INTERNATIONAL

FOUNDATION YEAR

MUSICYour gateway to a UK university

and the UK music industry.ac

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Manchester Music Industry Conference

Official Education Partner

If you are looking to gain an understanding of the Western music industry while developing your English skills, then this is a unique, not-to-be-missed opportunity.

It is your chance to undertake a one-year International Foundation Year in Music in Manchester run by Access to Music in partnership with the Northern Consortium of UK Universities - NCUK.

The UK music industry is respected throughout the world for innovation and progressive thinking with an enviable reputation for the quality of its music from The Beatles to Coldplay. The study of good practice in the UK music industry and the development of transferable skills will provide you with the experience and knowledge to work in music and creative sectors in many countries.

Access to Music is the UK’s leading provider of popular music education and training, designing and delivering qualifications from music centres across the UK. It also works in partnership with colleges and universities including the University of Westminster and the Royal Northern College of Music. It is well placed to offer international students a unique opportunity to gain the skills needed to work in the Western music industry.

On successful completion of this course you will have guaranteed access to a choice of music-related degrees at universities belonging to NCUK.

INTRODUCTION

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WELCOMEYou are about to make one of the most important decisions about your future. By choosing to learn more about making music in one of the world’s leading music cultures you are starting on an exciting journey. It’s a journey which gives guaranteed entry to a UK university upon successful completion and, perhaps later, into the British, European or American music industry.

We aim to make that journey as fruitful and enjoyable as possible. Access to Music is a leading provider of music education in the UK, providing excellent opportunities to develop and showcase your skills, from local gigs, to participation in the international ‘In The City’ music industry conference and events across the UK.

We are offering the International Foundation Year in Music in Manchester because the city offers a high-quality student experience. With over 100,000 students living here, the city is easy to get around with a friendly but busy atmosphere. Manchester also has a fantastic musical heritage, both in popular and classical music and you will experience this yourself as your course will involve study at our famous Cutting Rooms studios, with other activities at Blueprint Studios and the Royal Northern College of Music. You will be made to feel really welcome and there are lots of things to see and do throughout the year. We also have some great partnerships with music colleges,music studios and music venues which will helpto transform your experience into somethingreally special.

We really look forward to seeing you inManchester soon for the start ofyour journey.

Adrian Armstrong: Director, Access to Music.

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CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTION ................................................ 03WELCOME ............................................................ 04PATRONS ............................................................... 06MANCHESTERA world-class student city .................................. 08NCUK...................................................................... 12COURSE OVERVIEW .......................................... 14COURSE CONTENT .......................................... 16ATOM MUSIC GROUP ....................................... 18COURSE DETAILS ............................................... 20PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY .................... 24STUDENT SUPPORT .......................................... 26ACCOMMODATION .......................................... 28HOW TO APPLY ................................................... 30

‘Access to Music offer rigorous training courses nationally which focus on essential music skills. They emphasise excellence and engage musicians as tutors with the highest professional standards.’

SIR GEORGE MARTIN CBELegendary producer of The Beatles’ greatest albums and known as the ‘fifth Beatle’, Sir George has made an outstanding contribution to popular music culture. Access to Music is proud to have him as a patron.

‘It does a wonderful service foryoung peoplein this country.’

NITIN SAWHNEY

A gifted multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, DJ, and songwriter, Nitin Sawhney is regarded as one of the world’s most innovative musical talents. He has released numerous studio albums and has worked with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Cheb Mami, Sinead O’Connor and Sting.He has scored over twenty films.

‘I am pleased to lend my support to Access to Music’s celebration of musical achievement. ATM works with musicians from all backgrounds and I am always impressed by the diversity and quality of the students’ music.’

ACCESSTO MUSIC PATRONS

JOOLS HOLLAND

Jools Holland is a celebrated pianist, band leader and television celebrity dedicated to promoting new music. Over the years, Jools has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world, including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Sting, BB King, Luther Vandross, and Paul Weller.

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MANCHESTER: a world-class student city.

Manchester is one of the world’s leading student cities and the ideal place to learn English while developing your musical skills.

It is a modern, vibrant city built within the cultural heritage of one of the world’s first industrial cities - a stunning mix of warehouses, waterways and cutting-edge modern architecture.

The city has an outstanding musical pedigree, from The Smiths to Elbow. It offers everything from club gigs to international concerts and is the home of iconic Factory label, the Halle Orchestra and the Royal Northern College of Music, one of the world’s finest music conservatoires.

Manchester has two of the UK’s largest universities and is linked to all the major universities in the north of England through NCUK.

Manchester is famous worldwide for its sporting prowess, being home to two of the world’s biggest football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Manchester is an exciting cosmopolitan centre with a vibrant mix of cultures from around the world. It has renowned art galleries and theatres, a colourful China Town area plus the superb South Asian shops and restaurants of Rusholme.

For shoppers, Manchester is a treat, being the largest retail city in the north of England with a wide range of shops from major stores to boutiques.

1: Castlefield Basin on the canal network.2: Millenium Bridge, Salford Quays.3: The Lowry Art Gallery, Salford Quays.4: Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.

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As well as a city of culture and sights, Manchester is also a great base from which to explore the rest of the UK. There are four national parks within an hour’s drive, including the magnificent lakes and mountains of the Lake District. Liverpool, world-famous port and home of Merseybeat and The Beatles is just half an hour away. If you want to visit London, then there are direct trains to the capital which take around two hours.

1: Shambles and Cathedral, Manchester.2: Lake District.3: Penny Lane, Liverpool.

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Manchester is a leading international city with excellent global communications. It has an international airport offering flights across the UK, Europe and the world. It also has good rail links to the Eurostar service in London.

1: Manchester Airport.2: Manchester Town Hall.3: Canal scene, Manchester

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NCUK provide courses and support for students from all over the world who wish to study for an overseas degree.

Successful completion of an NCUK course guarantees students a place on a degree course in their chosen field of study.

NCUK courses prepare you for entry to universities in the UK, Ireland and Australia.90% of students completing NCUK courses have successfully transferred to degree courses in partner universities.

NCUK fast track your University and College Admission Service (UCAS) application for you.

It also offers help sourcing accommodation, finding internships with good employers, plus a full careers service and job opportunities after graduation. Its friendly staff are always willing to help with any problems you may have.

NCUK is owned by 11 leading UKuniversities:• Bradford• Huddersfield• Leeds Metropolitan• Leeds• Liverpool John Moores• Liverpool• Manchester• Manchester Metropolitan• The University of Salford• Sheffield Hallam• Sheffield

NCUK also works in partnership with other universities across England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and with eight universities in Australia.

Access to Music also works in partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and is proud to be able to offer progression opportunities to this world renowned conservatoire.

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1. Manchester University1. Manchester Metropolitan1. University of Salford2. Liverpool John Moores2. Liverpool University3. Leeds Metropolitan3. Leeds University4. Sheffield Hallam4. Sheffield University5. Bradford University6. Huddersfield University

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COURSEOVERVIEW

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Most International Foundation Years operate in business, science, engineering and humanities. This course is different in that it gives you the opportunity to study popular music in one of the world’s greatest musical countries.

The UK has an enviable reputation as a world leader in popular music culture from The Beatles and Pink Floyd to Take That and Amy Winehouse. Indeed, English is the almost universal language of pop and rock music. Supporting its world renowned artists is an innovative and progressive music industry. The development of skills required to work within it will enable you to operate in creative economies across the globe.

The course combines English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with three music modules assessed at Level 3 (A Level standard).

The typical applicant will have completed 11 or 12 years of education in their home country and will be looking for additional help to prepare for undergraduate study.

By undertaking the course you will:• gain a high quality pre-undergraduate education which can

act as a bridge between your secondary school education and undergraduate study in the West;

• prepare yourself for study at undergraduate level at a NCUK partner university;

• develop key musical skills and understanding of the UK music industry;

• enhance your English language ability to enable you to communicate and study effectively and confidently at undergraduate level in a UK university;

• gain personal and key skills to empower you to develop as an independent autonomous learner;

• prepare for life in the West by gaining an introduction to Western culture.

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR: MUSIC

For more infomation on studying in the UK visit:educationuk.org 15

COURSE CONTENT

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MUSIC1.Music IndustryAn introduction to the UK music industry and key organisations within it. By studying the interplay and relationships between organisations and institutions within the industry you will learn the workings and context of the employment landscape. Historical content will be used to reinforce context and develop an understanding of cultural developments that make the industry what it is now. This will enable you to reflect and learn to manage change, whilst predicting future developments in the industry. The module will also be used to develop writing, reflection and evaluation skills in preparation for learning in Higher Education.

2.Music SkillsYou will work towards a range of performance based goals during this module. Adaptability within the assessment framework will allow you to apply the outcomes to your own area of specialism. The module will result in an assessed performance or realisation of product. Live performers and music technology students will work alongside each other to realise each other’s work to a high level, although the ultimate focus will be on your own aims and objectives.

3.Career SkillsThis module will focus on the skills required to develop a career in music and the creative industries. Portfolio building and skills analysis will be used to enable you to evaluate a range of careers and job roles as well as your suitability to them. The module will also integrate the development of transferable skills for the workplace, so you can start to evaluate your readiness, as well as develop these important skills for future learning in Higher Education.

ENGLISH

English for Academic PurposesThis module introduces reading techniques foracademic study; the structure and functionof academic writing; writing English clearlyand appropriately using an adequate range ofsentence structures and vocabulary, and theability to take part in academic discussion. You will also learn techniques forlistening to lectures, taking notes, making oralpresentations, summarising, paraphrasing,using dictionaries effectively, writing clearlyand concisely under timed conditions andunderstanding graphs and diagrams. In particular, you will be introduced to a variety of academic writing modes (e.g. narrative,descriptive, argumentative) and how topresent academic writing according to thecorrect conventions. In the latter part of the course, you willlearn how to:• plan, write and review academic assignments;• use citation and referencing appropriately;• use a range of appropriate reading strategies when

faced with challenging text;• organise ideas and arguments in a clear and logical

manner;• revise, edit and proof-read written work;• participate successfully in seminars and discussions

about academic topics (including the use of turn-taking, asking questions,agreeing and disagreeing) and oral presentations.

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The Atom Music Group consists of a series of ‘companies’ set up by Access to Music to provide industry-focused training in various sectors of the UK music industry. The aim of the companies is to provide an educational framework for practical application of music-based skills. These skills include live performance experience, event management, digital distribution, music publishing and music management.

ATOM LIVEAtom Live is an event management and production company which promotes and stages a wide variety of events across the country. Events vary from national gig and masterclass/workshop tours to festival stages, industry conventions, conferences and trade shows. Atom Live has established numerous partnerships with the music industry from record labels, to management to manufacturers.atomlive.co.uk

ATOM MUSICAtom Music is a distribution/music sales service company for Access to Music students. It is a web-based service offering distribution, sales and label development opportunities whereby you can sell your music in the UK’s major stores. Allied to this is an education zone which has video and articles on issues surrounding distribution such as copyright, sales analysis and royalties.atommusic.co.uk

ATOM MUSIC PUBLISHINGAtom Music Publishing is a digital publishing service company for Access to Music students. It is a web-based service offering royalty collection on performances and broadcasts of copyrighted works together with a synchronisation service which seeks to place music into a variety of sectors from adverts to TV to computer games. Allied to this is an education zone which has video and articles on issues surrounding copyright and income from performance and broadcast royalties.atommusicpublishing.co.uk

ATOM MANAGEMENTAtom Music is a digital management service company for Access to Music students. It is a web-based service offering a self-management web tool for artists to organise all aspects of their business from communications, to gigs to finances. Allied to this is an education zone which has video and articles on issues surrounding management and the role of managers.atommanagement.co.uk

ATOM MUSIC MARKETINGAtom Music Marketing is a digital marketing service company for Access to Music students. It is a web-based service offering advice and guidance on marketing and promotion with access to some bespoke services from selected partners including Sonic Bids, Soundcloud, We7, Cue Trax and Sunshine.

ATOM MUSIC GROUP

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COURSE DETAILS

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TERM DATES 2011/12TERM 1: 12 Sept. - 16 Dec. 2011TERM 2: 9 Jan. - 30 March 2012TERM 3: 23 April - 22 June 2012Please refer to website for future years.

COURSE DELIVERYMuch of the delivery takes place at the INTO Centre in central Manchester. The INTO Centre is a dedicated college for international students.INTO ManchesterBridegwater House58/60 Whitworth StreetManchester M1 6LTintomanchester@into.uk.comThe English module will be delivered through tuition of 6 hours per week.

Music modules are delivered at INTO and at venues around Manchester including Blueprint Studios and the iconic Cutting Rooms used by Oasis, Take That and The Charlatans. Activities are also offered at the Royal Northern College of Music.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTSPotential students will be popular music musicians, or producers, who are seeking to access, via a UK music/music-related degree, a career in a music industry (not necessarily in the UK). This aim will be underpinned by a basic understanding of structures and

working practices within the music industry.

Students might approach this from the artistic angle (i.e. wishing to gain more artistic/contextual awareness in a specific area), or from a technical perspective (development of a defined set of skills). Both of these are catered for on the course.

The overriding factor is that candidates should have the capacity to study at Higher Education level and should exhibit the potential to do so through the successful completion of their education.

MUSIC REQUIREMENTS1. Video performance of

at least two contrasting pieces of music. Contrast can be reflected in genre, tempo, rhythm etc. These may be a solo and/or group performance.

2. An electronic portfolio of music activity to date: gigs, recordings (MP3s), reviews, photos, internet presence (websites) etc.

3. An outline of your proposed career in music.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTSA score of 5.0 in IELTS (or its equivalent on a range of alternative tests such as TOEFL or UCLES) is required.

UK STUDENT VISAYou will need to apply for a UK Student Visa via the UK Border Agency. Access to Music has a license with the Border Agency and we will assist you in your application process. For more infomation please visit:ukvisas.gov.uk/en/aboutus/features/studyingintheuk

FEESThe set fee for the one-year course for 20011/12 is £9000 GBP. The deposit to secure your place on the course is £2500 GBP. This must be paid following your offer letter. Payment in instalments will not be accepted. Please refer to website for fees for future years.

ASSESSMENT/GRADESEach module on the course is given a grade from A* to E, where A* is the highest grade. In order to pass the course you must get at least a D grade in each module.

Please note that NCUK universities specify different grades to access their courses. Some universities will require higher grades than others.

Some universities may also require additional components for progression such as an extra music qualification (e.g. an instrument grade exam). You will be advised on these requirements during the Career Skills module.

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OPPOSITEBridgewater House, Manchester, where the main contextual work and English modules are delivered.LEFT 1The Royal Northern College of Music where some music activities take place.LEFT 2The English library facilities at Bridgewater House.LEFT 3Sample weekly timetable.ABOVEBlueprint Studios is a professional recording and rehearsal studio used by artists such as Elbow. You will have access to the studios for music activities.

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PROGRESSION

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Success on the International Foundation Year in Music means you are guaranteed a place at an NCUK university.

Progression from the NCUK International Foundation Year in Music is to music-based courses at the listed NCUK universities

However, you can apply for degree courses in other subjects if you wish.

You can apply to up to four universities. NCUK has a special arrangement with UCAS which means they can fast track your application and get results to you much more quickly.

We will work hard with both you and each NCUK university to get a minimum of two conditional offers. Your application to an NCUK university is free of charge.

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While students are guaranteed the offer of a place on the programmes listed above, graduates of the International Foundation Year can also apply for many other degree programmes such as Music/Creative Industry Management, Events Management, Business Management etc. Access to Music tutors will work with individual students and NCUK member institutions on the application procedures for such courses.

Progression opportunities are also available at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester for the following Foundation Degree:

FdA Popular Music Practice (Session Musician) / CCC + C in EAPAudition and instrument grade 8 ability required / Application through CUKAS: www.cukas.ac.uk

STUDENT SUPPORT

FREE MEET ON ARRIVAL SERVICEWe meet all our students at their arrival point in Manchester and take them to their accommodation free of charge. When you have booked your flights and travel arrangements please email the details to:international@accesstomusic.co.ukPlease note we can only meet students who send us their arrival information at least 7 days before arrival in Manchester.

WELCOME WEEKTo welcome you to the UK and Manchester we invite all students to attend a Welcome Week. This will give you the chance to meet your tutors, find out more about the course, the facilities and the Manchester and UK music scene. It will also introduce you to life as a student in Manchester with opportunities to make friends and socialise.

STUDENT SUPPORTAccess to Music staff are on hand to provide help and support in relation to any issues you may have such as accommodation, welfare, visas etc. You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who will be your point of contact for any academic or support issues.

HEALTHIf you are here on a UK Study Visa then you are allowed free health treatment from the UK National Health Service (NHS). You will be told how to register with a doctor during your Welcome Week. However, you may wish to take out additional healthcare insurance to cover your stay.

GUARDIANSHIPAny student under the age of 18 should have a UK-based guardian. If you have not nominated a UK guardian then Access to Music will seek to provide a nominated member of staff who will act as a guardian and act in loco parentis (on behalf of the parent).

DISABILITYA confidential service for students can be provided giving advice and guidance on a range of disabilities. For further information email:international@accesstomusic.co.uk

FINANCESTo open a bank account in the UK you will need a passport, a letter from Access to Music stating you are a student and proof of a UK address. As accounts may take a few days to set up it is advisable to have access to a credit card or travellers cheques to cover this period.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETYThe International Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation unique to Manchester. The aim of this society is to provide international students with a friendly welcome and to promote international friendship. The society has over 3,300 members from over 130 countries. They arrange trips around the UK and run social events. They even offer guitar lessons!internationalsociety.org.uk

UKCISAUKCISA promotes and protects the needs of international students in the UK. Its website has lots of information and advice and guidance about being a student in the UK.ukcisa.org.uk

HOSTHOST is a voluntary network of UK residents who welcome adult international students to their homes. The purpose is to give students an insight into the way of life in Britain. Students also share their own culture with their hosts.hostuk.org.uk

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ACCOMMODATION

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HOMESTAYWith Homestay you live with a local family with your own single person study bedroom.

Breakfasts, evening meals and weekend lunches are provided by the family. You will not pay any additional bills unless you make special arrangements (e.g. internet, phone etc.).

You will be encouraged to keep your room clean and tidy and use the laundry facilities.

Homestay is arranged by Access to Music through a local provider. Please email international@accesstomusic.co.uk.

COST: £110 GBP per week. Please refer to website for cost for future years.

HALLS OF RESIDENCEHalls of Residence are built for students and usually consist of apartments each of which has 5-6 single person study bedrooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen (some may have en-suite facilities).

Most household bills are usually included but all food is additional.

You will be encouraged to keep your room clean and tidy and use the laundry facilities.

Halls of Residence accommodation is arranged online by the student and education agents, although Access to Music can assist in this process. Please email: international@accesstomusic.co.uk

COST: £80-100 GBP per week. Please refer to website for cost for future years.

RENTING PRIVATELYManchester has a large number of furnished houses, flats and studio apartments that students can rent. Students can share or live alone but you will need to be aged 18 or over. A deposit of around one month’s rent is usually required and all bills are extra.

For more information on rented accommodation visit:manchesterstudenthomes.co.ukmanchesterstudentaccommodation.co.ukwww.manchesterlettings.bizaccommodationforstudents.com/manchester.asp

COST: £80-110 GBP per week for Studio Flat / £50-70 for shared house. Please refer to website for cost for future years.

PROS• Arrange from overseas.• Speak English every day.• Family atmosphere.• No cooking.

CONS• Some house rules.• May have to share bathroom.• Limited internet access.• Around a 30 minute commute.

PROS• Arrange online from overseas.• Live with other students.• Independent lifestyle.• Internet access

CONS• Can be noisy and lively.• Share kitchen and maybe a bathroom.• No bedding or cooking equipment.

PROS• Choose who you live with.• Independent lifestyle.• Internet access.

CONS• Must be arranged from UK.• No bedding or cooking equipment.• May share kitchen and bathroom.

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During your stay in Manchester you will have a number of options of where to live.The details of each option are listed below.

HOW TO APPLY

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1. FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORMThe best way to apply is using the PDF form which can be downloaded from the International section of the website at:

accesstomusic.co.ukThis can be filled in on a computer. Do not use the main ATM online application form. Remember to supply evidence, via links, uploaded files etc., of all the music requirements specified on page 21.

2. SEND IT TO US+ YOUR MUSICPlease email your completed application form to:international@accesstomusic.co.ukPlease remember to provide links to sites with examples of your music or upload files to our Soundcloud drop box (linked from our website).

Please email copies of your qualifications translated into English to the following address:international@accesstomusic.co.uk

You may also print out the form and fill it in by hand and then either scan it and email it or send/fax it to the address shown on the form. Again please include your music to support your application. This could be a CD/DVD.

3.CONTACTWe will contact you on receipt of your application and will tell you how long you will have to wait for your application to be processed. Offers for courses are made by the course tutors.

4.OFFERSIf you are successful, we will send you an Offer Letter. This letter will include our bank details for the deposit (£2500 Please refer to

website for amount for future years.) and an accommodation form that you must fill in and return. Alternatively you can download an accommodation form from our website and email it to:international@accesstomusic.co.ukPlease note that an Offer Letter will not help you apply for a UK Student Visa.

5.ACCEPTANCEWhen the deposit enters the Access to Music bank account we reserve your place on the course and send you an Acceptance Letter. This will include more detailed information on the accommodation you have requested.

6.STUDENT VISATake your Acceptance Letter to your local British Embassy, or High Commission, to apply for a UK Student Visa.Please note that if you are not given a UK Student Visa you must send us the refusal letter and we will refund your deposit in full.

7.TRAVELPlease email details of your travel arrangements to:international@accesstomusic.co.ukWe can then arrange for free transfer to your accommodation in Manchester. You must let us know of your travel arrangements at least 7 days before you are due to arrive.

8.PAYMENT & QUALSYou must pay the remainder of your course fees (£6500 Please refer

to website for amount for future years) by bank transfer before you arrive in the UK. If you have sent us translated copies of qualifications then you must supply original certificates for us to inspect.

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