Tutor campus: London

Kevin Glasgow

Kevin Glasgow’s musical journey began in Inverness in 1983, nurtured by their musically inclined parents Dick and Sabine. Immersed in traditional Irish music sessions from a young age, Kevin’s passion for music grew as they learned guitar at 9. Transitioning to bass guitar at 16, they delved deeper into music upon returning to Scotland to pursue Popular Music studies at Napier University in Edinburgh. Graduating opened doors to international performances at prestigious venues like Ronnie Scott’s and festivals such as Glastonbury and the London Jazz Festival. Collaborating with esteemed artists including Tommy Smith, Tim Garland, and Asaf Sirkis, Kevin’s versatility shines through. Residing in London since 2008, Kevin continues to enrich the music scene, contributing their talents to various projects like Jamie Murray’s Beat Replacement and the Asaf Sirkis Trio, among others.

Scott McGill

Scott McGill is a versatile guitarist, educator, theorist, author, and researcher with a rich background in pop, rock, metal, jazz, blues, and classical music. Specialising in guitar, research, theory, education, performance, and songwriting/composition at ACM, Scott’s experience is extensive. As a guitarist, Scott has worked with notable artists like Robert Hazard and as a solo recording artist with esteemed bassists and producers. Scott has also published research in jazz theory and pedagogy, drawing from their private studies with renowned jazz theorist Dennis Sandole. Scott values the individualised attention given to students at ACM and finds inspiration in his students and colleagues. Scott’s top tips for students emphasise goal-setting, hard work, integrity, and self-belief.

Leo Appleyard

Leo Appleyard, a highly skilled guitarist and producer based in London, UK, boasts an illustrious career performing at prestigious venues like Ronnie Scotts and The Barbican. Trained in jazz guitar at The Royal Academy of Music – London, and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Leo has collaborated with diverse artists across genres, earning recognition for their work featured on platforms like MTV France and BBC London. Winner of ‘Best Original Song’ at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, Leo is also a dedicated educator, holding the position of Professor of Guitar at the Royal Military School of Music. At ACM, Leo specialises in production, guitar, and keys, benefiting from top-notch facilities and access to a variety of expert tutors. Leo emphasises the importance of a strong work ethic, networking, and embracing musical and financial diversity.

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).

Neil Bullock

Neil Bullock, mentored by the esteemed drummer Mal Garrett from the Birmingham Conservatoire, embarked on a professional drumming career at just 17. Neil’s talent garnered recognition through awards such as the Musicians’ Union ‘Most Promising Young Musician’ and the BBC Big Band ‘Best Drummer Prize’. As a member of the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Neil performed at prestigious venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival. He honed his skills further under the tutelage of the legendary Joe Morello and Jim Chapin in New Jersey. Neil’s career highlights include touring with Chuck Berry as part of The Red Lemon Electric Blues Band and supporting acts including Robert Plant. Neil has collaborated extensively with the BBC Big Band, showcasing his exceptional drumming prowess both live and on radio broadcasts.

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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.