Tutor campus: Guildford

Arran McSporran

Arran McSporran, a professional electric bass player and educator since completing studies at ACM in 2007, boasts an international touring career spanning over 30 countries and three continents, gracing major festivals. Renowned for his innovative fretless 6-string bass technique, Arran has contributed to educational publications and been featured in prestigious bass magazines. Versatile across genres from jazz to metal, he’s supported icons like Steve Vai and headlined with bands like Virvum and De Profundis. With over 30 releases under his belt, Arran’s collaborations range from underground metal to projects featuring Snarky Puppy members. Endorsed by Rotosound Strings and Carillion Basses, he’s acclaimed for his fretless metal prowess, earning multiple ‘bassist of the year’ awards and recognition among top bassists in 2014.

Joe Yoshida

Joe Yoshida brings a rich and diverse background to ACM, with extensive experience as a freelance drummer working across various platforms, from TV and radio to live tours and studio sessions. Joe’s impressive roster of collaborations includes renowned artists such as Katie Melua, Mika, and Toseland, among others. At ACM, Joe specialises in FE Studies, drums, music performance, and academic studies. Joe values the expertise and personalities of the tutors at ACM, recognising their significant contribution to the learning environment. Joe’s top tips for students emphasise professionalism, kindness, and the importance of dreaming big in pursuit of their musical aspirations.

Ben Scott

Ben Scott has worked at the international level of music performance for over a decade, recording or performing on drums with some of the UK and USA’s most prominent pop artists – notably Ed Sheeran, Tom Walker, Declan J. Donovan, Alex Winston, and Bülow. Ben is currently the musical director and drummer for pop artist St. Lundi, as well as fronting his own boundary-pushing solo show ‘The Ultimatum Experience’ where he performs at corporate events across the globe. Ben also enjoys writing and producing from his studio in South London as part of his own artist project and with an array of up-and-coming artists.

Giorgio Serci

Giorgio Serci is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and arranger whose versatility spans across genres from jazz and pop to classical music. Renowned for their exceptional talent, Giorgio is in high demand internationally, having performed with esteemed artists such as David Garrett, Basia, and Martin Taylor, among others. As the co-founder of Bansangu Orchestra alongside saxophonist Paul Booth, Giorgio has garnered critical acclaim with their highly praised CD and headline performances at major festivals worldwide. With compositions performed and recorded by notable artists and ensembles, including Basia and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Giorgio boasts an impressive discography comprising six CDs. Additionally, Giorgio contributes as a columnist for Guitar Interactive Magazine and proudly endorses Yamaha and Fibonacci Archtops, with an imminent release of their signature model. Their remarkable career credits further underscore Giorgio’s status as a revered figure in the music industry.

Shea Stedford

Shea Stedford, a seasoned producer, DJ, and engineer, boasts over 15 years of industry experience. Shea’s career includes multiple DJ residencies across Europe and engineering roles at renowned production houses like Xenomania and studios such as Streaky Mastering. Notably, they have engineered for prominent artists like Little Mix, Girls Aloud, and MNEK, and his production music for Warner Chappell and other labels has been featured on networks like BBC and ITV. Shea has also released electronic dance music on respected labels such as Soulvent Records and BETA recordings. Reflecting on their time at ACM, Shea emphasises the pivotal role the institution played in his career development. Despite initially focusing on Drum and Bass, exposure to various industry areas broadened Shea’s perspective, leading to collaborations, industry opportunities, and lasting relationships. Shea’s advice to aspiring students: embrace the diverse learning opportunities at ACM as they lay the foundation for success in the multifaceted music industry. Career highlights include nominations for Library Music Awards and credits as a recording engineer for Little Mix’s “DNA” album.

Tim Hawes

Tim Hawes brings a wealth of experience to ACM as a senior lecturer and subject specialist on the Creative Artist pathway. Their career as a songwriter has been illustrious, having penned hits for renowned artists like The Spice Girls, Five, Hearsay, and Sugababes, accumulating an impressive track record of five No. 1 singles and over 10 million album sales. Notably, Tim was honoured with the esteemed Ivor Novello award for their songwriting contribution to Hear’say “Pure and Simple.” In addition to their songwriting prowess, Tim oversees a music publishing company with a focus on the Asian music market, securing major releases with top J and K pop artists. For the past seven years, Tim has also been dedicated to educating aspiring music industry professionals, offering guidance through writing camps and workshops.

Sarah Geary

Sarah Geary brings over three decades of experience as a freelance session singer and performer to her role at ACM. With 25 years of experience as a vocal tutor, Sarah specialises in vocals and performance. Sarah’s impressive credits include serving as a backing vocalist for Chris Norman and Shakin Stevens, performing at prestigious venues like Glastonbury Pyramid Stage and Wembley Arena, and extensive touring throughout Europe and beyond. Sarah has also showcased their talents as a lead vocalist with various bands, including The Tamla Tigers and The Sidewinder Big Band. At ACM, Sarah values the opportunity to develop students’ skill sets and network with like-minded musicians. Sarah’s top tips for students emphasise the importance of preparation, professionalism, hard work, and having fun.

Toby Drummond

Toby is a professional drummer who has performed with artists such as The Seahorses, Shaun Ryder, Russell Watson, Ray Davies, Celia Imrie, and Cliff Richard.

He comes from Vancouver, Canada, developing his music career, studying with Bob Armstrong at Masterclass Studios and with Dom Famularo and Jim Chapin in Long Island, New York.

Toby brings to ACM his wealth of experience, helping to mentor our students. Toby regularly performs on many West End Shows such as ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Wicked’, and ‘Billy Elliot’ among many others. He is also a regular contributor to ‘Rhythm Magazine’.

Paul Geary

Paul Geary is a highly acclaimed studio bassist and session musician renowned for their work with notable artists such as Nik Kershaw, George Michael, and Sister Sledge. Graduating with honours from Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute of Technology, Paul’s journey began in gospel church, later expanding to performances with soul divas like Lisa Stansfield and Gabrielle. As the head of the Academy of Contemporary Music’s bass school, Paul shares his expertise in all things bass and band coaching, balancing their busy touring schedule with mentoring students. With extensive touring and recording credits spanning a diverse range of artists, Paul values ACM for its role in equipping the next generation of musicians and creatives. Paul’s top tips for students emphasise punctuality, attentiveness, and the enjoyment of music.

Abel Quintana

Abel Quintana started working in music 10 years ago in Cadiz, Spain. After finishing his diploma in Live Sound and Radio he started working as a live sound engineer and recording live bands when he decided to come to the UK and continue his studies at ACM in 2013. In 2016 Abel started working with Mike and the Mechanics at the legendary studio of the band Genesis, The Farm, where he assisted in the production of the Album ‘Let Me Fly’. He also recorded at Metropolis (The Llamas), Air Studios (Kyko) and Abbey Road Institute (Lost in Venice) and other studios such as Big Smoke Studios and Burghfield Studios. Abel also collaborated with Eagle 3 Radio in Surrey, recording live performances of artists such as: Mystery Jets, The Drifters, Lauren Aquilina, BB Diamond, Secret Company among others. During these years Abel developed professional skills in studio, recording, mixing, mastering and producing for other bands and artists. After graduating from ACM (BA Hons Contemporary Music Production) he studied a Masters (MMus Creative Practice and Composition) at the University of Surrey where he studied orchestration and alternative ways of performing and teaching music. Since then he composed several pieces for production companies in Mexico and Spain and collaborated with other musicians and companies. Simultaneously with his Masters he started experimenting with video game engines such as Unreal Engine creating virtual spaces where the listener could experience music in 3D while walking inside the instrument. Currently he is developing his own production brand, Tsobu, which englobes electronic pop and indie music with touches of experimental and cinematic music and collaborates with other music projects.