Further

Education
Prospectus
for music courses
starting Sept 2013

Its not like doing a music course

in a normal college - its in a real
music environment. All the tutors are
musicians, your musical
ambitions 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 Ive
had in any education.
Its much more personal than other
colleges. You feel you can talk to a
tutor and actually be listened to.

DEDICATED TO MUSIC

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.

DEDICATE
YOURSELF TO MUSIC
Access to Music
is like a skeleton
key opening up
a new world of
possibilities.

It doesnt feel
like a college,
but a relaxed
environment with
many sounds
coming together.

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

BRINGING THE
INDUSTRY TO YOU

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.

Id heard it was a brilliant place for music practitioners so I came to
improve my knowledge and transform my hobby into a career.

OUR
FORMER
STUDENTS

Rita Ora

Rita 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 UKs answer
to Rihanna, she started off her
career on a Music Performance
course at Access to Music London.

Ed Sheeran

Ed 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.

more former students

Vanessa White

Since 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 didnt matter whether I was in a pop
band or not - I was always going to sing no matter what. Im
just lucky to have this opportunity.

Craig Richards

Sometimes its 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.

Ria Ritchie

The 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 JayZs business partner, Jay Brown, and has supported Tinchy
Stryder on tour.

Archie Lamb & Jack Foster

Access 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 companys 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.

A team of students worked

with us at Latitude 2012. They
were very professional, polite
and knowledgeable. Sean Adams,

Drowned in Sound

If more people had access

to this youd be surprised
how talented people really
are. Goldie

INDUSTRY
ENDORSEMENT

The Access to Music stage was

an excellent new addition that far
exceeded my expectations.
Sharon Reuben
Latitude/Festival Republic

Such a breadth of music

and loads of talent.
Lauren Laverne
Radio & TV Broadcaster

If youre thinking about getting into the music industry, in

whatever way shape or form - whether youre 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

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Access 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

I chose Access to Music because I love music.

contents
general information

putting music first. ............................................................................ 18

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

plug in to music
music courses

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

other information

keeping you safe................................................................................. 62

opportunities for all......................................................................... 63
contacts........................................................................................................... 64
Photography:
Richard Eccleston: www.richardecclestone.com
Curious 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

putting music first

Access to Music is the UKs 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.

19

why choose us?

Access to Music is special and unique. We
have been delivering career-relevant training
for over 20 years. Music isnt just another
subject we teach - its 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 UKs 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 dont have exam
entry requirements. Your musical skills are of
more importance to us.

our fees

If 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.
20

why choose us?

our tutors

We have talented and knowledgeable tutors

who have direct experience of the music
industry.

our centres

We 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 live

Atom 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.
21
21

why choose us?

In some way my belief
in Access to Music
is so strong Id say it
chooses you
- its a calling!

22

I wasnt 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.

I chose Access to Music

as it has all the necessary
resources to enable me to
fulfil my aims within the
music industry.

I chose Access to Music

because Id heard that its
one of the countrys 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.

Its 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.

23

24

o music

access t

centres

The centres have great resources and tutors who

know what theyre 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

4
9
7
5
8

6
2

I love the fact that everyone in

the building is into music.

centre locations
1. Access To Music Birmingham
Heath Mill Studios
68 Heath Mill Lane
Digbeth
BIRMINGHAM
B9 4AR

4. Access To Music Darlington

The Forum Music Centre
Borough Road
DARLINGTON
Co. Durham
DL1 1SG

2. Access To Music Brighton

Enterprise Point
Melbourne Street
BRIGHTON
BN2 3LH

5. Access To Music Lincoln

3rd Floor Silvergate House
32 Clasketgate
LINCOLN
LN2 1JS

3. Access To Music Bristol

309 Central Park
Petherton Road
Hengrove
BRISTOL
BS14 9BZ

6. Access To Music London

British Academy of New Music
Sugar House Yard
Sugar House Lane
LONDON
E15 2QS

27

7. Access To Music Manchester

Abraham Moss Centre
140 Crescent Road
MANCHESTER
M8 5UF
8. Access To Music Norwich
135-137 King Street
NORWICH
NR1 1QH
EPIC, 114 Magdalen Street
NORWICH
NR3 1JD
9. Access to Music York
The Jam Factory
106 Eldon Street
YORK
YO31 7NH

Going to music college was

my best chance to do what I
love and this one seemed to
be the best one.
Best college for
music in my opinion.
It was the right place for me.

open days
taster days
Access 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 musicmaking activities.
Taster Days are an
opportunity for a handson practical experience of
what our courses are like.
To find out more visit our
website where you can
book your place.

plug in to music
28

our centres
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 caf/bar. There is also
an Apple Mac technology suite.

 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.

30

 Access to Music Norwich This

I chose Access to Music

because of how great
the teaching, learning
environment and
opportunities are.

centre is based at two sites one

at EPIC on Magdalen Street and the
other onKingStreet.At EPIC, students
can take advantage of 3 state-of-theart studios, a dubbing theatre and 5
editing suites. Thefacilitiesat 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.

31

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.

music courses
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.
33

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.

34

how to apply
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.

fees
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 years 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.

35

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.

36

Foundation Music
Foundation Level

Covering:

Digital Music

Music Performance
Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Lincoln, London, Norwich, York
Length:
1 year (30 weeks)
Level:
Foundation/Level 1
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.

37

what you will do

You will cover allthebasicsofmusicmakingfrommusicianshipthrough

togettingstartedwithmusicproduction. The course isdesignedaroundprojects,which
help you todevelopother skills,includingcommunication,mathsandemployability.

qualifications

This 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 requirements

There 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 options

Three days per week over 30 weeks (daytime).

bolt-ons

We offer the following evening and weekend short courses which can be taken as feepaying 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.
Pleasenote: bolt-on coursesvaryfromcentretocentre.Pleasecheckourwebsiteto find out
whatison offeratyourchosencentre.

next steps

The course offers progression to our intermediate courses or to GCSEs or into

apprenticeships and employment.

38

Foundation Music cont.

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.

pl

ug

in

to

us

ic

The course was suited to my needs as a

musician and offered good prospects.

40

Intermediate Music
Level 2 - GCSE equivalent

Options in:

Music Performance - Artists

Digital Music - Producers

Music Technology - Sound Engineers
Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Lincoln, London, Norwich, York
Length:
1 year (35 weeks)
Level:
Level 2 (GCSE standard)
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.

41

Intermediate Music cont.

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.

qualifications

This 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.

42

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

43

Intermediate Music cont.

It offered me the chance
to evolve as a artist.

44

entry requirements

There 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.

delivery

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

bolt-ons

We 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 steps

The course offers progression to our advanced courses or to A levels or into

apprenticeships and employment.

45

I chose Access to Music

because it was practical
and was totally about
music.

46

Advanced Music
Level 3 - A Level equivalent

Options in:

Music Performance - Artist

Digital Music - Producer

Music Technology - Sound Engineer

Music Business - Music Entrepreneur
Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Darlington, Lincoln, London, Norwich, York

Length:
1 or 2 years (35 weeks per year)
Level:
Level 3 (A Level standard)
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.

plug in to music

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.

47

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.

48

I have been producing digitally

for two years but needed more
skills to pursue a career in
production.

49

I love getting to play in

different bands!

50

Advanced Music cont.

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 university

can select options to help them prepare for this transition.

qualifications

This 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.

51

entry requirements

There 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.

delivery

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

bolt-ons

We 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 steps

This course offers progression to undergraduate courses, including Access to

Musics 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.
*Subject to validation.

52

Advanced Music cont.

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

53

54

Artist Development
Level 4 - first year of a degree

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

Length:
1 year
Level:
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.

55

Artist Development cont.

what you will do
Deconstructing the Artist

You 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 Development

You 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 Presentation

You 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-evaluation

The process reaches its conclusion with a thorough evaluative

analysis of your own artist development, together with a detailed
strategy for the future.

56

57

58

Artist Development cont.

qualifications

This 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.

delivery

Three days per week over 35 weeks - September to June

59

I chose Access to Music

because I wanted to
broaden my knowledge of
the music industry.

60

Artist Development cont.

next steps

This course offers progression to undergraduate courses, including

Access to Musics 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.

61

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.
62

I feel like the tutors

understand me and what
they are teaching me,
which helps me have a
strong sense of trust in
them.

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.

63

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info@accesstomusic.co.uk
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of New Music are registered trade marks of
Access to Music Limited.

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