SONGWRITER Introduction ...... 03 contentsReasons to Study at ACM ...... 07 - 11 A Day in the Life of an ACM Student ...... 13 Tutor Interview: Tim Hawes ...... 14 - 15 Alumnus Interview: Crissie Rhodes ...... 16 - 17 The Leadership Team ...... 18 ACM Extras ...... 20 - 21 Facilities & Sponsors ...... 22 Metropolis ...... 23 All Courses ...... 24 Course Information ...... 25

2 We all have a favourite song, a tune that soundtracks our lives day in and day out. We return to it introduover and over again, immersing ourselves in something intimately connected to our sense of who we are. We even go so far as to seek out new covers and remixes, eager to hear the song from another musician’s perspective. Professional songwriters understandction hit singles, B-sides, and classic tunes at the deepest possible level. They know exactly how to structure a piece of music, transform an everyday melody into a viral earworm, and create pieces of art that transcend time, technology, and fashion trends. When inspiration strikes, the results can mesmerize an audience of millions – and turn the songwriter in question into a wealthy, famous, and respected celebrity.

At ACM, we have everything you need to start your songwriting journey, network with artists, producers, and industry experts, and take advantage of unique opportunities to demonstrate your skills at a professional level. Continue reading to find out more.

3 PRS for Music represents 130,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers*

PRS for Music paid a record £605.1m in royalties to music creators in 2017, a year-on-year increase of £77.5m***

musicians and music publishers collectively contribute over £2.5bn to the British economy**

* PRS for Music, Big Numbers ** UK Music, Measuring Music 2018 *** PRS for Music, Track Record 2017

4 over 6.6 trillion music performances (including streams, downloads, broadcasts, and live shows) were reported to PRS for Music in 2017***

68.1 billion audio streams were listened to in the UK in 2017****

new songwriters signing to a major publisher can be offered advances worth up to £79,000*****

**** BPI, All About the Music 2018 ***** Donald Passman, All You Need to Know About the Music Business

5 6 Reasons to Study Do What You Love Songwriting at ACM ACM is made up of more than 2,300 performers(*1), producers, songwriters, artists, business executives, game developers and technical services personnel across our three campuses in London, Guildford and Birmingham. People all doing what they love and a microcosm representing every corner of the industry that they one day want to work in.

Turn a Course Into a Career

93.8%(*2) of ACM Students are employed or are in continuing education within 6 months of graduating from our HE courses. We’re really proud of this statistic, which is a testament to ACM’s complete commitment to the career development of its students.

Whether you want to write beats, manage a band, be an A&R, or be a sound engineer, your career starts now at ACM.

7 Scholarships & Bursaries

(*3)For the 2019/20 academic year ACM has made available scholarships worth over £130,000 combined to reward academic, technical, creative and/or are entrepreneurial excellence and will provide bursaries valued over £330,000 targeted at students from low income households and under- represented groups.

Alumni Network

Our network of graduates is over 13,000 students strong. They’re working all over the world in the music and wider creative industries, and you’ll meet many of them during the course of your studies. You’ll know many of their names and will know much more of their work.

Access to Industry

Over 50% of the UK chart is mixed, mastered and/ or recorded at ACM’s very own studio environment, Metropolis. If you’re listening to a song on the radio right now, the chances are that it has been creatively treated here, by us. ACM Students enjoy exclusive access and downtime at Metropolis.

8 State of the Art Facilities

We make 135,000 hours available every year exclusively for performance, recording and creative needs of our students. Bookings are free and accessible into the evenings and on weekends, to ensure that our equipment, rehearsal rooms and recording studios are here, no matter when inspiration strikes.

Awarding Excellence

ACM has received 4 Independent Higher Education awards for providing the highest quality of personal and professional development to our students, including the Outstanding Support for Student Learning Experience award, Industry Partnership of the Year, Technology in Learning, and Breakthrough course: Innovation in Design or Delivery.(*4)

One-to-One Learning

ACM provisions over 276 one-to-one academic and industry tutorial slots each week, covering a range of subjects from Acoustics to the Zither. No matter which discipline you choose to study at ACM, you can access meeting opportunities with our entire teaching faculty.

9 Personalise Your Studies

ACM’s pioneering higher education curriculum covers over(*5) 100 different subject areas, meaning that you can flavour your studies according to your own interests and ambitions.

Our BA (Hons) Music Industry Practise covers routes for musicians, creative artists, producers, tech services, Business, Gaming and new to 2019 Rap&MC pathway.

Industry Opportunities

This year, more than 150 ACM students are taking part in festivals around Europe. Midem, The Brits, The Great Escape, BBC Introducing , MMF are just a few of the opportunities and partnerships we are proud to offer.

World Class Tutors

Over 550 staff members will be there to guide and help you through your studies.

Queen, Motorhead, Johnny Marr, Chase & Status, Stormzy, The , David Bowie are just a few credits that our dual professional tutors hold plus all of the qualifications you would expect your FE/HE lecturer to have.

10 Your Journey Starts Here

If you’re under 19, studying a further education course at ACM can be free. Our range of Level 2 and Level 3 courses allow you to study music now and keep your options open for the future. If you’re older and/or you’d like to join us for Degree studies instead, it’s important for you to know that our range of Higher Education study programmes are designated and approved for student loans.

It’s All About You

But there’s only 1 person we want to talk about, now. And that’s you. Our small enough to care, big enough to make a difference mantra means that we want to know about you, your history and all of your ambitions for the future. We’ll help you build bespoke programmes of activity to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you one day want to be.

*1 2019/20 cohort across FE/HE, full-time and part-time studying at ACM campuses. *2 https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/27-03-2018/experimental-uk-performance-indicators *3 Bursary and scholarships as indicated in 2019/20 Access and Participation Plan https://www.acm.ac.uk/ofs-registration/ *4 http://independenthe.com/events/independent-higher-education-awards-2018/ *5 https://www.acm.ac.uk/courses/higher-education/

11 12 A Day in the Life of an ACM Songwriting Student At ACM, every day of the week is different. You could attend a lecture, seminar, workshop, or practical session covering the modules you’ve been assigned for that term; book a one-to-one tutorial, in which you can discuss your personal goals and issues with a tutor of your choice; take part in writing sessions and rehearsals with friends and bandmates; get involved in other extracurricular activities, such as Industry Link gigs; and much more. Below is just one example of the many possible schedules you might consider over the course of a single day at ACM.

9am: Individual practice session in on-campus practice room

10am: Songcraft Workshop

12pm: Break

12.45: Live Performance for Songwriters Practical Session

2.45: One-to-one Tutorial

3.15: Music Industry Studies Lecture

4.15: Break

4.30: Elective Module Class

6pm: Break, study session

7 - 10pm: Band rehearsal / Extracurricular activities

13 tutor inter view TIM HAWES

How did you first get into music? I first got into songwriting through a love of writing poetry. It was the only thing that I had a The first massively influential musical experience real aptitude for at school. When I was about 13, for me was seeing Hawkwind on Top of the Pops my mum bought me an acoustic guitar and the performing ‘Silver Machine’. It was an intoxicating natural marriage of words and music was ignited, experience, and sowed the first seeds of artistic perhaps fuelled by the music that my mum played visions. at home: , The Four Tops, and ELO. 14 What makes the songwriting process special to you?

The thing that really makes the songwriting process special for me is the moment when I feel like I’ve struck gold with a concept, lyric, What’s been the biggest or wordplay that becomes the framework challenge you’ve faced as a for composition. This is the green light for musician, and how did you deal construction. with it? The biggest challenge I’ve faced in music so far Can you tell us a bit about your was transitioning from being a songwriter and career so far? guitar player in an indie rock band to writing commercial pop music for others, particularly in My career so far has spanned over 30 years, with developing production skills to a competitive level. the first 10 of those being me as a musician and songwriter in a touring band. Following that, I was signed to Universal as a songwriter, writing songs What advice would you offer to for commercial pop artists including The Spice future ACM students? Girls, Hearsay, , The , Mystique, In advising aspiring songwriters at ACM, I would and amongst others. I have been very draw attention to the attributes that have been fortunate in this arena, having sold over 10 million integral to my success in building and sustaining records altogether. a successful career, which would be passion, determination, resilience, people skills, and an Over the last 10 years, my business has become understanding of my own specialisms as a writer. centred around opportunities in other markets, with a particular focus on Japan and Korea, where Passion is essential in keeping the flame of pop is very much still alive. I also run a small creativity and ambition alight, and determination publishing company with a small but very talented is a prerequisite for those wanting to enter such roster of writers. a challenging and competitive arena. Resilience is arguably the most important attribute in an area where continuous rejection usually precedes success. People skills play a big part in the daily life of a songwriter, whether it’s co- writing, networking, or interacting with industry professionals – and these skills are critical to longevity. Finally, an understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses will empower you to create the collaborative infrastructure that underpins every successful career.

15 alu mnus inter

viewCRISSIE RHODES

Can you tell us about yourself? I signed my first record deal in 2014, only eight What have you been up to since months after we formed The Shires. I was working your time at ACM? as a session singer before that, performing in various studios. As The Shires, we’ve released I’m Crissie Rhodes, one half of UK country music three albums, two of which went into the Top 10 duo The Shires, and I am a Vocals degree graduate official chart – and we’re currently working on our from ACM. I studied there in 2007-2009. fourth album.

16 What’s been the top highlight of your career so far?

There have been so many highlights in my career so far. Performing to 50,000 people in Hyde Park for BBC Radio 2 was pretty unreal, and also selling out and performing our own headline show at the Royal Albert Hall was incredible.

What made you choose to study at ACM?

In all honesty, for once in my life I didn’t do What was the most useful thing my research and purely went off a friend’s you learnt at ACM? recommendation. I didn’t know that you could Develop a network of friends. The friends I made study pop music at university, so when he bigged it at ACM still form my core friendship group. As up to me, I signed up straight away. a touring musician, I see so many ACM alumni at various festivals all over the country, either How did your course at ACM playing for artists or bands or performing as the prepare you for life in the music frontperson. We formed a network where we industry? can get each other involved on various projects either as deps, session musicians, or permanent ACM was a well-rounded course of study. I learnt members. This industry is built on networking, so about performance, working with other band get to know your peers – you never know whether members, how to take an original song and make you might need them, or they might need you! it your own. I learnt about songwriting, how to craft songs, the different genres to write in, tips and tricks. What advice would you offer to future ACM students? We were also taught about sight-reading, theory, Get your priorities right, work hard, make and how to use software to create scores, as mistakes, always give yourself constructive well as the business side of music and research feedback on what’s good or bad about what methods. With all this knowledge, ACM taught me you’re doing, accept constructive feedback from how to apply myself. I was grateful for a step-up in others, and collaborate with all creative people an ever-changing industry. All of the teachers were from producers to photographers, videographers, working in the industry as well as teaching at ACM. designers, etc. Surround yourself with people who They gave insights into how it really works, and influence you positively and make lots of friends; showed us how to stay up to date. it sure does make life a lot more fun when you’re doing what you love and working with friends!

17 The Leadership Team The leadership team are a diverse group of highly experienced individuals from across the creative industries, each specifically recruited to lead and ensure continuous development here at ACM.

Every member of the team holds an influential position within the music industry, and uses a wide range of skills, experience, contacts and know- how to ensure that our learning experiences are progressive and immersively connected to the real-world creative industries.

We are a team of experts with high-status reputations that open doors, and have literally been there, done it, and are still constantly interacting with the music industry.

We collaborate together to identify exciting opportunities and create student pathways that combine to form a multifaceted structure, ensuring innovative learning at a world-class level.

BBC Introducing, the BRITs, MIDEM, The Great Escape, Tileyard, the BMAs, and the UMAs are just some of the industry events that we support, attend, and collaborate with.

Learning by doing is key at ACM, and earning by doing is also encouraged and facilitated while you study through our many platforms.

Working alongside an exceptional team of highly skilled tutors, we are collectively leading the way in music industry education here at the heart of ACM.

18 GUILDFORD. LONDON. BIRMINGHAM.

Diploma and Degree courses available Saturday school, half term workshops Study in a one of a kind environment More free bookable studios that any other institution Professional tutors direct from the music industry Mentoring and Artist development In house record labels Scholarships and bursaries available “This is obviously a great place. If you’re here you’re dedicated and this is a great environment for that. Dedicate yourself, this is the place to do it!” - Chad Smith / Red Hot Chilli Peppers 19 Extras

Collab Industry Link Events Team

Brand new for 2019 is Collab, the app that enables campus collaboration for the ACM New for 2019, join the Industry Link Events team community. Totally free to use, and learn how to organise events, work behind Collaborate in just 4 clicks. the scenes and understand every aspect of the live Developed exclusively for students attending ACM. industry. Get a CV full of industry experience as you learn at ACM. ACM Development Programme Record Labels New for 2019, the ACM Development Programme will offer one-to-one mentoring and development for all students, designed to maximise and open access. Metropolis Blue and Metro Sound are our in-house The Development Programme is made up of student-led labels in partnership with the world- mentors direct from industry who will provide class Metropolis Studios in London. dedicated career progression strategy and know- Metropolis Blue is a label for bands, singers how for students across all campuses. and songwriters. Metro Sound is dedicated to electronic, hip-hop, grime and underground Industry Link music, and aims to support electronic producers and artists.

Both labels are partnered with AWAL for digital distribution. The Industry Link department is dedicated to supporting the professional development of You can get involved with our labels in 2 ways: students, helping them take their first steps into 1. Join the label team. Get involved across all the music industry. different divisions of a record label, from A&R to PR, design, promotion, booking and more. Learn Industry Link connects students to industry by doing and gain great experience for your CV. through regular networking events, work placements, industry performances, gigs, 2. Release music through Metropolis Blue. Get showcases and audition opportunities. the full support from a complete label team who will help you develop a plan and strategy for your music.

20 We hold bi-weekly meetings alongside A&R workshops to discover new talent as well as showcases each term, making sure we keep The Podcast series covers genres such as industry aligned with our plans, releases and wellbeing, business, education, creative, signings. entrepreneurial and music industry topics.

Get involved and find out more: Metropolis Blue ACM on Spotify www.metropolis.blue Email: [email protected] ACM hosts 11 Spotify playlists featuring alumni and current students which are curated to showcase Metro Sound www.metro-sound.co.uk the wide range of talent that is grown in ACM Email: [email protected] amongst the many disciplines and music genres. Playlists include This ACM, This ACM – Beats, This ACM – Alumni, This ACM – Chill and many more. Pro Workshops Search on Spotify to find and subscribe.

Women in Music

Pro Workshops are an amazing addition to ACM’s Student Experience. Outside of the regular timetable there is a rich source of Extra Curricular A brand new initiative for 2019. Activities open to all ACM students. Pro Workshops Get inspired each and every term with a host of run throughout the ACM academic year, covering activities celebrating women in music. Watch out every discipline. for workshops, masterclasses and networking events direct from the leading females in music. Workshops include: Intro to drums, Metal Available at every campus. Workshop, Theory Godfather, Soul Workshop,

EMP Mix Doctor, Songwriting Workshop, Keyboard Fundamentals, Acoustic Guitar Club, Recording ACM TV Workshop and Jazz Club. New for September 2019,

ACM launches a new ACM Podcast Series YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing talent, skills, tutors Made by students, for students, listen to the and music industry strands. ACM Podcast and learn on the go. Stream our 20-minute bite-sized versions for insightful Content will be filmed and published on a daily conversations of advice, knowledge and learning basis. from key industry experts. YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/AcmAcUk

21 facilities & sponsors

ACM is proud to have formed strong industry partnerships with leading manufacturers and key brands at all of our campuses. These partnerships and relationships extend further than the provision of great gear for students to work with in classrooms and studios. They also involve knowledge exchange, placements, masterclasses, employment, and the process of feeding each partner’s state-of-the-art technology directly into the curriculum through co-written modules and electives with our top industry focussed educators.

PAUL REED SMITH GPURITASRS R

22 What do Adele, Queen, Kendrick Lamar, Amy Winehouse, Drake, The Rolling Stones, George Michael, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Noel Gallagher, Harry Styles, Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Mark Ronson all have in common? They are just some of the facilities & sponsors many global artists who have made music at Metropolis Studios. Established in 1989, Metropolis – located on London’s Chiswick High Road – is Europe’s largest studio complex, where over 50% of the UK Top 40 Chart is mixed, mastered, and/or recorded in an average year.

Thanks to our unique relationship with Metropolis, ACM students enjoy an access all areas pass for live performance events, industry conferences, and recording during downtime. Production students at ACM also get the chance to visit Metropolis for bespoke masterclasses and events, where Grammy Award-winning engineers such as Liam Nolan and Paul Norris explain recording techniques for live instruments such as drums and piano, as well as mixing masterclasses involving hands-on desk and audio equipment instruction. There are also session sittings and masterclasses with our Grammy Award-winning mastering engineers in their personal studios as well. Subject to availability, masterclasses from industry professionals held in the upper floor bar area, covering such topics as sync, A&R, and general music business advice related to individual career pathways, are included during these visits.

23 courses. ACM Guildford ACM London Degree 2 Year Accelerated Program (Clapham) BA(Hons) Music Industry Practice Degree > BA(Hons) Professional Music Performance » Musician Study Route Guitar | Bass | Drums | Vocals | Keys Guitar | Bass | Drums | Vocals | Keys > BA(Hons) Commercial Songwriting » Creative Artist Study Route > BA(Hons) Creative Music Production » Rap and MC Route > BA(Hons) Music Business & Innovation » Producer Study Route > BA(Hons) Game Development » Technical Services Study Route » Business and Innovation Study Route > BA(Hons) Music Industry Practice ACM Birmingham The Foundation Year (Level 0) Degree > BA(Hons) Music Industry Practice Diploma » Musician Study Route > UAL Level 2 Diploma Guitar | Bass | Drums | Vocals | Keys Music Performance and Production » Creative Artist Study Route > UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma » Rap and MC Route Music Performance (Guitar | Bass » Producer Study Route | Drums | Vocals | Keys), Music » Business and Innovation Study Route Production and Songwriting. » Tech Services

Saturday Courses Diploma Expand your love of music with our range of > UAL Level 2 Diploma Saturday courses for young people and adults in Music Performance and Production Performance, Production and Songwriting. > UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Music Performance (Guitar | Bass | Drums | Vocals | Keys), Music Production and Songwriting.

24 courses. Customize your journey. Become who you want to be. ACM’s award-winning flexible curriculum offers over 160,000 possible module combinations. In the table opposite, we’ve put together a customizable set of core, mandatory, and elective modules that you can mix to best fit your personal career goals.

For more information, check out the Courses section of our website at https://www.acm.ac.uk/courses/ and visit us for an Open Day soon!

guildford / birmingham: guildford / birmingham: london:

Level 3 Extended Diploma BA (Hons) Music Industry Practice, BA (Hons) (Songwriting) Creative Artist Route Commercial Songwriting

Music Culture Songwriting Live Performance for Songwriters Professional Industry Practice Musical Improvisation Songcraft Event Management Instrument & Vocal Studies Lyrical Development & Song Topics Technical Development Basic Sequencing & Software Producing Scores & Charts Band Skills Music Theory Composition & Technology Composition Music Culture Music Industry Studies Critical Listening Introduction to Band Skills 1 Year Modules Stylistic Awareness Music Industry Overview Course Modules Modules Foundation Year) (Extra Song Arrangement Co-writing Processes & Project Songcraft / Advanced Songcraft Writing to a Brief: Commission, Film, TV & Sync Technology & Performance Performance & Technology Technical Studies 2 Year Modules Stagecraft & Presentation / Advanced Stagecraft & Presentation Music Information Technology Exit Project Creative Audio Technology Songwriting Diary & Critical Reflection Advanced Creative Artist Studies Portfolio Intellectual Property Rights Creative Artist Creative Modules Dissertation Year 3 Year Modules

Cultural Perspectives Music Industry Studies Exit Specialism Advanced Music Theory & Analysis Portfolio Composition for Audio-Visual Media Research Project Freelance & Musical Direction Skills Mandatory Modules IP Rights & Publishing

Ableton Electives Relevent Modules Creative Writing Digital Marketing & Social Media Skills Ensemble Singing Keyboard Skills Pro Tools Remixing Second Instrument (Guitar, Drums, Bass, Vocals) Self-Employment Relevent Zero Relevent Electives Credit

Advanced Music Theory & Analysis Audience & Consumer Psychology Composition for Audiovisual Media Freelance & Music Direction Skills Music Journalism Music Therapy Relevent Credit Relevent Bearing Electives

25

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