Tutor campus: Guildford

Vince Hearn

Vincent is an accomplished music education professional holding a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Music Performance. With a rich background spanning various sectors and disciplines within music performance and technology, he brings a wealth of experience to his work.

As a skilled guitarist, Vincent has left his mark both on stage and in the studio, performing and recording with original bands and cover acts. His expertise extends to live sound and studio engineering, where he has demonstrated proficiency and creativity.

Beyond performance, Vincent possesses a keen understanding of music business development, having cultivated small to medium-sized enterprises for clients and established his own successful venture. His business includes a recording studio and contemporary guitar school, which have thrived since their inception in 2013.

Fuelled by his passion for music, art, and technology, Vincent finds fulfillment in the music education sector, where he can seamlessly integrate his diverse interests and expertise.

Rob Harral

Rob Harral is a performer and writer renowned for his captivating live performances and songwriting prowess. With a track record spanning prestigious festivals like Glastonbury, Boardmasters, and Shambala, Rob supported artists on national television and radio platforms. At ACM, Rob specialises in live performance and nurturing creative artists. The best part about ACM for Rob is the vibrant community of aspiring musicians. Rob’s top tips for students include diving wholeheartedly into their endeavours, seeking guidance from experienced tutors, and making the most of every opportunity available.

Paul Ressel

Paul Ressel is a multi-award-winning producer and composer based in London. Their production credits include Lana Del Rey, Bryn Christopher, Scratch (The Roots), and Grammy nominee Cofield Mundi. They’ve composed music for film and media projects for BBC, MTV, Discovery Channel, and Amnesty International. Paul’s composition and production work for their own artist projects, like Humaniser, Vuvuvultures, and SAMA Award winners Lark, have earned them contracts with Universal Music Publishing, Z Artist Management, and Cadiz Music. They’re currently releasing albums for sync through music publishers Audio Network. Their industry experience informs their role as a music educator, with extensive teaching and curriculum development in Higher Education in the UK. Paul is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Mark Taylor

Mark Taylor, a keyboard player and music director, began their career touring with The Lords of the New Church and The Alarm. They served as music director for Sinead O’Connor during her ‘Nothing Compares to You’ tour before joining Simple Minds for nearly three decades. Additionally, Mark contributed to Elton John’s album ‘The One’ and accompanied them on a two-year tour as second keys. Throughout their career, Mark has collaborated with artists like Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cult, Jimmy Cliff, and Belinda Carlisle. Their session and writing credits include work with Chris Difford, Marti Pellow, Mark Knopfler, and Robbie Williams, among others, and they recently collaborated with Mick Jones and Rotten Hill Gang.

Nat Martin

Nat Martin, with 35 years of music experience and 33 years of guitar playing, is a former ACM student who excelled in their studies, winning Student of the Year and achieving a distinction for his BA Honours Degree. As a mainstay within the faculty of ACM Guildford and a former teacher at ACM London, Nat specialises in Blues Guitar. Nat’s extensive credits include collaborations with artists like Jo Harman, Sam Barks, and Robert Fripp, showcasing his versatility across genres. Nat’s contributions extend to educational materials, featuring in the forthcoming Rockschool 2024 Electric Guitar syllabus and existing acoustic guitar and ukulele syllabuses. Nat believes the best thing about ACM is the opportunities it offers to hone one’s craft. Nat’s top tips for students emphasise networking, pushing boundaries, and considering future prospects.

Jon Duff

Jon Duff brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of drumming. With a notable presence in Rhythm magazine, Jon is renowned for their mastery in timekeeping, groove playing, and innovative techniques that yield rapid progress for aspiring drummers. As a dedicated drum tutor, Jon plays a pivotal role in guiding students through the comprehensive drum course curriculum, focusing on essential skills such as playing to a metronome and refining tone production. Their hands-on approach and commitment to nurturing emerging talent underscore their dedication to advancing the art of drumming and empowering students to reach their full potential on the drums.

Matt Russell

Matthew Russell brings a wealth of experience from their dynamic career spanning the heart of the music industry. From studying acoustics in Birmingham and Manchester to working with iconic artists like Coldplay and Blur at Depot Studios in London, Matthew’s journey has been illustrious. As the founder of Cato Music, he revolutionised the touring landscape and pioneered the world’s first roadie school in collaboration with ACM. Now leading ACM’s Live Production Degree programme, Matthew specialises in live sound engineering, event management, and tour management, among other areas. Matthew’s credits include roles at Universal Music, NASA, and hosting top-ranked podcasts. Matthew finds joy in witnessing students’ growth from sixth form to touring professionals, making ACM a rewarding environment. Matthew’s top tips for students stress maintaining peace of mind, commitment to goals, and effective time management.

Adam Pain

Adam is a senior lecturer at ACM. They are a graduate of the first LIPA cohort and have built an extensive body of live and studio experience. Adam’s career credits include Musicians Channel TV Presenter (Sky), Production and Mix Engineering for Eva Katzler, Toby Jepson, The Nat Martin Band, Guitar Techniques, Total Guitar and Computer Music (magazines), Media Composer with TV, radio and web credits, and music video production work for a variety of artists, including Myke Gray, Toseland and Skunk Anansie. Adam writes and produces music, creates video content and enjoys photography, art and design.

Becky Morton

Rebecca Morton, Principal of FE at ACM, brings a wealth of experience as a professional musician, vocal coach, musical director, and vocal arranger. With a Masters Degree in Music Psychology in Education, Performance, and Wellbeing, Morton’s career spans over two decades, collaborating with renowned artists such as Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden), Imogen Heap, and Alexander O’Neal. Rebecca’s credits include solo backing vocals for Hitomi Yaida’s UK and Japanese tours, as well as recordings with Crispian Mills and Mattafix. As a vocal coach, Rebecca has worked with artists like James Toseland and Marlon Roudette. At ACM, the opportunity for students to pursue their passions among like-minded peers and exceptional tutors is valued. The advice to students emphasises passion, excellence, reliability, and fun.

Aly Duff

Aly Duff, a Live Performance Specialist, brings over three decades of expertise to the music and entertainment industry. Aly’s multifaceted background encompasses performer, educator, and artist development roles, making them a versatile professional deeply attuned to the industry’s demands. Aly’s proficiency shines in vocal training, artist development, and audition preparation, guiding emerging talents towards success. Aly’s extensive experience includes collaborations with industry luminaries like Chad Smith and performances at esteemed venues such as The Royal Albert Hall. At ACM, Aly serves as a Vocal/Performance Tutor and Module Leader, nurturing the next generation of performers. Aly underscores the importance of practice, kindness, and networking, empowering students to hone their craft and navigate the competitive industry landscape. Aly’s dedication to ACM reflects in their commitment to fostering connections and helping young talents thrive in the industry.