth of touring experience and top ten records to his name already, we’re incredibly proud of what Alex has managed to achieve in the short time since he graduated from ACM.
Tell us a bit about your background Alex! Why do you want to work in the music industry?
I’m Alex and I’m 24 years old. I started playing drums at about the age of of 11/12 and used to attend the part time courses during the week at ACM. I also studied with Stu Roberts for about six years until I left school and did the Higher Diploma and Degree Course at ACM, graduating in 2012 when I was 19. I want to work in this industry as I love playing music with people and travelling. I’ve been lucky enough to make a pretty living out of it for the last few years and I hope it continues!
Tell us about what you’ve been involved with since leaving ACM?
Since leaving ACM I have gone on to tour and work with artists such as James Morrison, Will Young, Rumer, Emma Marrone (Universal Music Italia) Jacob Banks, Jasmine Thompson, Max Milner (The Voice), and Lucy Spraggan (X Factor) to name a few.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspirations for the future are to keep developing and progressing as a musician and to keep working with different international artists either touring or recording. The music industry is so competitive just being able to keep working is a fantastic achievement these days.
How did your course prepare you for the music industry?
I think a lot of the scenarios you are put in at ACM are quite similar to being in the working world. For example, the LPW’s (Live Performance Workshops) were great for honing your skills, playing with singers and instrumentalists.
Do you have any advice for those looking to get into the industry?
Practice. Practice while you have the time at college and a place to play. Life can get in the way very quickly. Try and figure out exactly what you want to be early on. You need a strong work ethic and don’t be afraid to just get stuck in. The competition is so fierce out there it can be intimidating sometimes, so make sure you are prepared when the opportunity comes. Also just be a cool person and be on time! If you’re looking to be a touring musician you spend about 90% of the time on the bus or in airports travelling and hanging out with people in small spaces! 10% of your time is on stage.
What was the best part about studying at ACM?
The tutors I studied with at the ACM were life changing for me. Whilst studying at the part time school Roger Davis, Stu Roberts and Adam Pain were very inspirational and supportive and I learnt a lot about playing for songs, feel, sound and groove at an early age. Having that kind of knowledge and being around their passion for music was life changing to be honest. When I studied on the degree course I was lucky enough to learn with amazing musicians such as Mike Sturgis, Jon Duff, Graham Fox, Pete Riley, Joe Yoshida and many more and it was such a great environment to be in.
What motivated you to come and study at ACM?
I was lucky enough to have been born in Guildford and I lived close by, so it was a no brainer for me to study there. Also having experienced the part-time school it made perfect sense for me to continue studying there.
Connect with Alex on his website, Twitter and on Instagram.
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.
