Tutor type: Performance Tutors

Slava Shishkin

Slava Shishkin is a Senior Lecturer in Visual Game Arts & Animation, teaching at ACM campuses in London and Guildford, where he inspires and educates future talent in digital art and animation. With a strong scientific and research background and over two decades of experience as a versatile 3D Artist in the games industry, he has made significant contributions to well-known titles such as World of Tanks and World of Warplanes at Wargaming, as well as City Life and Cities XL at Monte Cristo Games. He has also produced creative work for VR simulators and realistic visualisations, gaining a deep understanding of both game development and industrial production workflows.

His teaching approach draws on both theoretical and practical knowledge of digital art, incorporating modern industry-standard software and workflows. He adopts a personalised teaching style, addressing the individual needs of each student. This fosters not only an understanding of contemporary digital art practices but also the practical skills required for students to succeed in their projects and thrive creatively within their chosen pathways.

Nicolas Meier

Nicolas Meier, renowned for their eclectic blend of Turkish, Eastern, and Middle Eastern music infused with jazz, Nicolas Meier stands as one of the most original and versatile guitarists worldwide. Born in 1973 in Switzerland, Nicolas’s artistic upbringing laid the foundation for their boundless ambition. In 2009, they founded their own record label, MGP Records, releasing twelve albums spanning solo works, collaborations, and projects with their heavy metal band, Seven7. Notably, their partnership with guitarist Pete Oxley yielded the acclaimed “Chasing Tales” in 2015. A pivotal moment arrived in 2017 with the release of “Infinity” on Steve Vai’s Favoured Nations Records, featuring jazz legends Jimmy Haslip and Vinnie Colaiuta. Recent years have seen a flurry of activity, including the 2019 release of “Peaceful” and the 2020 albums “Flying Spirits” and “Escapades.” In 2022, “Magnificent” marked another milestone, accompanied by an extensive European tour supporting Steve Vai. With endorsements from luminaries like Jeff Beck and Steve Vai, Nicolas’s star continues to ascend, leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape.

Patrick Hughes

Pat is an accomplished bassist and educator with a career spanning decades of live performances, studio collaborations, and teaching. A graduate of Basstech in London, where he earned the title of “Best Overall Student,” Pat has since built an impressive portfolio of musical accomplishments.

As a performer, Pat has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, playing alongside acclaimed acts such as Hugh Cornwell, former frontman of The Stranglers, and punk-poet John Cooper Clarke. His live experience also includes collaborations with 80s icon Toyah Willcox and critically acclaimed bands such as Headnoise, The Disorientee, and Wanton & Blithe. Pat continues to work with a variety of function bands and contributes to studio projects, including regular session work for Guitar Techniques magazine and collaborations with drum and bass producer Ray Keith.

In addition to his performance career, Pat has been teaching at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford since 2001. Known for his versatility, Pat is skilled in teaching students of all levels, from beginners to degree-level professionals. His expertise encompasses bass performance, stylistic versatility, advanced techniques, transcribing, music theory, and ear training. Pat has also delivered guest lectures at prestigious events and institutions, including the UK Bass Day, Seoul Jazz Academy in South Korea, and leading contemporary music colleges in Tokyo and Niigata, Japan.

Lucy Jane Brown

Lucy Brown is a pop, rnb, and soulful singer based in Birmingham
who performs nationally and internationally, entertaining clients from weddings to
corporate events, to residencies at luxury bars and restaurants.

She began her career studying music at university. After leaving with a
first class BA Hons in Performance Industries, she then went on to teach
vocal techniques and skill with companies such as Yamaha and most proudly ACM!
Lucy performs multiple times a week in places such as Harvey Nichols, the BBC,
Level 25 at Marco Pierre Whites, The Mailbox, Albert Schloss, The Cube and many many more. Additionally, Lucy has filmed and recorded promotional material
for companies such as the Malmaison Hotel, ghost-written melodies and lyrics for major artists, taken centre stage at the theatre show ‘Ibiza nights’, alongside managing a huge pool of musicians for gigs locally. Lucy has lots of hands-on experience as a musician and creative.

Lee Gold

Lee Gold is a highly accomplished singer, pianist, arranger, and musical director from South Africa, now based in London, UK. Lee holds a Bmus Degree and a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction from the University of Cape Town, where they trained under renowned vocal stars like Deborah Tanguy and Natasha Roth. Lee has garnered numerous awards and achievements, with Lee’s vocals featured on movie soundtracks and commercial campaigns. Notable highlights include performing with Grammy award-winning band Collective Soul and touring with 70’s/80’s Soul legends George McCrae and Lenny Zakatek. Lee’s versatility spans jazz, soul, and pop genres, with regular performances at prestigious venues like Boisdale Restaurants and Ronnie Scott’s Bar. At ACM, Lee’s specialism lies in vocals, and they value the exciting and nurturing environment and the knowledgeable tutors. Lee’s top tips for students include prioritising networking, adopting a confident mindset, and embracing rejection as an opportunity for growth.

Matt Aston

Matt Aston, a seasoned live session bassist with extensive recording and gigging experience, shares his expertise at ACM as a specialist in bass guitar, double bass, touring, recording work, music theory, and academic practice. With credits including Kara Marni, FIKA, and Lucy Spraggan, Matt brings real-world industry knowledge to his teaching. Matt finds fulfilment in witnessing students realise their potential at ACM. Matt’s top tips for students emphasise the importance of practice, networking, and enjoying the learning process.

Nikki Sadler

Nikki Sadler, hailing from Birmingham, is a seasoned session singer, vocalist, songwriter, and vocal coach. Graduating with first-class honours in Music Performance Vocals from Tech Music School (The London College of Music), Nikki has traversed the globe performing in hotels and cruise ships while also lending their talent to high-profile events as a session singer and vocal tutor in London. Nikki’s extensive live performance experience spans genres like Contemporary Pop, Rock, R&B, Soul, and Jazz. At ACM, Nikki’s specialisation lies in vocals and performance, where they imparts invaluable skills in vocal health, stagecraft, advanced vocal technique, and stylistic awareness. Nikki emphasises collaboration and project management, preparing students for the industry with professional portfolios and opportunities for industry links. Nikki encourages students to seize every performance opportunity, attend additional workshops, and leverage the support of their tutors. With Nikki’s guidance, students can navigate the music industry landscape with confidence and expertise.

Tim Walters

Tim Walters is a seasoned guitarist and educator. Since starting their guitar journey in 1989 and transitioning to professional performance and teaching in 2000, Tim has performed in over 40 countries worldwide and taught students of all levels, from complete beginners through to multi-platinum selling artists. Holding distinction passes at Grade 8 with Trinity College London and Rockschool exam boards, as well as a Licentiate teaching diploma and Fellowship performance diploma with the London College of Music. Tim is well versed in a variety of musical styles and skilled in sight reading and improvisation. Tim’s extensive touring experience has enriched his teaching practice. As the Guitar Pathway Lead at ACM, Tim fosters a unique, collaborative learning environment within a world-class faculty. Tim’s top tips for students emphasise active participation and seizing every opportunity for musical growth.

Pete Friesen

Pete started playing guitar for Alice Cooper in 1989 on the “Trash” album world tour, travelling to North America, UK, Europe, Japan and Australia. A live DVD, “Trashes The World”, was recorded at the Birmingham NEC and released in 1990.
He went on to do the European tour of Alice’s next album “Hey Stoopid”, also appearing alongside Alice in the movie “Wayne’s World”.
Pete relocated to the UK in 1992 and joined Scottish rock band The Almighty who he played with for the next 4 years. Releasing 3 albums in that time: “Powertrippin”, (no. 5 in the UK album charts), “Crank” and “Just Add Life”; the band toured extensively throughout the UK, Europe, North and South America, Australia and Japan. Highlights were the 1992 Donington Monsters of Rock Festival and supporting Metallica at Milton Keynes Bowl.
The Almighty disbanded in 1996 and in 1997 Pete returned to Alice Cooper’s band do several more tours up until 2002. A live DVD from the “Brutal Planet” tour was recorded at Hammersmith Apollo and released in 2000.
In the summer of 2000 Pete played a string of summer festival dates in Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson’s solo band.
Since 2000 Pete has been a tutor at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford and has recorded production music for London based company Brilliant Music.
His tracks have been used in television and film all over the world.
In 2014 Pete played guitar in the Ray Davies/ Kinks musical “Sunny Afternoon”. It ran for two years in London’s West End and had performances at the Royal Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall. An original cast recording of the show, which was produced by Ray Davies, was released on Sony music.

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.