FurtherEducationProspectusfor music coursesstarting Sept 2013

DEDICATED TO MUSIC

‘It’s not like doing a music course in a normal college - it’s in a real music environment. All the tutors are musicians, your musicalambitions are taken seriously and there are great opportunities to go to industry events and meet people working in the industry.’

‘The tutors are brilliant - the best I’ve had in any education.’

‘It’s much more personal than other colleges. You feel you can talk to a tutor and actually be listened to.’

All quotes in this prospectus are from Access to Music students.

‘Everyone here is passionate about music no matter what it is. That sort of vibe is always good to have when starting something - it gives inspiration.’

‘It gives you the freedom to create music whilst learning about all aspects of the music industry.’

DEDICATEYOURSELF TO MUSIC

‘Access to Music is like a skeleton key opening up a new world of possibilities.’

‘It doesn’t feel like a college, but a relaxed environment with many sounds coming together.’

BRINGING THEINDUSTRY TO YOU

‘It helps youth to get into the music industry - there are not many organisations doing that.’

‘I like the experience - the opportunities to use studios and desks and gain technical knowledge from professionals who have worked in the industry.’

‘I chose Access to Music because I was an aspiring artist/producer. I’d heard it was a brilliant place for music practitioners so I came to improve my knowledge and transform my hobby into a career.’

OURFORMER

STUDENTS

Rita OraRita Ora has quickly become one of the hottest names in UK music. From her appearance on the DJ Fresh number 1 Hot Right Now to her own solo number 1s R.I.P. and How We Do (Party), plus a number 1 album, Rita has had swift and deserved success. The summer of 2012 saw her headlining major festivals, such as V, while appearing on TV programmes including the Jonathan Ross Show and The X Factor as a guest judge. Widely tipped as the UK’s answer to Rihanna, she started off her career on a Music Performance course at Access to Music London.

Ed SheeranEd Sheeran is now a household name on both sides of the Atlantic, but in 2009 he was still making a name for himself and he decided to come to Access to Music London to do the Artist Development course. He left after completing the course, having been an excellent student and well on the road to success.

‘I wanted to get some experience - it sounded like it would be a wicked course and it gave me the opportunity to move to London and gig every night. It gave me the first push and I loved the freedom. Obviously you are there to learn, but they understood that half of the learning you needed for the industry was outside the classroom with gigs and studio time.’

Vanessa WhiteSince 2009, The Saturdays have become one of the biggest girl-groups in the UK with their third album, Notorious, producing some of their biggest hits of 2011. 20-year-old Vanessa White from Somerset studied with Access to Music in London before auditioning to join the group.

Vanessa says, ‘I always knew I wanted to sing since as long as I can remember. It didn’t matter whether I was in a pop band or not - I was always going to sing no matter what. I’m just lucky to have this opportunity’.

Craig RichardsSometimes it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. It may have seemed like just another day to Craig, but little did he know that his Access to Music tutor had just taken a call from a contact who was looking for a drummer at very short notice. The tutor knew just the man for the job and once Craig had confirmed he was up for the challenge and had the all important passport, there was no looking back.

Craig was put in touch with the tour manager and was sent the tracks to learn for the first gig the next day. The band are called Brokencyde, a crunkcore outfit from Alberququerque, New Mexico (pictured left). Craig made his debut at Birmingham Ballrooms before moving onto a UK tour and Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

more former students

Ria RitchieThe name Ria Ritchie may not mean anything to you yet, but this talented songstress from Norfolk is already attracting internet attention with over 10 million views and 35,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel.

Her profile has been enough to gain the interest of Ben Drew a.k.a. Plan B, who invited Ria to London for a writing and studio session. She has also had meetings with Jay-Z’s business partner, Jay Brown, and has supported Tinchy Stryder on tour.

Archie Lamb & Jack FosterAccess to Music students go on to work in all areas of the industry. Archie Lamb and Jack Foster came to Access to Music Norwich to develop their music skills. While there, they got hooked on the business side of music and in 2006 they decided to set up their own artist management company.

The new company’s coup was to sign and mastermind the phenomenal rise of UK grime artist, Tinchy Stryder. They signed him to a joint publishing deal with EMI and the result was a string of best-selling singles and live appearances.

More recently, Takeover Entertainment signed a joint deal with Jay Z and Roc Nation to create a European record label called Takeover Roc Nation. Takeover Entertainment also manage Giggs, Dappy and ex-Access to Music up-and-coming star Ria Ritchie.

‘The Access to Music stage was an excellent new addition that far exceeded my expectations.’Sharon ReubenLatitude/Festival Republic

INDUSTRY ENDORSEMENT

‘If more people had access to this you’d be surprised how talented people really are.’ Goldie

‘A team of students worked with us at Latitude 2012. They were very professional, polite and knowledgeable.’ Sean Adams,

Drowned in Sound

‘If you’re thinking about getting into the music industry, in whatever way shape or form - whether you’re in a band or maybe you want to be a marketing director of a big major label - you should check it out!’Edith Bowman:Radio & TV Broadcaster

‘Such a breadth of musicand loads of talent.’Lauren LaverneRadio & TV Broadcaster

INDUSTRY PARTNERSAccess to Music works with a variety of organisations and companies in the UK music industry to bring experiences and opportunities to our students.A selection are listed here.

Organisations

Events

Companies

general informationputting music first .............................................................................18why choose us? ..................................................................................20access to music centres .........................................................24open & taster days ..........................................................................28

music courseshow to apply/fees .............................................................................34foundation music ...............................................................................36intermediate music .........................................................................40advanced music ..................................................................................46artist development ...........................................................................54

other informationkeeping you safe ................................................................................62opportunities for all ........................................................................63contacts ...........................................................................................................64

contents

plug in to music

‘I chose Access to Music because I love music.’

Photography:Richard Eccleston: www.richardecclestone.comCurious Photography: www.curiousphotography.co.uk

Curriculum enrichment is inspiring. The opportunities for all learners to improve their skills in live performances to the local community and for many learners to perform nationally are very good.

Ofsted Report 2009

Access to Music is the UK’s leading popular music college. We are 100% dedicated to music and by choosing to study with us you are guaranteed a great music and learning experience.

Whether you want to be a performer, a producer, a composer, a sound engineer or a music entrepreneur, we have a course to suit you.

We understand the passion our students have for their music. We understand the drive and determination to master an instrument, or a piece of software or hardware. We recognise the ambitions of people who want to be the future of the music industry - from the artists and producers, through to the entrepreneurs who organise the festivals, tours and gigs, to those who sell the music and merchandise.

By choosing Access to Music you are making your first steps to stand out from the crowd by putting music first.

putting music first

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Access to Music is special and unique. We have been delivering career-relevant training for over 20 years. Music isn’t just another subject we teach - it’s our focus and our passion.

our courses• Our courses are tailored to suit the needs of

musicians and people wanting to work in the creative industries.

• Learning is focussed on practical, real-life projects such as creating music for live performance, organising events, creating and promoting recorded music and generating promotional materials.

• We design our own music qualifications in partnership with Rockschool, the UK’s only rock and pop awarding body. The result is practical music courses which carry UCAS points and have parity with other qualifications such as BTECs and A Levels.

• Unlike many colleges we don’t have exam entry requirements. Your musical skills are of more importance to us.

our feesIf you are aged 16 to 18 on 31st August 2013, you will not have to pay tuition fees. For more information on fees, please see page 35.

why choose us?

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our tutorsWe have talented and knowledgeable tutors who have direct experience of the music industry.

our centresWe have nine different specialist centres throughout the UK, so you get all the benefits of a large college at a smaller, friendly location.

our facilities Our centres are hubs of creativity, with great facilities - fully-equipped rehearsal studios, technology suites, recording studios and media centres.

atom liveAtom Live works with Access to Music to bring you fantastic industry opportunities from festival stages at Latitude and workshops at Glastonbury, to regional conventions, guest speakers and masterclasses to digital services such as distribution and publishing. There is also the chance to be selected for a national UK tour.

why choose us?

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‘I wasn’t interested in A levels and Access to Music seemed much better than the BTEC in Music Technology because of the much more relevant and industry-focussed teaching.’

‘In some way my belief in Access to Music is so strong I’d say it chooses you- it’s a calling!’

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why choose us?

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‘I chose Access to Music as it has all the necessary resources to enable me to fulfil my aims within the music industry.’

‘It’s a college with a huge reputation - the likes of Ed Sheeran have really raised its profile. They also have a great understanding of, and experience in, music - the tutors are speaking from experience, not just a text book.’

‘I chose Access to Music because I’d heard that it’s one of the country’s best music colleges.’

‘I saw it was a much more practical music course compared to A level courses and it was aimed much more at what I wanted to do.’

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‘The centres have great resources and tutors who know what they’re talking about.’

‘You get access to cutting-edge equipment,rehearsal rooms and studios.’

‘The centres have awesome staff who are passionate about music.’Student feedback to Ofsted

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1. Access To Music BirminghamHeath Mill Studios68 Heath Mill LaneDigbethBIRMINGHAMB9 4AR

2. Access To Music BrightonEnterprise PointMelbourne StreetBRIGHTONBN2 3LH

3. Access To Music Bristol309 Central ParkPetherton RoadHengroveBRISTOLBS14 9BZ

4. Access To Music DarlingtonThe Forum Music CentreBorough RoadDARLINGTONCo. DurhamDL1 1SG

5. Access To Music Lincoln3rd Floor Silvergate House32 ClasketgateLINCOLNLN2 1JS

6. Access To Music LondonBritish Academy of New MusicSugar House YardSugar House LaneLONDONE15 2QS

7. Access To Music ManchesterAbraham Moss Centre140 Crescent RoadMANCHESTERM8 5UF

8. Access To Music Norwich135-137 King StreetNORWICHNR1 1QHEPIC, 114 Magdalen StreetNORWICHNR3 1JD

9. Access to Music YorkThe Jam Factory106 Eldon StreetYORKYO31 7NH

‘I love the fact that everyone in the building is into music.’

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centre locations

plug in to music

‘Going to music college was my best chance to do what I love and this one seemed to be the best one.’

‘Best college formusic in my opinion.’

‘It was the right place for me.’

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open daystaster daysAccess to Music centres have Open and Taster days throughout the year where you can drop in and find out more about us.

Open Days include presentations, Q&As, tours, performances and music-making activities.

Taster Days are an opportunity for a hands-on practical experience of what our courses are like.

To find out more visit our website where you can book your place.

Access to Music has nine music centres located across England. Each centre is different, but all have a great atmosphere charged by the creativity of aspiring and eager musicians and music industry personnel.

Many centres operate as commercial music studios, meaning that your place of study is also a part of the local music industry.

Our centres are:• Access to Music Birmingham Heath Mill Studios is situated in the

emerging creative quarter in Digbeth, just ten minutes walk from the city centre. This new state-of-the-art centre has 6 rehearsal rooms (fully equipped with drum kits, guitar and bass amps and PAs), a 24-track digital recording studio, 2 Apple Mac technology suites, media centres and a dedicated performance space. The centre is an accredited Apple Mac Training Centre.

• Access to Music Brighton Working in partnership with Brighton Electric, the ground-floor studios has 5 fully-equipped band rehearsal rooms (with drum kits, guitar and bass amps, PAs and digital recorders), a 24-track digital recording studio and a performance space. Upstairs, there are Apple Mac technology suites and several teaching spaces.

• Access to Music Bristol The centre operates as a commercial rehearsal and recording studios with 6 fully-equipped rehearsal rooms, a 24-track digital recording studio and a performance space. Upstairs there are Apple Mac technology suites and several teaching spaces.

• Access to Music Darlington This centre takes advantage of the great facilities offered at the Forum Music Centre. The purpose-built studios has 3 fully-equipped band rehearsal rooms, 2 digital recording studios, plus a large 170 capacity performance space/venue with a café/bar. There is also an Apple Mac technology suite.

our centres

• Access to Music Lincoln Our East Midlands centre is located in the heart of Lincoln city centre in a building which also includes a night club and music venue. Our facilities boast 3 fully-equipped rehearsal rooms, 2 digital recording studios and Apple Mac technology suites.

• Access to Music London In one of the most exciting areas in the city, next door to the Olympic village, our facilities boast 11 fully-equipped band rehearsal and 2 digital recording studios. There are also several Apple Mac technology suites, a media centre and break-out tuition rooms.

• Access to Music Manchester Our Manchester centre is based at the site of the former Cutting Rooms studios that hosted bands such as Oasis, James, The Charlatans and Take That. Facilities include band rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, a theatre performance space/venue and an Apple Mac technology suite.

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• Access to Music Norwich This centre is based at two sites – one at EPIC on Magdalen Street and the other on King Street. At EPIC, students can take advantage of 3 state-of-the-art studios, a dubbing theatre and 5 editing suites. The facilities at King Street include 5 band rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, a post-production suite, 2 Apple Mac technology suites, 2 seminar rooms and 2 DJ rooms.

• Access to Music York Access to Music recently celebrated its tenth anniversary at the popular Jam Factory music studios on Eldon Street. Facilities include several band rehearsal rooms, a recording studio and an Apple Mac technology suite.

‘I chose Access to Music because of how great the teaching, learning environment and opportunities are.’

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music courses

‘The course content is perfect - I have learned more already than I ever expected to know.’

‘Courses are built around what you want to do, rather than forcing everyone to be the same.’

‘The course is awesome. I am a practical person and the course suits me well - it is easier for me to learn this way.’

‘It was the best college for me to further my skills in music production.’

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The following section lists the courses we offer at the time of publication. However, we launch new courses throughout the year - check our website for the latest updates.

www.accesstomusic.co.uk

‘It was easy to apply. You can do it online in simple stages. I also like the fact that they value ability and passion for music.’

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You can apply for any of our courses by simply going to our website and filling in an online application form.

All you will have to do is choose which course you want to do and at which centre. You will then be guided through how to complete our online form.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Once you have applied, you can expect to be allocated an interview within two weeks.

You are expected to attend this interview and come prepared to demonstrate and talk about your musical skills.

You will be given more information and guidance about your interview by letter; there is additional information on our website.

how to apply

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If you are aged 16 to 18 on 31st August 2013, you will not have to pay tuition fees. However, there will be a charge to cover some extra-curricular activities and use of facilities outside of your main learning programme. This fee has not yet been finalised, but last year’s fee was £90 and it is likely to be around that amount.

In addition to this fee, adult learners (aged 19+) will be required to pay a tuition fee. All of our fees are highly competitive with those of other colleges and education providers. Please see our website for more details of fees.

fees

‘Access to Music seemed down to earth and open to individuality, which appealed to me. I wanted to learn to produce my own sounds and develop a style of my own. They offered that.’

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Covering:• Digital Music• Music Performance

This is a personalised introductory course for anyone who wants to start writing, playing and recording music while gaining essential life and employability skills.

It is ideal for budding producers and music technologists, as well as beginner vocalists, MCs, guitarists, bassists, singer/songwriters, drummers and keyboard players.

The course is ideal for anyone who has found conventional school qualifications, such as GCSEs, to be unsuitable, for those not currently in education, training or employment and for those looking to return to education. You will be supported throughout your studies by experienced, inspirational staff.

Foundation Music Foundation Level

Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Lincoln, London, Norwich, York

Length: 1 year (30 weeks)Level: Foundation/Level 1

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what you will doYou will cover all the basics of music making from musicianship through to getting started with music production. The course is designed around projects, which help you to develop other skills, including communication, maths and employability.

qualificationsThis course is assessed through a variety of qualifications which you will achieve by undertaking interesting real-life projects. Assessment is all through course work – there are no exams.• Rockschool Certificate for Music Practitioners (Level 1).• Edexcel Award in Personal and Social Development (Entry Level 3).• NCFE Award in Demonstrating Enterprise Skills (Entry Level 3).• Edexcel Functional Skills English, Maths & ICT (Entry Level 3).

entry requirementsThere are no formal entry requirements other than a passion for music and a desire to gain skills. If you wish to study as an instrumentalist, then you will probably need an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass etc). However, some centres offer instrument hire and all centres have keyboards and drum kits.

delivery optionsThree days per week over 30 weeks (daytime).

bolt-onsWe offer the following evening and weekend short courses which can be taken as fee-paying bolt-ons to your main course. They will help you to enhance your experience with us:• Rockschool Grades Debut-3 in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard and Vocals.• Apple Mac basic computer courses.Please note: bolt-on courses vary from centre to centre. Please check our website to find out what is on offer at your chosen centre.

next stepsThe course offers progression to our intermediate courses or to GCSEs or into apprenticeships and employment.

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plug in to music

‘I had all the entry requirements. I was looking to better myself musically and was ready for a change. The thought of being surrounded by people with the same passion as me everyday was really exciting.’

Foundation Music cont.

‘The course was suited to my needs as a musician and offered good prospects.’

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Options in:• Music Performance - Artists• Digital Music - Producers• Music Technology - Sound Engineers

This course is designed for those wanting to gain essential skills in music making and music technology. It is ideal for musicians, producers and sound engineers who want to develop their skills in preparation for more advanced and specialised work.

The course covers the following career paths:• Artists: Writing, rehearsing, recording and performing music in bands and/or as

singer/songwriters.• Producers: Creating and realising music using digital software (Reason, Ableton

Live etc.).• Sound Engineers: Sound production in live and studio environments.Please note: options may not be available at all centres. Please check the website to see what pathways are offered at your chosen centre.

Intermediate MusicLevel 2 - GCSE equivalent

Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Lincoln, London, Norwich, York

Length: 1 year (35 weeks)Level: Level 2 (GCSE standard)

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what you will do• Music Performance: Artists will focus on their musicianship and repertoire

development in preparation for recording and performance.• Digital Music: Producers will develop their songwriting, production and

technology skills.• Music Technology: Sound engineers will get to grips with the science of

sound and with live and studio audio installations.

Much time will be spent on working towards common projects involving students from all pathways, such as events and music releases. These will help you to develop wider skills to benefit your future studies, employability and success. You will be supported throughout your studies by experienced, inspirational staff.

All students will also develop skills which are important for anyone wanting to work in the creative industries:

• Understanding the industry: Gaining a knowledge of the changing face of the music and creative industries.

• Income streams: Understanding how to generate income from music and music-related product.

• Marketing and promotion: Getting to grips with identifying your client/fan base and how to effectively communicate and promote to them.

qualificationsThis course is assessed through a qualification designed by Access to Music in partnership with Rockschool. Assessment is through course work – there are no exams.• Rockschool Diploma for Music Practitioners (Level 2).• This qualification is the equivalent of a First BTEC or 4 GCSEs (grades A-C).You may also be required to undertake Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths and Technology.

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Intermediate Music cont.

‘I wanted to develop my skills in sound engineering and meet people with the same motivation and drive as I have.’

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‘It offered me the chance to evolve as a artist.’

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Intermediate Music cont.

entry requirementsThere are no formal entry requirements other than an ability and passion for music and a desire to gain skills. However, you will be expected to have already gained some skills and experience in your chosen field. That might mean:• A solid grounding on an instrument (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and

vocals) and possibly some experience of playing with others.• Experience of creating tracks on a computer using software such as FL

Studio, Reason, Ableton Live etc.• Some experience of sound engineering, perhaps in bedroom recording,

or even in a studio or at a venue.

deliveryThree days per week over 35 weeks - September to June (daytime)

bolt-onsWe offer the following evening and weekend short courses, which can be taken as fee-paying bolt-ons to your main course. They will help you to enhance your experience with us:• Rockschool Grades 1-5 in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard and Vocals.• Apple Mac basic computer courses.• Reason Level 1.• Ableton Live 1.Please note: bolt-on courses vary from centre to centre. Please check our website to find out what is on offer at your chosen centre.

next stepsThe course offers progression to our advanced courses or to A levels or into apprenticeships and employment.

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‘I chose Access to Music because it was practical and was totally about music.’

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Options in:• Music Performance - Artist• Digital Music - Producer• Music Technology - Sound Engineer• Music Business - Music Entrepreneur

Our advanced courses give you the chance to really focus on your career aims and to specialise your studies. They are designed for musicians, producers, sound engineers and music entrepreneurs who are looking to up-skill in preparation for professional work and/or undergraduate study.

The course will encourage you to identify with one, or more, of the following career paths in line with your aspirations:• Artists: Writing, rehearsing, recording and performing music in bands

and/or as singer/songwriters.• Producers: Creating and realising music using digital software

(Logic, Reason, Ableton Live etc.).• Sound Engineers: Acoustics and sound production in live and studio

environments, working with partner studios, venues and festivals.• Music Entrepreneurs: Creating business projects such as record

labels, web businesses and event management, artist management and merchandise companies.

Please note: options may not be available at all centres. Please check the website to see what pathways are offered at your chosen centre.

Advanced MusicLevel 3 - A Level equivalent

plug in to music

Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Darlington, Lincoln, London, Norwich, YorkLength: 1 or 2 years (35 weeks per year)Level: Level 3 (A Level standard)

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Advanced Music cont.

what you will do• Music Performance: Artists will focus on further

developing their musicianship, repertoire, performance skills, recorded product and brand identity in preparation for professional-level work.

• Digital Music: Producers will further develop their theory, composition, production and technology skills to create quality recorded products for a variety of applications including media, while also developing their brand identity.

• Music Technology: Sound engineers will engage with the science of sound and with live and studio audio and production installations both in and out of the centre.

• Music Business: Music entrepreneurs will develop and implement business projects, to include full business and financial planning, which will underpin many of the music projects undertaken during the course. This will involve real music projects within the community.

The course is designed around real-world music projects such as music performance, charity events, digital releases, physical releases, media packs, by which you will develop wider skills to benefit your future studies, employability and success. You will be supported throughout your studies by experienced, inspirational staff.

‘I have been producing digitally for two years but needed more skills to pursue a career in production.’

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‘I love getting to play in different bands!’

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All students will also engage in common areas of skill development which are important for anyone wanting to work in the creative industries:

• Understanding the industry: Developing your knowledge of the changing face of the music and creative industries.

• Income streams (not Music Entrepreneurs): Understanding in detail how to generate income from music and music-related product from digital distribution and publishing/synchronisation to merchandise, music teaching and live event production. This will include basic business and financial planning.

• Marketing and promotion: Working on developing your client/fan base and your communications and marketing to them. This will include using social media as well as developing professional promotional materials using web applications.

Students who are looking to go onto further study at universitycan select options to help them prepare for this transition.

qualificationsThis course is assessed through qualifications designed by Access to Music in partnership with Rockschool. Assessment is through course work – there are no exams.• Rockschool Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners – one

year (Level 3).• Rockschool Extended Diploma for Music Practitioners – two

years (Level 3).• The Extended Diploma has parity with a full Level 3 BTEC or 3

A Levels and carries the same UCAS points.*You may also be required to undertake Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths and Technology.*Subject to validation.

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Advanced Music cont.

entry requirementsThere are no formal entry requirements other than an ability and passion for music and a desire to gain skills through that passion. However, you will be expected to have already developed intermediate skills and experience in your chosen field. That might mean:• Strong skills on an instrument (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals)

with some experience of playing with others, including playing gigs.• A good knowledge of creating tracks on a computer using software such as

FL Studio, Reason, Ableton Live, Logic etc.• Wider experience of sound engineering and production, in home recording

and in a studio and/or at a venue.• Some experience, or well-thought through plans, of music business

operations, such as organising an event or managing an artist.

deliveryThree days per week over 35 or 70 weeks - September to June (daytime)

bolt-onsWe offer the following evening and weekend short courses, which can be taken as fee-paying bolt-ons to your main course. They will help you to enhance your experience with us:• Rockschool Grades 1-8 in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard and Vocals.• Apple Mac computer courses.• Logic Level 1/2.• Reason Level 2.• Ableton Live 2.Please note: bolt-on courses vary from centre to centre. Please check our website to find out what is on offer at your chosen centre.

next stepsThis course offers progression to undergraduate courses, including Access to Music’s own degrees and Level 4 programmes, as well as into apprenticeships and employment. Please see following pages for more information. The qualification generates UCAS points in line with BTECs and A Levels* so that students have parity when applying for university courses through UCAS. Former students have progressed to over 35 universities across the UK.

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‘I love learning about the physics of sound and using the resources such as Apple iMacs and studio equipment.’

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Advanced Music cont.

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Artist DevelopmentLevel 4 - first year of a degree

Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Lincoln, London, Norwich, YorkLength: 1 yearLevel: Level 4 (first year of a degree)

Music artists have always relied on A&R teams and management to help them develop their music and their potential. Today few artists gain from this process as record labels and production companies have been forced to cut costs. The solution is our Artist Development programme, which replicates the typical processes of artist and repertoire development within a robust educational framework.

You will work under the close guidance of a highly-experienced team of musicians, industry professionals and creatives who will support you as you begin to explore and investigate your work and its potential.

The course is ideal for music artists such as singer/songwriters, producers/composers and groups or group members.

Please note that you can take this course free of tuition charges if you are aged 18 on the 31 August 2013. There is a fee for 19+ students, but it is much less than annual fees for degrees.

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what you will doDeconstructing the ArtistYou will embark on a 12-week research project examining the inspirational origins of your own music making. You will use your findings to explore and evaluate a range of industry topics including branding, marketing, A&R processes, labels and label structures, managements and performance.

Artist DevelopmentYou will begin to construct a detailed and targeted 3-month artist development plan. Your plan will outline how you intend to develop in the key areas identified. You will be expected to document your own development using a variety of methods and present this to a tutor panel.

Artist PresentationYou will embark on a real-life project to test the impact of your artist brand in a public setting. Using recognised research methods you will gather information, predominantly from live performances, showcases, online feedback and distributed material, to reach a better understanding of how your work is perceived and understood.

Artist Re-evaluationThe process reaches its conclusion with a thorough evaluative analysis of your own artist development, together with a detailed strategy for the future.

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Artist Development cont.

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qualificationsThis course is assessed through a qualification designed by Access to Music in partnership with Rockschool. Assessment is through course work – there are no exams.• Rockschool Diploma for Creative Practitioners – one year (Level 4).

entry requirements• At least 18 years of age.• Pass in GCE A level (A2) in 2 subjects (or 2 Scottish Advanced Highers), or a

Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner qualification, or a National Diploma in a music-related subject.

• Applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate ability through their application.

• Students who do not have English as a first language are expected to meet the IELTS 5.5 standard.

• More details are available online at www.accesstomusic.co.uk.

deliveryThree days per week over 35 weeks - September to June

Artist Development cont.

‘I chose Access to Music because I wanted to broaden my knowledge of the music industry.’

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next stepsThis course offers progression to undergraduate courses, including Access to Music’s own degrees and Level 4 programmes, as well as into apprenticeships and employment.

Access to Music offers the following undergraduate options:• Popular Music Performance (BA Hons): Three-year performance

degree developed in partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester (Manchester). This degree focuses on the skills required for professional session work.

• Popular Music Performance (BMus): Two-year fast-track performance degree developed in partnership with Birmingham City University (Birmingham). This degree develops performance skills for musicians looking to explore a career in music.

• Music Business (BA Hons): Two-year fast-track music business degree developed in partnership with Birmingham City University (Birmingham, London and Manchester). This degree generates knowledge and skills for anyone looking to work in the music or creative industries.

• Music Educator (Level 4): Teacher training course for anyone looking to teach creative subjects such as music and related media – one year (part time).

Please see our Undergraduate Prospectus or website for more details.

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Artist Development cont.

keeping you safe

Access to Music believes that the welfare of the individual is paramount. We recognise our duty and responsibility to protect when there is a cause for concern.

All staff and students have the right to:• Live and work in a safe environment and be

protected from harm.• Experience emotional well-being.• Feel valued and be supported by a network of

professional relationships.• Have a positive self-image.• Have a secure sense of cultural, social and racial

identity.• Develop good interpersonal skills and confidence in

social situations.

We believe: • That all staff and students without exception have

the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexuality or beliefs.

• That all concerns, and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

We are committed to the principle of safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all staff.

‘I feel like the tutors understand me and what they are teaching me, which helps me have a strong sense of trust in them.’

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opportunity for all

Access to Music aims to promote equality and diversity in everything we do by:

• Creating a positive and welcoming environment for people to learn, work and engage across their wider community.

• Treating all people fairly and with respect, giving them all an equal opportunity to learn and progress.

• Encouraging people from different backgrounds to continue to learn and to achieve their potential in life.

• Adhering to legislation and regulations, and supporting legal requirements.

• Reflecting our commitment to equality and diversity in all of our courses and activities.

• Working proactively to combat discrimination, encouraging and promoting equality and celebrating diversity.

Access to Music emphasises inclusiveness, openness and fairness, offering a positive outlook on the many differences, as well as similarities, that can affect how people interact with each other. We value the abilities and skills that all individuals bring with them. Our courses and opportunities are designed to be accessible to everyone regardless of gender, race, disability, physical ability, mental capability, education, sexual orientation, religious belief, values, age, personality, experiences and culture.

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Access to Music, ATM and British Academy of New Music are registered trade marks of Access to Music Limited.