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ARTIST DEVELOPMENTDIPLOMA INMODERN MUSICDIPLOMA IN SONGWRITING

EUROPE’S MOST CONNECTED

MUSIC COLLEGE

YOUR MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE BIMM.CO.UK

BIRMINGHAM

MUSIC DIPLOMAS

WELCOME

BIMM Institute Birmingham is the seventh college in the BIMM group, opening its doors to the first cohort of students in September 2018.Our portfolio of degree programmes include Practical Musicianship, Songwriting, Music Production and Music Business, Event Management and Music Journalism. This combination of disciplines creates an effective microcosm of the music industry for you to network within and start your journey towards ultimate success.

BIMM’s tutor roster is made up of music industry professional musicians, songwriters, producers, artists, managers and entrepreneurs, who have not just learnt how to do it, they are actively out there doing it. This means that their experience in the real word yesterday, will be relevant in your lectures today, ensuring that the curriculum is always at the cutting edge, to best prepare you for your own future in the industry.

We believe that everything you do while at BIMM is preparing you for your career. For that reason, your career doesn’t begin when you leave, it begins now. We will provide you with numerous opportunities, and I encourage you to make the most of every single one – whether they be gigs in local venues, performing at our open days, producing tracks for your fellow musicians, working at festivals, auditioning for record labels, or promoting a local venue – these all give you valuable experience which you can use to demonstrate your ability to future employers or clients.

The degree programme will be challenging at times, and you will need to work hard to get the most from your time at BIMM, but never forget that you are not alone, we are here to help you when you need it. You are also surrounded by many other students in the same boat, who will also be happy to assist. The person you help today, will be the person who can offer you an important gig in the future.

I’m looking forward to working with you this academic year, and I can’t wait to hear and see what you can achieve.

ANTONY GREAVES College Principal

WELCOME TO YOUR BIMM INSTITUTE BIRMINGHAM 2018/19 ACCEPTANCE BROCHURE. I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR SUCCESSFUL PLACE AT THE UK’S LEADING PROVIDER OF MODERN MUSIC EDUCATION AND ASK THAT YOU TAKE SOME TIME TO READ THROUGH ALL THE RELEVANT INFORMATION HERE TO HELP YOUR TRANSITION INTO COLLEGE LIFE.

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04 INTRODUCTION 05 INDUCTION AND ENROLMENT06 COURSE INFORMATION07 ARTIST DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMA IN MODERN MUSIC BASS 08 ARTIST DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMA IN MODERN MUSIC DRUMS 09 ARTIST DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMA IN MODERN MUSIC GUITAR10 ARTIST DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMA IN MODERN MUSIC VOCALS11 ARTIST DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMA IN SONGWRITING12 MUSIC THEORY13 STUDENT SUPPORT14 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES15 STUDENT SUPPORT17 TRANSPORT18 STUDENT LIFE20 GET CONNECTED AT BIMM22 FRESHERS’ GUIDE23 FACULTY INFORMATION

CONTENTS

03

INTRODUCTIONLEVEL 3 DIPLOMA

Artist Development (Modern Music and Songwriting).This is a recognised RSL Level 3 qualification within the National Qualifications Framework. You will be awarded the following qualification :RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma for Music Practitioners RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners

Successful completion of this qualification will gain you access onto the 3 year BA courses at BIMM Institute Birmingham (subject to grades and a progression interview if required), as well as higher education courses at other institutions.

USEFUL CONTACTS

ADMISSIONS: [email protected] SUPPORT: [email protected]: [email protected]

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IN ORDER TO PREPARE YOU FORSTUDYING AT THE BIMM INSTITUTE BIRMINGHAM, WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO ATTEND AN ENROLMENT SESSION.

You will be sent instructions on how to pre-enrol onto your course. You will be asked to complete a pre-enrolment form and upload some essential personal information, as detailed at the bottom of this page. It is really important this part of enrolment is completed before you come in for your actual enrolment session.

You will be asked to attend an enrolment session at some point during the week commencing 10th September. You will be informed of the exact date once you have completed your pre-enrolment. At your enrolment event you will receive important information about the College and your course, including your timetable and course book plus you will get the opportunity to meet your course leader and your future class mates.

From the 26th of September, we will also being holding Induction and Freshers’ Events, which will be a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with lots of BIMM students and enjoy some brilliant bands and DJs.

PRE-ENROLMENT FOR YOUR COURSEAll students are required to complete pre-enrolment information prior to your enrolment day. You will be sent an e-mail with a link to the pre-enrolment portal which will guide you through all the required processes.Below is a list of things that MUST be completed:

Pre-enrolment form must be completed in full and submitted – the link to this form will be sent to you by e-mail

Passport style photo – This will be used for your student ID card. Please follow the guidelines on the pre-enrolment portal. You will not be able to enter BIMM buildings without an ID card

Proof of ID – please upload a colour scan of your passport/driving license/Citizen card to the pre-enrolment portal

PRE ENROLMENT FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE 11th SEPTEMBER 2018.PLEASE NOTE: Timetables cannot be provided before enrolment. This is a full-time course and the timetables given to you at enrolment are not flexible. Any part-time jobs must work around the timetable given.

INDUCTION AND ENROLMENT

IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND YOUR ENROLMENT SESSION, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO START YOUR COURSE. INDUCTION EVENT INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AT ENROLMENT.

USEFUL CONTACTS

ADMISSIONS: [email protected] SUPPORT: [email protected]: [email protected]

TERM DATES

ENROLMENT WEEK: 10th-14th September 2018

TERM 1: 17th September 2018 - 14th December 2018TERM 2: 7th January 2019 - 22nd March 2019TERM 3: 8th April 2019 - 14th June 2019

HALF TERM 1: 29th October 2018 - 4th November vHALF TERM 2: 11th February 2019 - 17th February 2019

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05

COURSE INFORMATION

BA(Hons)

06

MODERN MUSIC BASS

Ashton, A. (2005) The Bass Handbook. San Francisco: Backbeat Books Clayton, S. (2013) The Bass Guitarist’s Guide to Reading Music. (s.l.): Bassline Publishing

Friedland, E. (1995) Building Walking Bass Lines (Bass Builders). Milwaukee: Hal Leonard Publishing

Mulhern, T. ed. (2000) Bass Heroes: Styles, Stories and Secrets of 30 Great Bass Players. Backbeat UK

Please note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.

Birmingham has always had a vibrant and diverse music scene from Black Sabbath to Duran Duran, The Beat through to the Streets. By coming to BIMM Institute Birmingham you’ll be right in the heart of this, making your next steps towards a career in the music industry whilst soaking up the gigs, events and venues that a life studying in the creative heart of Birmingham has to offer. You’ll be getting tutored by experienced players and music industry professionals in business, instrumental techniques, session styles, ear training and theory as well as bringing it all together for performance and recording opportunities. As a bass player we’ll get you ready to make an impact as you’ll always be demand either at BIMM, around the city or further afield.

Artist Development Diploma

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Bass and lead

Tuner

Metronome/Metronome app (Pro Metronome)

Headphones and 1/4 jack input

Stationery and manuscript paper

Spare strings

Ear plugs

RECOMMENDED READING

All students are strongly advised to wear ear protection when in class, practising or performing.

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MODERN MUSIC DRUMS

RECOMMENDED READINGChester, G. (1985) The New Breed Modern Drummer Publications

Gallwey, W. T. and Green, B. (1996) The Inner Game of Music New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc.

Hester, J. (2011) Mind Over Meter (s.l.):(s.n.)

Riley, J. (2004) The Art of Bop Drumming Alfred Music Publishing


Being a drummer coming to study at BIMM, you are automatically taking the first step to owning your career, putting yourself in a position to take advantage of unique opportunities, world class tuition, and support for your professional and personal development. You will have the chance to network with 1000s of like-minded musicians from multiple musical backgrounds, and being based in Birmingham, you will become part of one of the most vibrant and diverse music scenes in the world.

The course will push you to achieve, and hopefully exceed your goals in an exciting and creative environment at BIMM Institute Birmingham. We want to provide you with the help, support, and a targeted study regime that will guide you on the journey to your chosen career path. You will be tutored by some of the very best touring, live and studio seasoned musicians in the industry. Subjects covered are very wide ranging from styles, performance, technique and theory, to business and much more. The facilities at BIMM Institute Birmingham and the educational approach of all the staff, are second to none.


ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Sticks and brushes

Practice pad




Ear plugs

Artist Development Diploma in

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MODERNMUSIC GUITAR

RECOMMENDED READINGGambale, F. (1989) The Frank Gambale Technique Book 1. Manhattan Music Publications

Gambale, F. (1989) The Frank Gambale Technique Book 2. Manhattan Music Publications Govan, G. (2002) Creative Guitar 1 and 2. Sanctuary Publishing Ltd.

Greene, T. (1981) Chord Chemistry. Dale Zdenek Publications


Birmingham is a unique city with its own inimitable music heritage and a role call of professional musicians that have shaped the sound of a diverse range of styles as well as being the home and birthplace of that most enduring sound of heavy metal guitar. But Birmingham also has a rapidly evolving contemporary music scene that draws on Urban styles, Jazz, Reggae, Soul and much more and provides a great environment for an aspiring guitarist to cut their teeth and develop their skills. The BIMM Institute Birmingham reflects the qualities of this diverse scene in its approach to developing your goals as a musician and artist. The tutors are all professionals working at the highest industry level as well as being passionate and inspiring educators. We will provide you with all the tools and support you need to make your way as a working guitarist in an exciting, evolving and rapidly expanding industry.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Guitar and lead

Tuner




Spare strings

Ear plugs

Capo

Slide

Various plectrums



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MODERNMUSIC VOCALS

RECOMMENDED READINGBaxter, M, (1989) The Rock ‘n’ Roll Singer’s Survival Handbook. Milwaukee: Hal Leonard Corporation

Riggs, S. (1993) Singing for the Stars: A Complete Program to Training Your Voice. Alfred Music Publishing

Sheppard, B. (2008) The Everything Singing Book. Adams Media Corporation

Rockschool Male/Female Vocals Grades 1-8 (2014)


Birmingham is a unique city with its own inimitable music heritage and a role call of professional musicians that have shaped the sound of music across the stylistic spectrum. It’s a fantastically creative place and the abundance of diverse styles that make up its rapidly evolving contemporary music scene draw on Urban styles, Jazz, Reggae, Soul and provide a great environment for an aspiring vocalist to flourish in.

Our aim is to develop our students as excellent vocalists and live performers, ready for real work in the Industry, so that you can make your passion your career. Along the way you are going to be taught by industry active professionals who will support you in developing the skills, knowledge and love of the art of vocalising that have taken them so far in the industry.

You’re just about to set out on an amazing journey. You will be surrounded by music and inspired by great talent from tutors, guests and of course your fellow students, a microcosm of the music industry with links across the world. From this pool will come the connections you will keep for the whole of your working life.So get ready to launch, to work and play hard and to grab all the opportunities that are going to be coming your way. And don’t forget to love the music! That’s at the heart of why we’re all here.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Microphone and lead

Keyboard


Small practice amp



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SONGWRITING

RECOMMENDED READINGZollo, P. 2003. Songwriters on Songwriting (Revised and Expanded). Da Capo Press

How to Make it in the Music Business. Published by Virgin Books (2007)

Revolution in the Head: The Beatles’ Records and the Sixties. Published by Fourth Estate (1994)

Lyrics: 1962-2001: Dylan, B. Published by Simon & Schuster Ltd (2013)


Birmingham has always had a vibrant and diverse music scene from Black Sabbath to Duran Duran, The Beat through to the Streets with globally acclaimed songwriters such as Joan Armitrading and Jeff Lynne (ELO) calling the city home. By studying Songwriting at BIMM Birmingham you are putting yourself right at the heart of all this as you take your next step towards success in a career that you are passionate about.

The course is structured to get the best out of you creatively. As songwriters it’s good for us to be put in different situations, i.e. writing your own material/co-writing/writing to brief/writing for another artist etc. You’ll learn some valuable compositional skills to make the most of your talent and develop the confidence to direct arrangements and performances of your work.

Birmingham’s rich musical heritage is the perfect place to concentrate on becoming a professional writer, arranger or performer; with our strong industry connections you will be in the best possible place to meet like-minded musicians and network with the industry. All the tutors on the course have extensive experience as songwriters, arrangers and performers and will lead you through subjects like: Songwriters Live Performance Workshop, Composition and Arrangement, Music Business, Ear Training and Recording Skills.

Birmingham is one of the most vibrant and exciting musical cities in the world and the perfect place to start your career.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Microphone and lead

Keyboard


Ear plugs



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MUSIC THEORY

Below is an explanation about why it’s not scary plus some resources you can use to brush up on your theory

So often the mention of music theory strikes fear into the heart of a musician. If approached from a dry, academic perspective it can seem hard to align the concepts of music theory with your own music. In truth, the study of music theory is the study of music. The word ‘theory’ could easily be dropped from the title. Studying music theory concepts is the bridge between what has occurred in the past, what is happening now in your music, and the potential to advance in terms of creativity and improvisation, composition and session musician skills. The more books you read, films you watch, lyrics you memorise will all inform your day-to-day speech and vocabulary. The same is true for studying harmony, ear training, transcription, and reading music. BIMM aims to get you using music theory concepts to explore many areas of rhythm, pitch and harmony, becoming a more accomplished and well rounded musician, and most importantly, to benefit your own music.

A few words on

MUSIC THEORY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE BA (HONS) IN PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP AND SONGWRITING COURSES. STUDENTS STUDY THEORY MODULES IN YEARS 1 AND 2, AND USE THEORY CONCEPTS IN MANY OTHER MODULES THROUGHOUT THEIR TIME AT BIMM.

www.musictheory.netwww.teoria.comwww.good-ear.comLevine, M. (1995) The Jazz Theory Book. Petaluma: Sher Music

Harrison, M. (2002) Contemporary Music Theory Levels 1-3. Hal Leonard Corporation.


RECOMMENDED READING

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STUDENT SUPPORT

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RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

WEBSITES/BLOGS

Create Digital Music – cdm.link

Synthtopia – www.synthtopia.com

PRS – www.prsformusic.com

PPL – www.ppluk.com

BASCA – www.basca.org.uk

SONGLINES – www.songlines.co.uk

Birmingham Music Archive www.birminghammusicarchive.com

The Quietus – www.thequietus.com

Drowned in Sound – www.drownedinsound.com

Fact – www.factmag.com

Pitchfork – www.pitchfork.com

The Line of Best Fit – www.thelineofbestfit.com

The 405 – www.thefourohfive.com

The Guardian Music – www.theguardian.com/music

Clashmusic – www.clashmusic.com

The Argus – www.theargus.co.uk

The Great Escape Festival – Greatescapefestival.com

Playlists galore – indieshuffle.com

Hip hop lovers – allhiphop.com

General music blog – thewildhoneypie.com

Metal – terriorizer.com

And more metal – metalinjection.net

BIMM INSTITUTE BIRMINGHAM RECOMMENDS THAT ALL STUDENTS START TO EXPLORE THE RESOURCES HIGHLIGHTED BELOW BEFORE TERM STARTS.

JOURNALS/MAGAZINES

CMU (Complete Music Update)

Music Week (Main UK Industry Magazine)

M Magazine (PRS Magazine)

Mojo Magazine

NME

Q Magazine

The Guardian Guide

TWITTER FEEDS TO FOLLOW

@cdmblogs

@bpi_music

@ppluk

@CMU

@songlinesmag

@basca_uk

@theivors

@MusicWeek

@m_magazineprs

@prsformusic

@prsfoundation

@uk_music

@aim_uk

@recordoftheday

@officialcharts

@guardianmusic

@thegreatescape

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PASTORAL SUPPORTThe Student Support team holds individual one-on-one sessions with students to discuss any issue they may be struggling with. These are strictly confidential and can include any topic ranging from personal issues, attendance and assessment related queries, discussion of special considerations we may need to take into account to support your studies and booking into one of the other support services we offer. We actively encourage students to book appointments to come and meet us at any point during their studies for extra support; the Student Support team are always available on site for a chat when the college is open.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICESWe are committed to helping students fulfil their potential during their time at BIMM Institute Birmingham and we place an emphasis on supporting the development of our students both academically and personally. With this in mind, the Student Support team is available at every step of the student journey to offer confidential support and guidance on issues such as stress, smoking, alcohol and drugs, disability and learning support, family/friends/relationship problems, sexual health, eating disorders, depression and anxiety issues; as well as on-going academic and practical learning support and advice. We also offer a wide range of additional support services that are designed to meet students’ academic and welfare needs to enrich the BIMM Institute Birmingham experience.

ACADEMIC TUTORIALS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTStudents are encouraged to book regular one-to-one tutorials to work on technique, master their academic writing and discuss their skills, development and long/short term career goals. Tutorials give students a unique opportunity to be individually guided by the most experienced industry professionals in the country.

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BIMM INSTITUTE BIRMINGHAM IS COMMITTED TO A POLICY OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PROVIDES CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT TO STUDENTS WITH VARYING DISABILITIES AND SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES.

We are committed to ensuring that students with specific needs are provided with equal access to their chosen course of study and facilities. The College is working towards removing any barriers which might prevent an individual from actively participating in student life.

If students indicate on their application and/or pre-enrolment form that they require further support, then a member of the Student Support team will be in contact to arrange an individual consultation. This is to ensure all requirements are catered for.

Students with registered specific Learning Difficulties and an official Educational Psychologist Report

completed after the age of 16 may be eligible for DSA (The Disabled Students’ Allowance). DSA can fund additional support such as specialist one-to-one mentoring, reasonable adjustments and technological aids. Students who do not have an up to date Educational Psychologist Report, or just suspect a specific learning difficulty should contact the Student Support team, who can arrange the relevant assessments and advise on accessing support. Please note that Educational Psychologist Reports are not provided by the College and cost in the region of £350.

You can find more information regarding DSA (including eligibility and application forms) here www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/overview

We advise that students apply for this as early as possible to ensure that support can be put in place at the start of the academic year, though there is no formal deadline for applications to be received. If you require any additional information or would like to discuss this further with one of the Student Support team, please contact [email protected]

We work with students with a wide range of disabilities, including but by no means restricted to: Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia,

dyspraxia, ADHD) Mental health difficulties (such as depression,

bi-polar disorder, anxiety) Students with autistic spectrum and asperger’s

syndrome Long-term medical conditions (such as HIV, cancer,

multiple sclerosis) Unseen disabilities (such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy) Sensory impairments (such as visual/hearing

impairment) Mobility or physical impairments (such as paralysis,

arthritis)

COUNSELLINGBIMM Institute Birmingham offers counselling to any student in need of the service via an external professional practice. This free and confidential provision offers individuals the opportunity to explore a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. The counselling service provided is hugely experienced and abides by the British Association for Counselling Code of Ethics.

DISABILITY AND LEARNING SUPPORT

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TRAINBirmingham has 8 local railways that cross the city and make moving between venues and attractions easy and simple. Birmingham New Street is the largest and busiest of the three main railway stations in the city centre of Birmingham. It is a central hub of the British railway system and makes travelling throughout the UK a breeze. Having gigs in the surrounding cities and towns is now easier than ever with the Midland Metro which will whisk you between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Network West Midlands provides online timetables, fares including day tickets and passes, ticket purchase and route planning. To visit the Centro website, use www.centro.org.uk

BUS AND METROThere are busses to all suburbs and areas of Birmingham making Birmingham brilliant for easy affordable travel. There is a huge network that links everyone to everything. Night busses that go throughout the evening and early hours to places as far away as Coventry. Getting home from a gig is safe, cheap and easy. Network West Midlands has all

the timetables and fair information online for easy ticket buying and route planning. More and more local buses have facilities such as low floors for easy access for wheelchair users and pushchairs. www.networkwestmidlands.com

TAXIBirmingham’s well-regulated taxis are especially convenient for those with heavy luggage or returning late from a night out. TOA taxis are Birmingham’s black cab operators. They can be hailed in the street or reached at one of the many taxi ranks in the city centre; the main ones are at New Street Station, Stephenson Street and Digbeth Coach Station.

BIKEWith miles of canals and a compact city centre, what better way to explore Birmingham and the wider region than by bicycle? There are cycle lanes or paths on many of the major routes into and across the city that take in some of the city’s beautiful parks and waterways en route. National cycle route 5 is runs through Birmingham.

BIMM BIRMINGHAM IS WELL CONNECTED TO THE RESTOF THE CITY VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

TRANSPORT

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STUDENT LIFE

CULTURE

1. Festivals: The city hosts over 50 festivals a year, including the International Jazz Festival.

2. The Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the most popular theatres in the UK and has over half a million people visit each year. 3. The NEC holds over 500 events per year, ranging from art exhibitions to the Crufts dog show. 4. Home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall is one of the world’s greatest concert halls. 5. Birmingham is the birthplace of the legendary rock band Black Sabbath and is known and the Home of Heavy Metal. 6. Hosting 3 major football clubs, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City FC there is plenty of games to enjoy. 7. The Belfry hosts the Ryder Cup Golf tournament and is the Headquarters for the Professional Golfers Association.

8. Edgbaston Cricket Ground is home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club and is also used for Test Matches and One Day Internationals. 9. The Alexander Stadium is an International Athletics venue that hosts major athletics events, such as the Diamond League series and British Championships. 10. A thriving gay village on Hurst Street, with plenty of bars and nightclubs. The area is renowned for its vibrant and friendly atmosphere and is the heart of the city’s annual gay pride celebrations. 11. If you love to party then Broad Street is for you, with its half-mile stretch of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The Arcadian, set in the city’s China Town region, offers a more relaxed range of bars playing a variety of music. 12. The Library of Birmingham is located at Centenary Square, the city’s most important public open space in the heart of Birmingham city centre’s Westside. Free to use for all students and open till late.

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STUDENT LIFE

VENUESBirmingham is jam-packed with amazing live venues. Here are seven of the best… so you can spend less time searching and more time gigging.

Birmingham has long had a history of vibrant nightlife. From ‘60s Brumbeat venues like the Plaza Ballroom in Handsworth to ‘90s superclubs like Godskitchen and Gatecrasher, the city has always celebrated good live music. These days, though, Birmingham is fast gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting places in the UK to discover new music.

Whether you’re after intimate acoustic shows, booming B-Town indie rock or hands-in-the-air electronic beats.

EATING OUTBirmingham boasts a flourishing and diverse restaurant scene. Catering to all budgets and tastes. Foodies flock to the Balti Triangle which is the home and birthplace of the Balti Curry.

Birmingham’s Chinese district sits alongside traditional pub grub, meaning you really are spoilt for choice. For those with more expensive tastes Birmingham has a number of Michelin star restaurants including Turners at 69, Purnell’s and Simpsons.

Regular food festivals offer Michelin starred food at student prices throughout the city. Monthly food and farmer’s markets such as Moseley’s provide fresh, local produce.

SHOPPINGBirmingham with its iconic bullring centre that offers over 110,000sq m of retails space including the eye catching skin of the Selfridges store with its 15,000 aluminium disks. With the largest Chinatown outside of London and the biggest jewellery quarter in Europe its little wonder it’s in England’s top 3 most visited places to shop. The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market has over 200 stalls and brings an unrivalled sense of merriment to the city at Christmas time. Throughout the year other highlights include the Mailbox complex and the grand central Birmingham with its flagship John Lewis store.

THE GREAT OUTDOORSBirmingham Museum and Art Gallery is home to the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite artwork in the world, as well as collections of silver, sculpture, ceramics and ancient and social history galleries. The Gas Hall Gallery houses a constantly changing programme of exhibitions. Entrance is free except for certain exhibitions. One of Europe’s leading contemporary art galleries, Ikon is stylish, progressive and recognised for its individuality. The Ikon exhibits the best international and British art in a changing programme of exhibitions and events. Admission is free. Birmingham Museums has extraordinary venues that provide a fascinating glimpse into Birmingham’s rich and vibrant past and showcase world class museum collections. Digbeth Dining Club started in 2012 and is a multi-award winning food, music and entertainment event, with dishes from £5 from over 22 traders every Friday.

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BIMM GIGSOnce you’ve got your band together and had some rehearsals, you can audition for one of BIMM’s end-of-term gigs.

We these most terms, and utilise the amazing venues that are on our doorstep.

These gigs are a great opportunity for students to get some live performance experience and put on a brilliant show for their peers, friends and families.

BIMM ALBUMThe BIMM album is a showcase of BIMM’s best songwriting talent. Students have the opportunity to submit their demos to be reviewed by our Artist Development team, and a selection of these songs will be professionally recorded and available to buy as a CD or digital download.

NETWORKING EVENTSBIMM hold networking events in Term 1, which is a great opportunity to get together with other students from different courses that have similar musical interests. Not only is it a great way to find new friends and swap some phone numbers, but it’s also a good place to start finding band members.

GET CONNECTED AT BIMM

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CAREERS AND INDUSTRY TEAMYour career in music starts here at BIMM and we have a dedicated Careers and Industry team looking forward to working with you.

We support the next generation of music performers and professionals in a number of ways, if you are a performer or songwriter, you will be invited to artist development tutorials where you will be advised on recording, gigs, your digital profile, photography, videos and promotion.

For industry professionals, there are numerous exciting placements at companies across labels and promoters, publishers, PRs and magazines. Book a Careers tutorial to get advice on your CV or on starting your own business. We also have a well established festival programme, from Glastonbury to the Great Escape, we have opportunities for you to get involved.

All students are welcome at the Careers Hub, this is where you will meet employers and A&Rs, lawyers and agents; lined up this year we have YouTube, Universal, Sony Music and more ready to come and network with you and your fellow students. Book a tutorial, get involved as soon as you get here, we’re looking forward to meeting you!

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FRESHERS’ GUIDE

COMMON FEELINGSMoving away from home to a new city and starting University is a really exciting opportunity for a big change. You get to make a whole new start in a new place with new people. You might feel a mixture of great excitement and nervousness – what will the course really be like? Will I get on with my housemates? Will I make friends? How do I look after myself?

Please remember that you are not alone in feeling this way. These are all questions that everyone in your situation is asking themselves. If you’re worried about making friends, or not knowing the city, or how to make a Bolognese; remember that every other person around you feels the same way, and within just a couple of days you will feel more at home and comfortable than you can even imagine.

STRATEGIES FOR COPINGThere are some important things to keep in mind when going through this experience of moving away from home. These will prepare you and help you to cope with any situation you stumble across.

Look after yourself – It takes time for new friends to really know you properly, which means you need to put your own welfare, health and safety at the top of your priorities.

Know yourself and what you can handle – This is a time when you can experiment and find a way of living that really suits you, but this can take time. Try not to be pressured or influenced by others’ opinions and actions. Try to make decisions about life choices in the cold light of day, so that you know how you want to respond if you end up in a tricky situation.

Confront difficulties – In a new environment it’s easy to waste time worrying about things you don’t understand or can’t control. Don’t be afraid to ask the Student Support team and many other agencies external to BIMM who are ready and willing to help you with any problem or query, big or small. Begin to see challenging situations as a chance to overcome something rather than a problem in your way.

Be healthy – Maintain a good diet, get adequate sleep and try to be active when you can; people are often happier if they are healthy. Register with a local doctor’s surgery so that if you fall ill you can get the right care. If you are feeling stressed or sad talk to the Student Support team, they will find you the right support; know when you need to get some extra help.

Make a budget – Work out how much money you have for the term, and how much you will have to spend on unavoidable costs like rent, food and bills. This way you will know how much you have left to spend on yourself. Doing this will avoid running out of money half way through the term, which can be very stressful.

Don’t work all the time – As independent study is so important at University, it can sometimes be hard to give yourself time off. Give yourself regular breaks and occasional days off.

Do work some of the time – Being away from home and with so much to do in a new city, it can be easy to neglect your work and fall behind in the course. Make sure you find the time for your studies to avoid a stressful situation.

Be yourself! – People can’t get to know and like you for who you really are if you don’t act like yourself. There are so many people to potentially become friends with, be yourself and you will find the right friends for you.

FRESHERS’ EVENTS, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST TERM, ARE A GREAT WAY TO MEET PEOPLE AND MAKE FRIENDS; WE’LL PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AT ENROLMENT. YOU CAN EXPECT CLUB NIGHTS, GIGS, NETWORKING EVENTS AND PLENTY OF DRINKS PROMOTIONS.

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FACULTY INFORMATION

STUDENT CARDS

You will be issued with a BIMM student card and lanyard at the start of your course. It is compulsory that you wear your student card at all times when within BIMM.

WHERE SHOULD I BE LOOKING?

BIMM Institute Birmingham is located at 93-96 Floodgate St, in Digbeth.

There is an abundance of student accommodation within a fairly short distance of the building, and plenty of house and flat shares run by private landlords

in other popular student areas. Please take into consideration the cost of travelling and the time it takes to get to the College from where you choose to live. The following areas in particular are a good place to look for shared student accommodation:

- Birmingham City Centre- Selly Oak- Moseley and Kingsheath- Edgbaston

Birmingham is well connected through public transport services; frequent buses that run all through the night, rail and cycle lanes make it easy to get around. Please note there are no parking facilities available at BIMM Birmingham.

BIRMINGHAM

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WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR TIME AT BIMM BIRMINGHAM

BIMM Birmingham93-96 Floodgate StBirminghamB5 5SR

08442 646 666

[email protected]

We are committed to helping you throughout your

studies with us at BIMM Birmingham and offer a

wide range of support services designed to meet

your academic and welfare needs, don’t hesitate to

speak to us whenever required: T: 08442 646 666

E: [email protected]

BRITISH & IRISH MODERN MUSIC INSTITUTE BIMM.CO.UK

BIRMINGHAM

YOUR MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE

BIMM Birmingham

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