Tutor type: Creative Industries Tutors

Colin Bentham

Colin brings a vast array of diversity and knowledge to his teaching from over 20 years experience, after initially studying at ACM. He saw success with his tech metal band No Consequence, sharing stages with Sleep Token, Meshuggah, Tesseract, Animals As Leaders and touring as a session drummer for Heart Of A Coward.

Colin has been a leading player for the Anderton’s Drum YouTube channel, included in their infamous “sound like” videos, to critical acclaim. These videos have accumulated millions of views and have seen recognition from artists such as Mike Portnoy.

He has also seen success in the tribute scene, covering such bands as Linkin Park, Korn and with his own band Stiff Bizkit (Limp Bizkit). These musical endeavours have allowed him to tour the USA, UAE, Europe, Scandinavia and more.

Martin Dowland

Martin Dowland is a seasoned Creative Industries professional and educator, honoured with the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2017 for Martin’s two-decade commitment to nurturing aspiring creatives. Transitioning from 3-D design, Martin now specialises in theory, context, history, keys, and composition at ACM, drawing from Martin’s diverse background. With a Master of Arts in Creative Economy and extensive experience at the University of Portsmouth and Lancashire Museums Service, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to Martin’s role as a Learning Support Assistant at ACM since 2019. Martin’s passion lies in witnessing the growth of talented individuals within the ACM community, guiding them to step out of their comfort zones, overcome challenges, and believe in their potential for excellence.

Sarah Martin

Active vocalist in International Jazz vocal group “”The Satin Dollz””, working across London, LA, Paris, New York, Italy. With The Satin Dollz, I have toured nationally and internationally alongside artists including Imedla May, The Jive Aces, Cassidy Janson and headlined vintage and jazz festivals across the UK, with a recent residency at The London Cabaret Club. I worked as a touring backing vocalist with The Drifters between 2016 and 2018. As a recording artist, I have had sync opportunities on Love Island and collated over half a million streams.

Dean McCaw

Dean McCaw, specialising in Songwriting and Drums at ACM, brings a wealth of experience as a full-time member of the band China Bears and the writing and production trio Spacemen. With extensive credits in songwriting, production, and instrumental performance, Dean has contributed to projects for various artists including Dan Aura, Ida Just, Lauren Dejey, and Rila’s Edge. Dean’s versatility extends to serving as a session musician and musical director for artists such as Emily Jefferi, Raffi Maxwell, and Ollie Wade. Dean highlights ACM’s nurturing environment for collaboration and networking, emphasising the role of the institution in shaping career trajectories. Deans advice for students includes prioritising collaboration, continuous improvement, and staying connected to their creative motivations.

Chas WISDM

Chas Wisdm brings a diverse professional background as an artist, label owner, journalist, and educator. As the Senior Lecturer of Rap/MC HE at ACM, Chas specialises in imparting invaluable knowledge and skills in the realm of hip-hop. With a remarkable list of credits and experiences including the creation of the largest Remix in Hip Hop History with “Bars 50MC Remix,” festival appearances at renowned events like Boomtown, and collaborations with esteemed artists such as Doc Brown and Jamie Cullum, Chas expertise is unparalleled. Holding prestigious accolades like the MOBO Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2024, Chas stands as a beacon of excellence in the industry. When asked about the best thing about ACM, Chas highlighted, “The wealth of knowledge and experience collectively amongst the ACM is far above any other music University in the world!” Chas’ top three tips for students emphasise the importance of hard work, openness to learning and collaboration, and the value of punctuality.

Catia Carvalho

Catia is a multidisciplinary professional committed to empowering young creatives to craft sustainable careers for the future of work through MA/MSc Creative Industries Futures at ACM.

With a background in global design and a postgraduate degree in communications, she brings a wealth of experience in diverse sectors like design, branding, advertising and innovation. Her journey is marked by continuous learning, including specialised courses from institutions like Yale and Harvard in wellbeing and education leadership.

Beyond her professional roles, Catia is an accomplished visual artist, brand strategist and public speaker with published work by Springer. She explores themes such as lifelong learning, holistic development, interdisciplinary approaches, reflective practice and sustainable careers – challenging conventional views of talent.

As a mentor and educator, Catia extends her expertise to emerging graduates, guiding them through the complexities of personal, professional, and civic identities. Dedicated to shaping the futures of tomorrow’s creative leaders, Catia brings a passion for fostering career development and employability within the dynamic landscape of the creative industries.

Ariana Tahanzadeh

Ariana Tahanzadeh, a creative artist and performer, specialises in vocals at ACM, bringing a wealth of experience and accomplishments to Ariana’s role. With credits including co-writing an EP with singer-songwriter Judie Tzuke, being featured on BBC Introducing and BBC Surrey/Sussex, and securing a music sync deal with ITV’s ‘Love Island,’ Ariana’s expertise is highly valued. At ACM, Ariana emphasises the importance of industry links, personalised tutorials, room bookings, workshops, and masterclasses, offering students valuable opportunities for growth. Ariana’s top tips for students include pushing themselves out of their comfort zone, using time wisely, and making the most of ACM’s resources and offerings to maximise their potential.

Ed Hendry

Ed Hendry embarked on their musical journey at a young age, delving into drums and keys by twelve and joining function bands at thirteen. His fascination with live production sparked early, earning them the initial recording credit at just 16. Following university, Ed thrived as a drummer, recording engineer, and live engineer, collaborating with a diverse array of artists such as Denise van Houten, Etham, and Tilly Valentine. At ACM, Ed specialises in drumming and live production tutoring, emphasising both practical and business aspects of the industry. Ed values ACM’s vibrant community, recognising its potential for networking among aspiring musicians. Ed’s guidance for students stresses the importance of mastering specialised skills while diversifying, fostering social connections, and embracing punctuality as a crucial professional trait.