london (stratford) prospectus 2016
DESCRIPTION
Details of facilities and courses at Access to Music London (Stratford).TRANSCRIPT
CREATEYOUR
FUTURELondon 2016
the music college
‘I chose Access to Music because I love music.’
Hi, I run our centre
in Stratford, London,
and I’m really looking
forward to seeing you
here next year.
Access to Music is different.
We’re not like a typical sixth
form or big college. We’re
a friendly, creative place
dedicated to giving you the
vocational skills to work in
the creative industries or
go on to study at university
level.
Our students are different.
Our students are creative
people who like to express
themselves. They are
musicians, designers,
producers, songwriters,
visual artists and
entrepreneurs with fantastic
imagination and talent.
Let’s get together!
If you have imagination and
drive, then Access to Music
is the place for you.
See you soon!
WELCOMEfrom Liam Burns
Liam Burns
CONTENTS
Grade 2 GoodOfsted Inspection 2013
Grade 1 OutstandingIndependent Schools Inspectorate 2014
Reasons to choose us........................4Our patron: Ed Sheeran ................6Plugged into industry .......................7Student stories.............................................8Centre facilities ...........................................10Opportunities ...............................................12Your career ........................................................13Parent FAQs .....................................................14
Our courses .....................................................15Level 1 Music .................................................17Music Technology:Production & DJing ..............................18Music Technology:Sound Engineering ..............................19Music Performance ...............................20Vocal Artist .........................................................21Music Business & Events ...............22Creative Media ............................................23Artist Development ..............................24
Next steps ...........................................................26Visit us! ....................................................................27Keep in touch! ..............................................28
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REASONSTO
CHOOSE US
4
‘I didn’t even put my name down for anything else.’
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A great alternative to sixth form or collegeWe offer an exciting and practical alternative where you can shine in an inspiring environment.
Making youfeel at homeOur students feel at home with us because it’s a welcoming, creative place. Here you can be yourself.
Boosting your creativity and confidenceWe encourage you to think outside the box. Tutors and guests with industry experience will be on hand to help you.
Letting you getout and do it!You can organise and take part in events from gigs in local venues to club nights, exhibitions and festivals.
Getting your handson great kitYou’ll learn in a dedicated centre that’s set up for creating and producing music and media.
A high-quality educationThe college was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2013 and as ‘Outstanding’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in December 2014.
Follow in the footsteps of...Ex-students such as Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Jess Glynne, Tom Flynn, Laura Welsh... to name but a few.
Succeed andmove on upYou can progress on to degree courses, or directly into the creative industries or other employment. Our Level 3 courses carry UCAS points for progression to university. 5
Courses to suit youIf music or media is your passion, we’ve got a course to suit you from beginners to advanced. And what’s more, there are no formal entry requirements or exams*.*Students doing English/Maths GCSEs, or Functional Skills, will be assessed by exams.
OUR PATRON:ED SHEERAN
'It was a wicked course. It gave me the
first push and I loved
the freedom. They
understood that half
of the learning you
need for the industry
was outside the classroom with gigs
and studio time.’
Ed completed his Artist Development course in London in 2009.
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‘I think what Access to Music are doing for music education is exactly what the music industry needs. They are talking about finding and nurturing real talent, with industry-relevant experience, and encouraging creativity and self- exploration through music, which is exactly what Each One Teach One* is about. Like us they are about recognising talent, regardless of previous academic achievements.’ Plan B
* Each One Teach One is a registered charityproviding access to new skills, training and support.
PLAN BAccess to Music has been plugged into the UK music industry for over 20 years. We are able to build partnerships with organisations, companies and artists, which many schools and other colleges are unable to do. We work with record labels, national and local festivals, management companies, talent agencies/shows and manufacturers. Here is a selection of our current partners:
NATIONAL PARTNERS• BBC Introducing• Latitude Festival• Focusrite• Last Night A DJ Saved My Life• Native Instruments
LOCAL PARTNERS• The Academy North London Music• Newham Music Trust
PLUGGED INTO INDUSTRY
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Ed Sheeran came to the London centre to develop his skills on the Artist Development course. The course allowed him to refine his repertoire and brand with the result that he won an Island Records student talent search. After that he went on to become a global superstar!
Rita Ora is one of the biggest
names in the UK music business.
She is also a TV celebrity, appearing
as a judge on The Voice and The X
Factor, and an endorsee of many
brands from Samsung to Adidas.
Rita came to Access to Music to
study on the Music Performance
course to help her prepare for her
chart-topping career.
Jamie Morrison is the drummer in top UK band Stereophonics. He has also worked with the Noisettes and has his own act with rapper Fem Fel, called Ninjas & Wolves. Jamie started his career by coming to Access to Music. He arrived to us with an upbringing in jazz, but through his work with other musicians, he began to broaden his repertoire and style to become the internationally-renowned musician he is today.
8COURSE: Artist DevelopmentYEAR: 2008-09
COURSE: Music Performance
YEAR: 2007-08COURSE: Artist DevelopmentYEAR: 2009-10
STUDENTSTORIES
London
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STORIES
Albert Gold is making a name for himself on the UK music scene with cool hip hop single Into The Wild, released on Fierce Panda. Of his reason for coming to Access to Music, he said, ’It was the best college for me to learn the right tools to become a performing artist’.
Louis La Roche (real name Brett Ewels) is a house/nu-disco/funk producer who has done remixes for the likes of Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim, Calvin Harris, Gorillaz, Miley Cyrus and Michael Jackson. He even supported Kylie Minogue on two dates on her 2014 tour. Louis commented, ‘I would recommend Access to Music to people looking to study music. It’s certainly a great stepping stone to point someone in the right direction’.COURSE: Music Performance
YEAR: 2007-11COURSE: Artist DevelopmentYEAR: 2008-09 COURSE: Music Performance
YEAR:
Laura Welsh is a
singer/songwriter whose track,
Undiscovered, is featured on the
blockbuster movie, Fifty Shades of
Grey. Laura also performed with
Gorgon City at Glastonbury, having
featured on their hit, Here For You.
COURSE: Artist Development
YEAR: 2006-07
STUDENT
CENTREFACILITIES
‘You get access to cutting-edge equipment, rehearsal rooms and studios.’
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The London centre is based in a studio facility close to the Olympic Park and Three Mills IslandTV studios.
Facilities include:• Apple Mac technology
and media suites• Digital recording
studios• Performance space• Fully-equipped band
rehearsal rooms 1111
OPPORTUNITIES
You’ll have unique opportunities to showcase your work. These range from a local gig or club night, to the chance to perform on a festival stage at events such as Latitude.
We’ll also help you to showcase your work online, via digital distribution platforms, websites and social media channels.
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YOUR CAREERWANT TO GO TO UNIVERSITY?Most of our Level 3 students go on to study at university.
Access to Music has two degree courses which we run in Birmingham with Birmingham City University:• BMus Popular Music Performance• BA (Hons) Music Business
These are some other institutions students progressed to:• School of Audio Engineering (SAE)• Leeds College of Music• Goldsmiths College• University of Westminster• The Institute (ICMP)• University of East London• Anglia Ruskin University
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• The creative industries are the
fastest-expanding sector in the
UK economy. There are many
opportunities to develop a portfolio
career, work for creative businesses,
or as a creative in another sector.
• Business leaders value vocational
qualifications like ours more than
GCSEs and A Levels.
• Access to Music gives you lots of
transferable skills which you can
use in any workplace. All courses
include business skills, marketing
and promotion.
What is Access to Music?We are a government-funded further education training provider operating at eight locations in England. We have over 20 years’ experience of music education. We are subject to Ofsted quality inspections and we are graded ‘Good’.
Does it lead to a proper qualification?Yes, successful students gain a government-approved RSL qualification. These can be used to progress at Access to Music, or to go on to other courses or employment.
What is the timetable?Students usually attend college for 3-4 days per week between 9am and 5pm.Do you offer support for Maths & English?We offer support, either to develop skills in Maths and English, or to gain higher GCSE grades.
Are there entry requirementsand exams?We don’t have any formal entry requirements. It’s more about your child’s motivation and passion. All music and media courses are assessed via coursework rather than exams.
How can I fund it?Tuition is FREE for 16-18s. We can also assist with travel costs to and from the centre and assist with free lunches (subject to eligibility).
Do you offer learning support?We provide support to every young person who needs it. We have a dedicated support team who will work with your child throughout their time with us.
Will it lead to a job?The creative industries are now the fastest-growing sector in the UK economy, with some areas expanding at three times the national rate. Many people operate portfolio careers, generating income from various streams.
Can they go on to university?Most of our Level 3 students go on to university. Our Extended Diploma Level 3 courses are the equivalent of taking three A Levels, and they generate the same UCAS points.
PARENT FAQs
OURAccess to Music designs its own music qualifications with awarding
body RSL. These qualifications are nationally recognised and have
full parity with GCSEs, BTECs and A Levels.
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LEVEL 1• One year
• 36 weeks
(Sept-June)
=STARTER QUALIFICATION
RSL L1 Diploma for
Music Practitioners
Four GCSEs
grades D-G
LEVEL 2• One year
• 36 weeks
(Sept-June)
INTERMEDIATE
QUALIFICATION
RSL L2 Diploma for
Music Practitioners
Four GCSEs
grades A*-C
LEVEL 3• One year
• 36 weeks
(Sept-June)
ADVANCED
QUALIFICATION
RSL L3 Subsidiary
Diploma for Music
Three AS Levels or fi rst
year BTEC
Diploma
Up to 210
UCAS Points
LEVEL 4• One year
36 weeks
(Sept-June)
PROFESSIONAL
QUALIFICATION• RSL Diploma
for Creative
Practitioners
Studying at
fi rst year of a
degree
LEVEL 3• Two years
• 36 + 36 weeks
(Sept-June)
ADVANCED
QUALIFICATION
RSL L3 Subsidiary
Diploma/Extended
Three A Levels
or full BTEC
Diploma
Up to 420
UCAS Points
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COURSES
‘It’s not like doing a course in a normal college - it’s in a real creative environment.’
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GET THE BASICSGet to grips with the basics of
musicianship and how music works.
START CREATING YOUR OWN MUSIC
Use music production software and instruments to start creating your
own songs.
DEVELOP YOUR REPERTOIREBuild up a small repertoire of songs
for recording, performance and online distribution.
LEVEL 1: ONE YEAR
APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk
LEVEL 1 MUSIC
‘Courses are built around what you want to do, rather than forcing everyone to be the same.’ 17
CREATE TRACKSCompose your own amazing tracks using industry-standard software and hardware. Record and manipulate audio, with the chance to record with musicians.
MIX TRACKSMix, manipulate and master your tracks for a variety of outputs including online and pro-release. Learn how to mix tracks live.
DISTRIBUTE/PLAY OUT YOUR MUSICLearn how to distribute your tracks both online and physically, and DJ them out live at club nights.
PROMOTE YOUR ACTLearn how to promote your music and make it stand out from the crowd.
LEVEL 2: ONE YEARLEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARSAPPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk
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‘It was the best college for me to further my skills in music production.’
MUSIC TECHNOLOGYPRODUCTION
‘A Level Music Tech has too much theory and is restrictive - this allows more creativity.’
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SET UP PRO-EQUIPMENTGet to grips with pro-audio equipment
in both live and studio settings.
CAPTURE AUDIOMic up and capture audio in live
venues and recording studios, including drums, backline, vocals,
string/brass etc.
MIX AUDIOMix, manipulate and master audio for a variety of outputs including online and
pro-release.
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSLearn how to promote a sound
engineering business for both live and studio work.
LEVEL 2: ONE YEAR LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS
APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk
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‘I like the opportunities to use studiosand desks and gain technical knowledge.’
MUSIC TECHNOLOGYSOUND ENGINEERING
CREATE & ARRANGE SONGSWrite your own songs, working on your own and in groups, and arrange versions of your favourite cover songs.
DEVELOP REPERTOIRERehearse your songs in fully-equipped band rehearsal rooms, learning the secrets of musicianship and teamwork.
RECORD & PERFORMGet to perform your repertoire live at gigs in pro-venues, while recording tracks for digital and physical release.
PROMOTE YOUR ACTLearn how to promote your music and make it stand out from the crowd. ‘The course is
awesome. I am a practical person and the course suits me well - it is easier for me to learn this way.’
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
LEVEL 2: ONE YEARLEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARSAPPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk
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DEVELOP YOUR VOICEImprove your vocal technique and the
measures to protect your voice.
BUILD REPERTOIRERehearse your songs in fully-equipped
band rehearsal rooms, learning the secrets of musicianship and teamwork.
RECORD & PERFORMGet to perform your repertoire live at gigs
in pro-venues, while recording tracks for digital and physical release.
PROMOTE YOUR ACTLearn how to promote your music and
make it stand out from the crowd.
LEVEL 2: ONE YEAR LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS
APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk
VOCAL ARTIST
‘In some ways my belief in Access to Music is so strong I’d say it chooses you- it’s a calling!’
‘I’ve always loved music and now I’m on my way to pursuing a career in the music industry.’
GET SAVVY WITH THE INDUSTRYGet to know the music business and events industry from club nights, gigs and outdoor festivals to record labels and tour management.
LEARN HOW TOSET UP A BUSINESSFind out all about how businesses operate from planning through to marketing and promotion.
CREATEBUSINESS PROJECTSYou will project manage real-world industry projects, such as promoting gigs and club nights and setting up a digital label.
MUSIC BUSINESS & EVENTS
LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARSAPPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk
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This course is now delivered at our centre at ICMP in Kilburn, north west London, where students can take advantage of the industry opportunities there.
CREATE IMAGES, VIDEOS & VLOGSUse digital cameras and editing software to
create photo shoots, videos and vlogs.
DESIGN GRAPHICS& WEB CONTENT
Create illustrations and graphicsalong with design work for the web.
PROMOTE YOUR WORKLearn how to promote your media talents to
make you stand out from the crowd.
‘Access to Music is like a skeleton key opening up a new world of possibilities.’ 23
LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS
APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk
CREATIVE MEDIA
This Level 4 course is the equivalent to studying at the level of the first year of a degree. Ed Sheeran did this course and now he’s a major artist! The course generates 64 Level 4 credits. There are two pathways:
MUSIC PRODUCER/DJDevelop and refine your music, skills and brand as a producer and/or DJ.
MUSIC PERFORMERRe-evaluate your music, skills and brand as a band musician, singer/songwriter or session player.
LEVEL 4: ONE YEARAPPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
‘It helps youth to get into the music industry - there are not many organisationsdoing that.’
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‘I’ve never ever felt like I fit in anywhere before - but I feel like I do at Access to Music!’
NEXT STEPS
COME AND SEEFOR YOURSELF!We have open events and holiday-time taster days
happening throughout the year. The best way to
find out more about us is to book a place at one
of these sessions. You will be guaranteed a warm
welcome and a rewarding visit. For details of
dates, please see the following page.
APPLYINGYou can apply for any of our courses by simply going to accesstomusic.ac.uk 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. It typically takes around 10-20 minutes to complete an application.
We look forward to receiving your application.
INTERVIEWSOnce you have applied, we will contact you as soon as possible to arrange an interview date. Please come prepared to demonstrate and talk about your music or media skills. You will be given more information and guidance about your interview once we have received your application. There is also additional information on our website.
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We have Access All Areas open events throughout the year where you can drop in and find out every-thing you need to know about studying with us.
OPEN EVENTS 2016Open events include presentations, tours, performances, Q&As and music/media activities.Book your place via:accesstomusic.ac.uk
• Wednesday 16th March: 6-8pm• Saturday 23rd April: 11am-1pm• Wednesday 18th May: 6-8pm for Year
9s/10s only• Wednesday 29th June: 6-8pm• Wednesday 27th July: 4-8pm• Friday 26th August: GCSE advice -
10am-7pm + drop in following week - 10am-4pm
ACCESS ALL AREAS
V.I.P. PASS
the music college
accesstomusic.ac.uk · 0800 28 18 42
VISIT US!
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Taster days are an opportunity to get a
hands-on taster of what it’s like to study with us.
The sessions take place in school holiday
periods, usually run from 10am-3pm, and feature
practical creative activities.
Please bring some lunch and a drink with you.
Booking is essential for all events via:
accesstomusic.ac.uk
• Monday 15th February: 10am-3pm
• Week beginning 4th April:
holiday activities
• Friday 3rd June: 10am-3pm
• Week beginning 25th July:
summer activities
TASTER DAYS 2016
STAY IN TOUCH!
Access to Music London (Stratford)Sugar House LaneStratford High StE15 2QS
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0800 28 18 [email protected]
the music college