ACM Part-Time School

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About ACM Part-Time School

ACM Part-Time Music Courses for Ages 12–17 is a year-round creative development programme for young people through weekly evening sessions in music performance or production, students build their practical skills, confidence and creative direction with guidance from active industry professionals at ACM Guildford.

The programme also provides an ideal introduction to studying at ACM. For students considering a future in the creative industries, it can be a valuable pathway towards ACM’s full-time Diploma courses and further study.

Location: ACM Guildford Campus
Cost: £350 per term (sibling discount available)
Duration: 10 weeks
Showcase: Live performance in Week 10

Our Part-Time School courses have different schedules, content and entry requirements. Select a course below for full details

Pathway to Full-Time Study at ACM

Part-Time School gives young people the opportunity to develop their skills, confidence and creative direction while experiencing life at ACM. Students learn in the same professional environment as our full-time learners and become familiar with ACM’s practical, industry-led approach.

For those considering a future in the creative industries, the programme can provide a valuable pathway towards ACM’s full-time Diploma and degree courses. Our tutors can help students understand their strengths, explore their options and prepare for their next step when the time is right.

Part-Time School Pathways

Hands-On Learning

A choice of two pathways: 

Performance 
Students build confidence as performers through workshops in live performance, stage presence, rehearsal techniques, and creative collaboration. They will develop their musical abilities while gaining experience in performing in front of others.

Music Production
Students learn the fundamentals of music production using industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Topics include creating and manipulating audio, working with loops and samples, recording techniques, mixing, and producing professional-quality tracks from concept to completion.

ACM Hands-On-Learning

Industry-Standard Facilities

Part-Time School takes place in ACM’s professional teaching facilities—the same studios, rehearsal rooms and creative spaces used by our full-time students. Young creatives gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and technology in an inspiring, real-world learning environment.

Every session is carefully planned, structured and supervised by experienced staff. Clear schedules, small-group teaching and dedicated support ensure that students can develop their skills, explore new ideas and build confidence in a safe, welcoming environment throughout the programme.

ACM-Music-Facilities-for-Part-Time-School

Creative Community Where Young People Belong

ACM’s Part-Time School is a place to meet other young creatives who share your interests and enthusiasm. Through regular workshops, group projects and practical sessions, you’ll collaborate, exchange ideas and build lasting friendships in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Whether your passion is performance, music production you’ll become part of a creative community that encourages you to develop your skills and confidence. These connections can continue beyond Part-Time School, with many students progressing together to ACM’s full-time courses and towards future careers in the creative industries.

Acm-Creative-Community-Where-Young-People-Belong

Safe and Supportive Place to Grow

We know that joining a new creative programme can feel like a big step for both young people and their families. That’s why providing a safe, welcoming and well-supported environment is at the heart of ACM’s Part-Time School.

Designed specifically for young people aged 12–17, the programme is carefully structured and supervised by experienced staff who provide guidance and support during every session. Whether your child is building on their experience as a musician or producer, or preparing for further creative study, they’ll be encouraged to develop at their own pace, build confidence and feel part of an inclusive, positive community.

ACM-experienced-music-staff

Experienced Tutors and Dedicated Support

Part-Time School sessions are delivered by ACM’s established team of educators, industry professionals and creative practitioners, the same experienced staff who support students across our wider programmes throughout the year.

Our team is experienced in working with young people and understands how to create learning environments that are engaging, supportive and age-appropriate. All staff working directly with students are appropriately vetted, including enhanced DBS checks, helping to ensure a safe and professional experience throughout the programme.

Students work in small groups, allowing tutors to provide individual attention while encouraging collaboration, creativity and teamwork.

This is ACM

FAQs

Yes. ACM Part-Time School is designed for young people who already have some experience in their chosen area and are looking to develop their skills further. For example, students joining the Performance pathway should be performing at approximately Grade 3 standard or equivalent; however, formal qualifications are not required.

Sessions are delivered by ACM’s experienced teaching team and industry professionals who regularly work with young people throughout the year. All staff working directly with students are appropriately trained, DBS checked and committed to creating a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment.

Students are supervised throughout by ACM staff, and clear safeguarding procedures are in place. Students are expected to remain within designated teaching and social areas during scheduled activities. 

Students sign in and out at the main reception area. Before the Part-Time School begins, please share whether students will be collected at the end or are authorised to make their own way home. Full arrival and departure information will be provided in advance.

Students should bring a refillable water bottle, and anything specifically requested for their chosen pathway. Full joining instructions will be provided before the course starts.

We encourage parents and guardians to let us know about any additional learning needs, medical conditions, allergies or other support requirements before the Part-Time School begins. This allows us to understand how best to support participants and make any reasonable adjustments where possible.

ACM will take reasonable steps to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students. However, we cannot be held responsible for incidents arising from medical conditions, allergies or other requirements that have not been disclosed in advance.

Absolutely. Many students attend with friends, but plenty also attend on their own and quickly make new connections with like-minded young creatives. We also offer a sibling discount of 25%. 

ACM Part-Time School is designed for young people who already have some experience in their chosen area and are looking to develop their skills further. For example, students joining the Performance pathway should be performing at approximately Grade 3 standard or equivalent; however, formal qualifications are not required.

Definitely. You’ll be working alongside other young people who share similar interests, and many students leave with new friends and creative collaborators.

You’ll take part in practical workshops, creative projects, group activities and industry-led sessions. Every session is hands-on and focused on learning by doing.

Yes. Lots of students come on their own, and our tutors work hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment from day one.

 

Yes. Depending on your chosen pathway, you’ll have access to industry-standard facilities, software and equipment used by professionals.

Absolutely. We encourage students to bring their creativity into sessions and share their work where appropriate.

Whatever you’re comfortable in. There’s no dress code, but you’ll want to wear something suitable for a session of creative activities.

That’s completely normal. Many students feel nervous before their first session. Our team is experienced in helping everyone feel welcome, included and comfortable from the moment they arrive.

Apply Now for Part-Time School