About Music at the Manchester College

Music at The Manchester College ABOUT THE MANCHESTER COLLEGE ABOUT MUSIC AT THE MANCHESTER COLLEGE

If you dream of playing on stage in front of thousands No.1 12k 97% of people, creating a seminal masterpiece in the in Greater Manchester of our students undertook studio, or dropping beats at legendary dance clubs students achieved their qualifications for achievement work placements in around the globe, The Manchester College should be with our help exciting business your number one choice. environments We offer courses for singers, musicians, DJs and studio engineers that will take your skills to the next level. Our focus will be to get you ready for a TOP successful career in this tough, but exciting industry. No.1 In our state-of-the art facilities, you will learn from experienced DJs who still perform all over the world college in the UK 9/10 10% and gigging musicians that tour the length and ofr functional employers tell us our for achievement out breadth of the country, as well as receive English and Maths students are ready of all FE colleges in for the workplace the country masterclasses from some of the best in the business.

Based in the heart of Manchester, with its legendary music scene, you will perform regularly for the public and have lots of opportunities to network.

2 3 You’ll take your next step towards an exciting career in the music industry INDUSTRY STANDARD in the incredible facilities that we boast across our campuses.

Our professional standard studios are PRO GEAR unparalleled, our technology and equipment is state-of-the-art and our performance spaces are first class.

AND FACILITIES They include professional, industry- specification band rooms, DJ mixing booths and specialist recording equipment.

You’ll also have access to rehearsal spaces, six Mac suites running industry software such as Logic, Sibelius and Ableton, and changing rooms to get ready for your performance.

4 5 PLAY FOR THE MASSES

Our students regularly light up venues across the city, including at the relentlessly successful and highly innovative Band on the Wall, where our musicians host and collaborate on a whole range of pro-level activities and real-life industry standard activities and performances. BUILDING EXCELLENCE But, we don’t just send you out on stage with no preparation. You’ll get to polish your performance in our suite of rehearsal The College, alongside higher education partner UCEN Manchester, is investing £140m in our students by transforming rooms and purpose-built theatres; The and restructuring our campus estate. Sackville and The Waterside. That’s if you’re not putting your talents to use in Our new and redeveloped campuses, set to open throughout 2021 and 2022, will provide exceptional study facilities one of our recording studios. along with access to outstanding student services and support, allowing our students to thrive in industry standard training environments. Take a look at the full list of venues we work with and imagine yourself playing to By autumn 2022, all of our music provision will be taught out of a brand new Centre of Excellence for Music, a room full of Manchester music fans and in Manchester City Centre, opposite the Arena and Manchester Victoria Station. letting rip in some of these iconic venues! Highlights include eight rehearsal rooms with full PA systems; five recording studios; four Mac suites, running state-of-the-art industry software, and a DJ studio where up to 15 aspiring DJ’s can come together and watch a demo, before utilising one the four separate DJ booths with the latest equipment to practice what they have learnt.

The facilities were designed by the music team, who are all industry professionals, working in conjunction with the teaching team, ensuring it is top-spec and purpose-built, reflecting the very latest industry standards.

6 7 MUSIC INDUSTRY PARTNERS -

When you study music at The Manchester College you will have the EXPERIENCE A CAREER opportunity to immerse yourself in the world-renowned Manchester and North-West music scene.

Our music department has long-standing links with a full ensemble of industry partners, and we work in perfect harmony to open the doors that enable you to experience an exciting career in this thriving sector.

We work with a broad range of the City`s venues, and have an impressive track record of gigs that we have supported our students to deliver. And for all the fun, this is also an amazing opportunity to experience what working in the industry is like!

Some of the music industry partners and venues we work with include:

• Band on the Wall

• The Castle: Oldham Street

• The Manchester Royal Eye Hospital

• Cotyso Studios

• Warehouse Project

• Neighbourhood Festival

• Amplify Sounds

• Albeton Live

Venue: Band on the Wall

8 9 There are established industry partnerships that continue to thrive and new ones that are opening up a new era of possibilities for music students at The Manchester College. NEW DEVELOPMENTS:

Warehouse Project Ableton Live Ampify Sounds

As part of the development of new We are also discussing a connection Ampify are a company specialising Higher Education courses, we have with the music software developers in the development of music tech- This is one of the most prestigious music venues in Cotyso Studio is one of Manchester’s top recording forged links with companies from a Ableton and are looking to develop a nology equipment and sample packs Manchester with a long history that chronicles the studios and media production companies. The facilities wide range of music industry back- relationship that will see closer links which is a huge part of the modern cultural development of popular music in Manchester. feature one of the largest live rooms in any studio in the grounds. We are planning to be able that provide seminars and workshops music industry. Students can develop We have been working in collaboration with Band On north west. The studio uses state-of-the art equipment to offer performance, technical and with high profile touring artists and vital skills and build contacts that The Wall for a number of years providing opportunities and regularly works with some of the biggest names support placement opportunities in producers. are essential for the modern music such as showcase gigs, regular performances and open in the music and entertainment industries. The new Manchester’s top nightclub venue and professional. mic nights for students, sound engineering and music degree ‘Creative Music Professions’ works in integrate real industry experience Neighbourhood Festival technical development in a working venue, marketing partnership with Cotyso providing studio time, work into the curriculum. and promotion placements/work experience. experience and industry networking opportunities for Students will have the chance to students. shadow professionals and gain invaluable experience at one of the north’s biggest musical events of the summer.

10 11 CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR MUSIC 16-18 YEAR OLDS

At The Manchester College’s Centre of Excellence for Music, we passionately believe in helping you reach your ultimate goal, focussing on your future employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career in the music industry.

Everything we do, from the courses we offer, the advice and support we provide and the work placements we will help you secure, is about preparing you for the music industry and helping you take the steps you need to secure your first job in your dream career.

To help us achieve this goal, we have partnerships with a range of employers that either provide input into our courses, offer work placements or a combination of both. This means that everything you learn when you study with us will help you acquire the skills that employers demand and prepare you for a career in your chosen sector.

All courses have been designed to include a work placement or work experience, with many including an industry placement with a named employer for 45 days (minimum of 315 hours). You’ll also be supported every step of the way by an Employability tutor and an Employability co-ordinator who will oversee your placement.

While studying at our Centre for Excellence you can obtain qualifications ranging from Entry to Level 3 from certificates to Extended Diplomas. If you haven’t already obtained a Grade 4 in English or maths you’ll also study to achieve this level of qualification, which is essential for many careers.

Depending on your level of study you will also complete a one or two week work placement. You’ll also receive dedicated ‘employability’ sessions that will help equip you with the skills that you’ll need to thrive in the workplace.

When you complete your journey in our Centre for Excellence you will have all the skills you need to be ‘work ready’ and the qualifications you need to take the next steps towards an amazing career either in the workplace or going on to further study or University.

12 13 INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE ACADEMY

FOR MUSIC 16-18 YEAR OLDS Level 3 Music Events Management Available from 2021

If you’ve obtained the necessary entry requirements, you may have the opportunity to join our Industry Excellence Academy for Music with our Level 3 Music Events Management qualification.

The programme of study within our Industry Excellence Academy has been co-developed with our industry partner Band on the Wall.

Working so closely with them means you’ll benefit from courses that are aligned with current industry skills demands as well as a range of industry-level activities and lessons.

This will include masterclasses and lessons delivered by industry experts, visits from guest speakers at the forefront of the industry and ‘live briefs’ to industry standard that will see you working on the kind of projects you’d be completing once you begin your career in business.

In our Industry Excellence Academy for Music you’ll complete a placement with an industry employer of at least 15 days and, in many cases, you’ll receive a mentor from your chosen industry to support you along the way.

Once you complete your journey in our Industry Excellence Academy for Music you will have the qualifications you need to take the next steps towards an amazing career as well as the experience and skills that will help you stand out to future employers.

14 15 OUR COURSES MUSIC PRODUCTION - 16-18 YEAR OLDS Level 1 Music Production Level 2 Music Production Level 3 Music Production (2 year course) For anyone that’s new to music For anyone looking to develop technology and wants to know what practical and technical skills in music In year one, you’ll study four units: it’s all about, this introduction to the recording and production, DJ skills industry will help you get a really and using a Digital Audio Workstation • Studio Production good grounding in professional music (DAW), then this Level 2 Extended production. Certificate will enable you to do this. • Creating Musical Material Through Production With a hands-on focus, you’ll explore You will learn advanced recording, • Music Technology for Live Events all the basics of studio recording, mixing and mastering techniques in (either Live Sound Operations or DJ including how to use microphones addition to creating your own music Technology) effectively and how to record and mix using industry standard software. a track. You will create your own beats You will also learn how to make • Planning a Career in the Industry using industry standard software such money out of your music. as Logic and Ableton and learn the In year two, you will work on a basics of DJ technology. Teachers associated with course – self-directed individual project such Mark McKinley as writing or recording an album, Teachers associated with course – composing a portfolio of music for Chris Thomas TV, film and computer games. You will also work on a large-scale collaborative project where, as a group, you will organise your own event, festival, recording or composing project.

Teachers associated with course – Steve Smith, Tom Auld, Andy Prentice

16 17 MUSIC PERFORMANCE - 16-18 YEAR OLDS MUSIC PRODUCTION - ADULTS 19+

Level 2 Music Performance Level 3 Music Production (2 year course) Level 1 Music Production Level 2 Music Production Level 3 Music Production

This qualification will help you In year one, you’ll study five units: For anyone that’s new to music Building on the skills developed at On this one-year course, you’ll learn explore the music industry and technology this introduction to the Level 1, this course introduces more about sound recording, creative develop your own skills as a musician. • Performing as a Band • Planning a Career in the Industry industry will give you a solid advanced skills techniques in both synthesis and sampling DAW You will work on developing as a grounding in the area of professional recording and sequencing and production and mixing and performer on your chosen instrument • Creating Musical Material • Practical Music Theory music production. prepares learners for study at level 3. mastering techniques. Working or voice, as well as learning key skills The music industry is also explored alongside industry experts you will • Exploring Different Styles of Music for working as part of a band. With a hands-on focus, you’ll explore including looking at how to make develop your own creative projects Alongside practical work, you will all the basics of studio recording, money out of music and promote and gain first-hand understanding of also explore music theory and learn In year two, you will select an area of the music industry that appeals to you including how to use microphones your music to a wider audience. a wide range of skills and techniques how to create your own original music such as performance, song writing, recording, producing, composing or effectively and how to record, mix and learn how the music industry using a Digital Audio Workstation teaching and complete a large-scale individual project such as writing or and master. You will create your own This course runs for three hours per functions and operates. (DAW). recording an album, presenting a series of gigs as a soloist or writing music for tracks using industry standard week in the evenings. film and TV. You will also complete a substantial collaborative project where software such as Logic and Ableton. This course is delivered 3-days a week You will take part in a range of live you will plan, market and present a major performance event as a group. Teachers associated with course – from September to June and on performances at various locations, This course runs for three hours per Mark McKinley successful completion of this course, including the iconic Manchester You will take part in a range of live performances at various locations including week in the evenings. you will have enough credits to venue, Band on the Wall. the iconic Manchester venue, Band on the Wall. progress to university to further your Teachers associated with course – studies. Teachers associated with course – Teachers associated with course – Rosie Giles, Rick Longden, Paul Beevers, Lee Gizon Mark McKinley Sean Bennett Teachers associated with course – Phil Moody, Joe Ward

18 19 BA (HONS) CREATIVE MUSIC PROFESSIONS MEET THE TEAM

When you take a music course at The Manchester College, you’ll be taught by a team that doesn’t just talk the talk, but has actually walked the walk. With experience that spans decades, and touches almost every corner of the music industry, your tutors still maintain close industry links them keep that at the cutting edge of the sectors Delivered by UCEN Manchester, this programme aims to train and support creative individuals who aspire to have a latest developments. career that utilises their creative skills.

The course facilitates development of a range of skills vital to becoming an independent professional including: composition for film, TV and computer games, studio production and engineering, mixing, remixing and mastering, DAW production, video editing and processing, industry practice and protection of intellectual property.

It is a fast-paced and heavily practical course which encourages you to explore your individual artistic interests in order to develop as practitioners. It is ideal for those with a passion for creating music and a desire for a career in the creative industries.

Each year of the programme has a unique focus providing students with the techniques, knowledge, and methods in order to become a professional creative.

During your first year you’ll learn the foundation skills, techniques and knowledge before advancing these in your second year through music composition, production and performance.

Your final year is your ‘professional’ year where you will be provided with opportunities to develop your artistic intentions and present them to the industry as professional practitioners.

Teachers associated with course – Phil Moody, Dave Fortune, Joe Ward

20 21 Shaun Chambers Steve Smith Phil Moody Tom Auld Paul Beevers Sean Bennett – Head of Music and – Further Education – Adult and Higher Music Production Team Leader Education Team Leader Tom specialises in studio recording Paul specialises in guitar and Sean is a Level 2/3 Music and live sound techniques. He is an performance. He has been involved in Performance tutor who specialises in Shaun studied at The University of Steve has worked on several projects Phil is a multi-instrumentalist, experienced sound recording the Lancaster music scene for longer electric guitar. Salford and The Liverpool Institute throughout his career as a freelance producer, songwriter and composer engineer and has worked with a than he cares to remember and has for Performing Arts and has been sound designer and computer games whose performance career has broad range of recording artists such played in various bands over the years Alongside a PGCE, Sean completed a active in the music industry for over composer, and as a studio sound included extensive European touring as beatboxer Dub FX and 60’s beat at festivals across Europe. BA(Hons.) degree in ‘Popular Music thirty years as a performer, musical engineer and an events manager and studio recording through record group the Dakotas. & Recording’ at the University of director and DJ all over the world. working in partnership in the live deals with BMG and Chrysalis. Paul currently plays numerous gigs Salford. Since then, he has actively sound festival circuit for the Tom also performs, composes and each year as a guitarist and bouzouki worked as a guitarist in the North- He is highly experienced in communities of Manchester. For ten years, he owned and ran produces his own music. He has player in North West-based ceilidh West and online music scene; honing curriculum management and holds a a commercial recording studio in performed at venues such as the band Price of My Pig. his skills in live performance and senior post with one of the country’s Steve has also released music close Leeds, producing and engineering Royal Festival Hall in London and instrumental technique. leading awarding organisations. to his heart that is Jungle / DnB and many artists and bands. Phil has a played at festivals across the United cannot pass a set of decks without long history of composing and song Kingdom and Europe. With over 16+ years of experience “having a go”. writing for his own bands, other playing guitar, Sean has performed at artists, radio and media. numerous radio shows, festivals and venues including the 02 Academy He has a Master’s Degree in Music Liverpool. Production and over 15 years’ experience in music education.

22 23 Dave Fortune Rosie Giles Lee Gizon Rick Longden Mark McKinley Andy Prentice

Dave is a DJ, producer and teacher of Rosie has worked at the College for Lee has over 25 years of experience Rick had piano lessons before he Mark started his DJ career at the As a freelance composer and music technology. As a DJ he regularly over 10 years and specialises in vocal playing and recording in live bands could even walk and then picked up age of 15 playing venues such as producer, Andy has written music for performs in Manchester at various technique and group performance. all over Europe, including established an alto sax at school before joining Sequins, Fantazia, Mythology and Volvo, Western Union, LA Fitness, bars and clubs, and has also played at acts such as Muse, Arctic Monkeys and a band and going on to play in cover the legendary Hacienda, where he Axa Insurance and Major League numerous events outside the city She brings a wealth of industry the 1975. bands across the UK and Europe. won the North West DMC DJ Soccer, as well as having placements including an appearance at knowledge to the classroom where Championships. on UK, US, Australian, Greek, Italian, Soundwave Festival in Croatia. she shares her first hand and current His music and videos have been After completing a degree in music Japanese and Korean TV. experience of the music industry with played all over the world including in his early twenties, he continued as He’s also DJ’d across the world in As a producer he has released a learners. most recently on Radio 1, 6 Music, a freelance player before moving to Malia, Ibiza, Brussels and in the US As a session bass player and number of tracks commercially, his Radio Lancashire and MTV2. full-time teaching. as well as at Glastonbury. Mark has guitarist, he’s played with many music has been played on BBC Radio She is an accomplished vocalist who produced his own music with his bands and artists over the years from 1 and BBC 6 Music, and by a host of performs regularly with funk, soul As well as teaching Music DJ group, The Mix Factory, who funk, neo-soul, rock, jazz, reggae and club DJs both in the UK and and disco band, Dreamer, playing Performance and Technology, he is charted in the UK singles chart musicals to function work and studio internationally. floor fillers from the 70’s, 80’s and still recording and performing all and also gained success in the sessions. 90’s at major venues across the North over the UK. American charts. He has managed an independent West. Rosie continues to attend record label which has released music courses and masterclasses, ensuring in the UK, Europe, USA and Japan, she is best placed to teach and coach and he has promoted music events in vocalists to ensure they stand out Manchester. from the crowd.

24 25 Chris Thomas Jo Ward Curtis Wherritt

Chris is a soulful DJ, electronic Josef plays trumpet and keyboards Curtis began his musical journey as a musician and artist from Bradford and has performed with professional pianist, completing both classical and who has been providing music to the bands and artists such as Sam Lee, jazz grades up to grade 8. jazz, soul, house and funk crowd for Aim, Mr Scruff, Roy Ayres and many several years. more, both in the studio and on tour. While working as a pianist in a West Yorkshire based function band, he Chris enjoys making and selecting He has performed at many realised a considerable gap in the exciting and danceable music which professional venues and festivals market for wedding and event DJs can keep people moving all night. including Glastonbury Festival, Fuji who actually mix! So, he bought Rock Festival (Japan), Ronnie Scotts himself some decks and began He is also an avid vinyl collector with and at Maida Vale for the John Peel learning… thousands of records as well as large Show on Radio 1. digital music collections. Fast forward a few years and Curtis is He also specialises in music a very in-demand DJ, working for one production and has released albums of the UK’s leading DJ agencies, and remixes, and he continues to playing at bars, clubs, and events up work in the studio creating original and down the country, and even music. making some appearances on Croatia’s Zrce beach!

26 27 Musician DJ Music Producer Sound Engineers Music therapists CAREER PICKS

The career of a musician is varied Whether you’re working as a club DJ As a music producer you’ll work with Like Music Producers, Sound Music therapists work for the NHS and can take you all over the world. or events DJ where you’ll need to keep artists, musicians, DJ’s and groups to Engineers combine their creativity or with private healthcare providers You could find yourself playing in a the atmosphere going all day or all record and produce music. and excellent ear with their technical and use music to help address social, band in major venues, studios and night long or a radio DJ or presenter, knowledge to produce high quality emotional or physical difficulties. cruise ships. You could write, produce you’ll need a passion for music, You could work in a studio pulling sound. and release your own music, and you flexibility and great communication together sound recordings to You’ll communicate with clients of all could even produce music by other skills. produce the perfect track for an They are responsible for manipulating ages and backgrounds using music, artists as a studio producer engineer. album, soundtrack for a film or acoustics to achieve the desired result helping to create a shared musical advert. Or you could work at live whether that is at a live music event, experience to support them. Salary - £20,000 - £40,000 events, working with artists and wedding or graduation ceremony or Salary - £16,000 - £40,000 groups to produce amazing spectacles in a studio assisting with the Salary - £30,000 - £40,000 at gigs or festivals. production of music for commercial music, film, TV, radio, advertising, gaming or interactive media. Salary - £18,000 - £50,000

Salary - £15,000 - £40,000

28 29 WHAT OUR SUCCESS STORIES EX-STUDENT’S SAY ABOUT US EVABEE RICHARDSON Eva surrounds herself with amazing creatives, artists and musicians. “The Manchester College was the perfect She has her own studio in Manchester city centre environment to experiment with my interests and a monthly residency on Reform Radio. She in songwriting, producing and audio has released 4 mix tapes with her collective ‘A Broken Camarilla’ and their first EP came out engineering in November 2018. Her first Solo project “Full ” Circle” featuring some of Manchester’s finest Tido Nguyen musicians came out in January 2019 and since Songwriter and Producer, Pulse Music Group then she has performed at We Out Here Festival, Outlook Festival and more!”

“My time at The Manchester College was “The people I met and the support I had was invaluable to me because it gave me an invaluable. I was taught every skill I could opportunity to collaborate with musicians and artists that I’m still close with to this day. As it’s possibly have needed to make it myself out in the centre of Manchester we have the whole there in the industry city at our feet with the most incredible local ” musicians, artists, DJ’s and producers local to us Gaby Zacara which the staff and teachers take advantage of, Musician, Songwriter and Lyricist holding performances for students at some of the best venues the city has to offer. It really set me up for the career that was ahead of me and I’m grateful for it.”

30 31 GABY ZACARA A spiritually conscious vegan devoted to changing the world through music and lyrics, Gaby Zacara is renowned in the music industry for her electronic top-lining skills.

She has already racked up more than 18 million streams worldwide and has worked with a whole host of big name labels and producers.

“Shena Simon was great for me because I was given the chance to study there even though I knew nothing at all about music other than that my true passion was to sing and write songs. I learnt more in those two years than I have done studying music at university, and the people I met and support I had was invaluable. I was taught every skill I could possibly have needed to make it myself out there in the industry, and my confidence grew so much for it all.” TIDO NGUYEN

Tido is currently signed to Pulse Music Group in LA as a songwriter and producer. He spends three to four months per year in LA writing and the rest of his time in Finland writing and producing. He’s had number one hits on Spotify’s chart in Finland but is trying hard to expand more to US markets - having previously written and produced a track for Disney Music Group.

“My time at The Manchester College helped me to find my strengths and weaknesses in music and made me realize what I actually want to do in the music industry. The Manchester College was the perfect environment to experiment with my interests in song writing, producing and audio engineering.”

32 33 CREATIVE ARTS - STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2019

KEMANI ANDERSON

Kemani completed his BTEC with us in 2019 and is now studying Music at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London where he received a yearly scholarship.

Kemani now gigs regularly as a singer in various bands and is busy writing original music with his band SNG.

“My time at Shena Simon was great because I was surrounded by people who were able to let me be who I am and to be bold about what I represent. I had teachers behind me, supporting me in anything I did musically and pushing me if they felt as though I was not working hard enough and for that I am very grateful. Shena Simon was great for me because it was full of so much opportunity. Being at Shena Simon has made me realise that if you work hard, then hard work pays off.”

34 35 HOW TO APPLY

Applying to study at The Manchester College is really easy and can be done online via desktop, tablet or mobile.

Simply follow these eight steps and you’ll be on your journey to amazing in no time at all.

STEP 1 STEP 4 STEP 7 Visit tmc.ac.uk Receive a conditional offer Join us at enrolment on the date we specify on your invite (For 16-18 year old students applying for September this will be after you receive your results)

STEP 2 STEP 5 STEP 8 Browse our range of courses and choose Book to attend an Applicant and Parent Start your journey to amazing the course you’d like to apply for Information Evening (16-18 year old students only)

STEP 3 STEP 6 Apply for the course using our application Register to attend our New Student portal, making sure you complete all of Welcome Day (16-18 year old students the relevant information only)

36 37 WHAT NEXT?

Find out more and apply To find out more about The Manchester College and our Music department and to apply for one of our courses visit: tmc.ac.uk/music

Visit us Join us at one of our Open Events throughout the year to learn more about our courses, visit the campus you could be studying at and tour our facilities, speak to our tutors, view demonstrations and work from current students and much more.

To find out when our next Open Events are taking place visit: tmc.ac.uk/events

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38 39 The Manchester College is committed to equality of opportunity, non-discriminatory practices and supporting individual learners. This information is also available in a range of formats, such as large print, on request.