The Academy of Music and Sound is an independent popular music college with centres in eight locations in England and Scotland. The Academy delivers instrument specific courses validated by local partner college and Universities.
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History
The Academy of Music and Sound started in 1994 in Torquay, initially delivering Music Technology courses and private instrument lessons. A second centre was opened in 2001 in Birmingham, above Europe’s then biggest music shop Sound Control. By 2012, the Academy has grown to having a national network of 8 centres, based in Birmingham, Exeter, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Swindon, Gateshead and Hitchin, delivering training and education to over 800 students and apprentices. As of 2012 The Academy has been a successful first round bidder in the Government's Employer Ownership of Skills programme.
Courses/Qualifications
The courses available at the Academy are in Music Practice, Performance, Technology and Production.
Facilities
The Academy of Music and Sound has national endorsement by leading music manufacturers. All amplification, guitar, bass amp and P.A’s are supplied by Peavey. Acoustic and electronic drums, keyboards, guitars and bass are supplied by Yamaha. Cymbals are endorsed by Zildjian.
Birmingham
Birmingham is the Academy of Music and Sound’s flagship centre. Based at 3 Lionel Street, in Birmingham city centre.
Exeter
Re-located in 2010 to Coombe Street and opened by legendary Hawkwind’s guitarist Dave Brock.
Southampton
The Southampton centre opened in 2005 and relocated to the current centre based in the St. Marys area of the city in 2008, Work started in 2015 for the new premises in the high street which opened November 2015.
Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Centre is based in Grassmarket at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, underneath music shop ‘Red Dog Music’.
Glasgow
The Glasgow centre opened in 2006, based in Jamaica Street.
Swindon
The Academy of Music and Sound has been in Swindon since 2007 and relocated to The Bentley Centre, Stratton Road in 2010.
Hitchin
The Academy is based within North Hertfordshire College’s music facilities.
Gateshead
Opened in Gateshead in 2010.
Alumni
Activities/master classes
The Academy is a host to master-classes by nationally and internationally-renowned musicians, producers and managers including: Albert Lee (Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers), Laurie Jenkins (Kasabian, Beverley Knight), Guthrie Govan (Dizzee Rascal), Ash Soan (Adele, Robbie Williams), Katie Holmes (Professor Green, Lily Allen), Oli Saville and Nathan Curran (Basement Jaxx), Luke Bullen and Arnulf Linder (KT Tunstall), Dave Troke (Overtones), Vintage Trouble, Vula Malinga (Mark Ronson, Sam Sparro), Simon Have (Seal, George Michael), Bruce Findlay (Simple Minds).