music degrees - bimm.ac.uk · riley, j. (2005) beyond bop drumming. manhattan music publications...
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BA (HONS) IN:PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIPSONGWRITING MUSIC BUSINESSMUSIC PRODUCTION
MUSIC DEGREES
EUROPE’S MOST CONNECTED
MUSIC COLLEGE
YOUR MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE WWW.BIMM-INSTITUTE.DE
WELCOME
Berlin is an incredible, multifaceted city with many subtleties and scenes and our college reflects this in the multinational student cohort and the great range of talent and experience represented in our tutor team.
BIMM Institute Berlin’s tutors have between them amassed a vast body of experience working in the music industry spanning many years, and all combine their teaching with professional music industry profiles as performers, writers, arrangers and entrepreneurs. This ensures that our students benefit from their first-hand professional expertise and experience throughout their courses.
This approach to curriculum delivery, allied with our fantastic visiting faculty and guest events programme, is designed to provide a creative environment that’s challenging, stimulating and connected, enabling the music professionals of tomorrow to hone their skills in the best possible way.
The College is endorsed and supported by leading equipment brand manufacturers. Whatever your ambitions within the modern music industry, BIMM Institute Berlin’s unparalleled level of career relevant expertise, facilities and support networks guarantee that you will be given the best guidance, assistance and opportunities to achieve your goals.
I look forward to welcoming you to BIMM Institute Berlin for the 2019/20 academic year.
DR. NICK DONOVANCollege Principal
AS THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL FOR BIMM INSTITUTE BERLIN, I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE TO STUDY AND START YOUR EDUCATION AND CAREER OFF ON THE RIGHT PATH.
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04 INDUCTION AND ENROLMENT05 COURSE INFORMATION06 PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP BASS07 PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP DRUMS08 PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP GUITAR09 PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP VOCALS10 SONGWRITING11 MUSIC BUSINESS12 MUSIC PRODUCTION13 MUSIC THEORY14 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES15 STUDENT LIFESTYLE17 TRANSPORT21 STUDENT SUPPORT24 GET CONNECTED AT BIMM26 FRESHERS’ GUIDE27 PRE-DEPARTURE ADVICE30 STUDENT HEALTH32 FACULTY INFORMATION33 USEFUL CONTACTS
CONTENTS
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IN ORDER TO PREPARE YOU FOR STUDYING AT BIMM INSTITUTE BERLIN, WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO ATTEND AN ENROLMENT SESSION.
Here you will meet key members of staff, be given important information about the college and your course (including your timetable), and have the opportunity to look around our premises.
In August you will be sent instructions on how to pre-enrol on your course. You will be asked to complete a pre-enrolment form and upload some personal information, as detailed at the bottom of this page. It is really important that this part of enrolment is completed before your actual enrolment session.
You will be asked to attend an enrolment session at some point between the 23rd and 27th September. You will be informed of your exact date and time on completion of the pre-enrolment form. Please try and make sure that you keep this week free.
IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND THIS SESSION, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO START YOUR COURSE.
We will also hold an Induction event on Thursday 26th September, which is a fantastic opportunity to meet lots of students from BIMM and watch some brilliant bands.
USEFUL CONTACTS
ADMISSIONS: [email protected] SUPPORT: [email protected]: [email protected]
TERM DATES
ENROLMENT WEEK: 23rd–27th September 2019
TERM 1: 30th September 2019 - 6th December 2019TERM 2: 6th January 2020 - 13th March 2020TERM 3: 6th April 2020 - 12th June 2020
PRE-ENROLMENT FOR YOUR COURSEAll students are required to complete an online pre-enrolment form prior to your enrolment day. You will be sent an email with a link to the pre-enrolment form and information on how to upload your required documents.Below is a list of things that MUST be completed:
Pre-enrolment form must be completed in full and submitted – the link to this form will be sent to you by email. Passport Style photo & proof of ID – The photo will be used for your student ID card and we require proof of ID for extra security. Please follow the guidelines on how to upload your photo and proof of ID, which will be sent to you along with the pre-enrolment form information.
Health Insurance/Registering – Make sure that you are covered by Health Insurance for your stay in Germany. You will also need to register at the Bürgeramt in Berlin. Further information on how to do this is listed later
on in this guide. Finance - Be ready to confirm your tuition fee payment and make sure to pay your deposit and fees by
the 13th September.
PRE ENROLMENT FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE 9th SEPTEMBER 2019.
PLEASE NOTE: Timetables cannot be provided before enrolment. This is a full-time course and the timetables given to you at enrolment are not flexible. Any part-time jobs must work around the timetable given.
INDUCTION AND ENROLMENT
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COURSE INFORMATION
BA(Hons)
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PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP BASS
Slutsky, A ‘Dr Licks’ (1996) Standing in the Shadowsof Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary BassistJames Jamerson. Hal Leonard. Willis, G (1997) Fingerboard Harmony For Bass. Hal Leonard. Willis, G (1998) Ultimate Eartraining for Guitar and Bass. Hal Leonard.
Clayton, S (2005) Ultimate Slap Bass. Bassline Publishing. Hrehovcsik, W (1998) Music Reading for Bass –The Complete Guide. Hal Leonard.
Sight-Reading Tests Grades 1-5 OUP.
ABRSM (2011) Double Bass Specimen Sight-Reading Tests Grades 6-8. OUP. Friedland, E (2004) Bass Grooves: Develop YourGroove & Play Like the Pros in Any Style. Backbeat Books. Goldsby, J (2002) The Jazz Bass Book: Techniqueand Tradition. Backbeat Books. Friedland, E. (1995) Building Walking Bass Lines (Bass Builders). Milwaukee: Hal Leonard Publishing Mulhern, T. ed. (2000) Bass Heroes: Styles, Stories and Secrets of 30 Great Bass Players. Backbeat UK Please note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.
HEAD OF BASS SIMON HORN
Welcome to the Bass department at BIMM Berlin! A major place on the musical map, Berlin is fast becoming one of Europe’s hot spots for famous musicians and up and coming bands, all of which need great bass players.
As part of a small yet growing collective of bass students and tutors you’ll receive personalised guidance in your development as a bass player and be busy playing sessions with fellow students from day 1.
At BIMM Berlin you will learn a wide range of subjects from bass techniques to live performance and creative technology; guiding you to become not only ready for the music industry but helping you to discover your own identities as musicians and artists.
Most importantly at BIMM Berlin, you will gain the necessary playing experience and feedback to help take your bass playing to the next level.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and being part of your musical journey at BIMM Berlin.
BA(Hons) in
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Bass and lead
Strap
Electronic tuner
Metronome/Metronome app (Guitar Toolkit is a great app that also includes a tuner)
Headphones and 1/4 jack input
Manuscript paper, pencils, erasers and pens
Spare strings
Ear plugs
RECOMMENDED READING
All students are strongly advised to wear ear protection when in class, practicing or performing.
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PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP DRUMS
RECOMMENDED READINGChester, G. (1985) The New Breed Modern Drummer Publications
Gallwey, W. T. and Green, B. (1996) The Inner Game of Music New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
Hester, J. (2011) Mind Over Meter (s.l.):(s.n.)
Riley, J. (2004) The Art of Bop Drumming Alfred Music
Publishing
Smith, S. (2013) The Roots of Rock Drumming: Interviews with the Drummers who shaped Rock ‘n’ Roll Music. Hudson Music
Riley, J. (2005) Beyond bop drumming. Manhattan Music
Publications
Micallef, K. & Marshall, D (2007) The classic rock drummers: The way they play. Backbeat Books
Krupa, G (1994) Gene Krupa Drum Method. Alfred
Publishing Co.
Berry, M. & Gianni, J. (2012) The Drummer’s Bible. Independent Publishers Group
Please note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.
HEAD OF DRUMS TIM KROKER
Welcome to Berlin! For music and art, it’s a great place to be, now more than ever. Berlin is going through massive changes and the local music scene reflects this.
Welcome to BIMM! BIMM is positioned at the centre of that scene. Small venues that have long since disappeared from major cities are alive and thriving. These are the places to hear new ideas at their grassroots level and to make great connections.
Major artists always perform in Berlin and almost every tour makes a stop here. We will have a never ending pool of masterclass guests in all departments.
You will meet and hear musicians from all parts of the world, visit many unusual venues, listen to cutting edge experimentation, experience great nightlife, cheap food and that’s the coolest thing about Berlin, it’s still affordable!
As Head of the drum department I look forward to welcoming and encouraging you to discover your true musical potential.
All students are strongly advised to wear ear protection when in class, practicing or performing.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Sticks / brushes / hot rods / beaters
Practice pad
Headphones and 1/4 jack input adaptor
Metronome/metronome app (Pro Metronome)
Stationery and manuscript paper
Ear plugs
BA(Hons) in
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PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP GUITAR
RECOMMENDED READING
Pressfield, S (2012) The War of Art. Black Irish Entertainment
Dylan, B. (2005) Chronicles: Volume 1. Pocket Books
Richards, K. (2011) Life. W&N
Captain Beefheart’s 10 commandments of Guitar playing (This is part of a longer piece, entitled “The Ten Commandments of Guitar Playing as They Were Handed Down to Morris Tepper by Captain Beefheart” from Schinder, S. (1996) Alt-Rock-a-Rama. Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group)Please note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.
HEAD OF GUITAR KNOX CHANDLER
The BIMM Berlin guitar department staff will offer an abundance of their hands-on experience as working professional guitarists, to each and every student who attends. These experiences include technique, tone, theory, guitar processing, reading, guitar solo composition/improvisation, arranging, recording, touring, people skills, practicing etiquette etc. to name a few. We will encourage and mentor the development of students’ individualism as well as exposing them to the various influential genres and styles present in modern music.
Berlin is full of venues and performance spaces making it a fantastic creative environment for students to perform and network, no matter what level you may be at as musicians. These opportunities are where any young guitarist will learn and grow, taking what they’ve worked on in class and applying it directly to the workplace.
We believe every student has their own voice no matter how proficient their skills are. We want to tap into that and give the student the tools to find, improve and polish what will become their ‘style’. This is exciting work for both student and teacher.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Guitar and lead
Tuner
Metronome/metronome app (Pro Metronome)
Stationery and manuscript paper
Spare strings
Ear plugs
Plectrums
All students are strongly advised to wear ear protection when in class, practicing or performing.
BA(Hons) in
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PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP VOCALS
RECOMMENDED READING
Baxter, M, (1989) The Rock ‘n’ Roll Singer’s Survival Handbook. Milwaukee: Hal Leonard Corporation
Riggs, S. (1993) Singing for the Stars: A Complete Guide to Training Your Voice. Alfred Music Publishing
Sheppard, B. (2008) The Everything Singing Book. Adams Media Corporation
Kayes, G. (2004) Singing and the actor. A&C Black
Rockschool Male/Female Vocals Grades 1-8 (2014)
Sadolin, C. (200) Complete Vocal Technique. Bosworth Music GmbH
Please note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.
HEAD OF VOCALS ANDREAS OHNHAUS At BIMM Berlin you are about to embark on an artistic journey in what is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. It has bred some influential musical talent in the past and continues to be a place in which creative professionals can thrive.
In the vocal department we invite and encourage you to embrace that journey, to make the most of the opportunity to discover who you are as a creative, musical and professional artist. In this environment you will make connections and be able to build a network that may support you throughout your professional life. This journey for example also includes vocal techniques to improve your vocal skills, finding your own voice, breathing and breath support, intonation, articulation and pronunciation, vocal placement, tone and sound, different styles, anatomy, improvisation, vocal recording and vocal arrangements.
The voice as an instrument is an integral part of you and your personality. It demands a high level of training as well as a high level of commitment and curiosity. If you are excited to learn, open to challenges and welcome the guidance that will be provided, then be prepared to enjoy the rewards of that journey to the full.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Microphone and lead
Headphones and 1/4 jack input
Stationery and manuscript paper
Keyboard
Ear plugs
All students are strongly advised to wear ear protection when in class, practicing or performing.
BA(Hons) in
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SONGWRITING
RECOMMENDED READINGZollo, P. 2003. Songwriters on Songwriting (Revised and Expanded). Da Capo Press
Pattenden, S. (2007) How to Make it in the Music Business. Virgin Books
MacDonald, I. (2008) Revolution in the Head: The Beatles’ Records and the Sixties. Vintage
Dylan, B. (2013) Lyrics: 1962-2001 Simon & Schuster Ltd
Pattison, P (1991) Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure: Tools and Techniques for Writing Better Lyrics. New York: Hal Leonard Corporation
Rooksby, R (2006) Lyrics: Writing Better Words for Your Songs. Backbeat books
Pattison, P (1992) Songwriting: Essential Guide to Rhyming. Hal Leonard Corporation
Shipton, A (2013) Nilsson: The Life of a Singer Songwriter. Oxford University Press
Levitin, D (2008) The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature. Aurum Press Ltd
Perricone, P. (2000) Melody in Songwriting. USA: Berklee
Press Publications
Leonard Cohen (2006) Book of Longing. Penguin
Please note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.
HEAD OF SONGWRITING CIAN WALSH
The outstanding stable of international professional songwriting tutors we have at Berlin will provide you with the skills and knowledge that will hone your skills in composition, ready for the ever expanding world of contemporary music.
There will be opportunities to develop your performance skills and experiment with arrangements and new equipment to deliver fresh versions ready for tomorrow’s industry opportunities.
Musical and compositional elements and styles will be professionally linked together, to help you apply them to your own personal passions for music; as well as helping you become involved with other talented musicians for creative results.
I’m really looking forward to hearing your stories and messages within your songs, and new musical ideas garnered from your personal influences.
You’ll be looking at different ways of presenting your arrangements and recordings, using a variety of instruments and technology, and here at BIMM we’ll be aiming to help you widen your target audience without compromising your art (...too much).
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Your book of lyrics and chord charts to support your arrangements
Stationery and manuscript paper
A phone or another way of recording ideas
Ear plugs (basic foam ear plugs will be provided if you forget)
All students are strongly advised to wear ear protection when in class, practicing or performing.
BA(Hons) in
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MUSIC BUSINESS HEAD OF MUSIC BUSINESS CHARLIE LAYTON The key to a successful career in the music industry is in understanding the different roles that exist and the interplay between them all.
The modules you’ll encounter within the Music Business department at BIMM will give you in-depth knowledge of these roles in a manner that can help you choose which direction your career lies, based upon your personal skills and interests. During the three years at BIMM, you will hone your knowledge of key concepts, skills, and methodologies. We will look at how new technology links with emerging music business models, and you will gain the practical experience needed to succeed in today’s ever-developing music industry.
Combining analysis of the latest business trends with a historical overview of the industry, and featuring guest lectures from experienced professionals, you will gain a wealth of perspectives of a multi-faceted world.
BA(Hons) in
RECOMMENDED READING
Allen, P. (2018) Artist Management for the Music Business. Focal Press
Waddell, R. (2007) This Business of Concert Promotion and Touring. Billboard Books
Bowdin, G. (2011) Events Management. Butterworth-Heinemann
Harrison, A. (2017) Music: The Business. The Essential Guide to the Law and the Deals. London: Virgin
King, M. (2009) Music Marketing: press, promotion, distribution and retail. Berklee Press
Passman, D. (2019) All You Need to Know About the Music Business. London. Penguin
Wixen, R. D. (2018) The Plain and Simple Guide to Music Publishing: What You Need to Know About Protecting and Profiting from Music Copyrights, 3rd Edition. Hal Leonard Books
Music Week Magazine. Intent Media
www.musicbusinessworldwide.comwww.completemusicupdate.comPlease note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Computer with Word and Excel (or equivalent) programmes
Stationery
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MUSIC PRODUCTION
BA(Hons) in
RECOMMENDED READING
Simone Corelli (2013) Pro Tools in One Hour (coffee break included) 1 Edition. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Miranda, ER (2002) Computer Sound Design: Synthesis Techniques And Programming Oxford: Focal Press
Koryat, K. (2008) Guerilla Home Recording: How to Get Great Sound from Any Studio New York: Hal Leonard
Owsinski, B. (2009) The Recording Engineer’s Handbook New York: Music
Sales Limited
Massey, H. (2000) Behind the Glass San Francisco: Backbeat Books
Owsinski, B. (2009) The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook New York:
Music Sales Limited
Massey, H. (2000) Behind the Glass San Francisco Backbeat Books
Burgess, RJ (2013) The Art Of Music Production: The Theory And Practice New York: Oxford University Press
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Earplugs
Notebook for ideas sketches etc.
Recording device (phone or other)
HEAD OF MUSIC PRODUCTION JANE ARNISONCongratulations and welcome to BIMM Berlin Music Production. You are about to embark on a wonderful, intense and rewarding path of specialised study. You have the opportunity to develop professional work-flow on the top music industry standard software programs, as well as gain invaluable theoretic principles of sound and music. In addition to that you will be given hands on experience of analogue consoles and outboard gear at in our own cutting edge in house studio in Berlin.
At BIMM we believe strongly in the interconnectedness of the music industry, as such you will have many opportunities to work with other upcoming musicians in parallel fields of song writing, performance and music business. Your own journey of discovery will be guided by top music professionals, a well balanced mix of older legends and new guns, that will not only guide you in the theoretical aspects of sound and music, but also insight into the whole experience of being a musician in the 21st century.
Your time at BIMM is the time to be open, explore, experiment and utilise all the college has to offer. Set in Berlin, the leading creative city in the world, with so much music at your fingertips, this is going to be a great ride. So get ready!
JOURNALS/MAGAZINESMusicTech Anthem Publishing Ltd.
Sound On Sound SOS Publications Group.
FutureMusic Future Publishing Ltd
WEBSITESSound On Sound www.soundonsound.comMix Magazine Online www.mixonline.comGearslutz forums www.gearslutz.com/boardAbleton website www.ableton.com
Please note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.
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MUSIC THEORY
As musicians we are expected to challenge ourselves musically, technically, creatively.
Music theory at it’s most practical will unlock many doors and stretch your perceptions of what is possible in creative study. It will open up new ideas to support your songwriting and composition as well as beinginvaluable for your development and confidence as a performer.
Many of the tools of theory that you will look at at BIMM Berlin are invaluable in the professional world. Whether in a studio or live performance, a good grounding in theory can reinforce and enhance what you already have and in many cases give you the advantage of being the one who can put things right, whether it’s transposing the song down a major 2nd, transcribing a rhythm when no-one else can, or being able to analyse why something doesn’t sound right. My goal is to help you develop your theory and aural skills to be practical and useful in any situation.
GITANJALI RAM-CLARKEHead of Theory
A few words on
MUSIC THEORY HAS TO BE ACCESSIBLE AND PRACTICAL TO BE USEFUL.
I BELIEVE THAT MUSIC THEORY CAN ONLY BE TRULY USEFUL WHEN IT IS ACCESSIBLE AND PRACTICAL.
AS MUSICIANS WE CONSTANTLY STRIVE TO IMPROVE AND BROADEN OUR HORIZONS.
MUSIC THEORY PROVIDES A KEY TO DISCOVERING SKILLS MOST USEFUL TO YOU AND FIND NEW PERSPECTIVES FOR WRITING AND REHEARSING THAT WILL BE INVALUABLE IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL WORK.TRANSPOSITION, TRANSCRIPTION, HARMONISING, WRITING CHORD PROGRESSIONS DOWN, WRITING LEAD SHEETS. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY SKILLS WE WILL WORK ON THAT ARE INVALUABLE IN A PROFESSIONAL SITUATION. IMAGINE BEING THE ONE PERSON IN THE STUDIO WHO CAN TRANSPOSE THE SONG DOWN
Nettles, B & Graf, R (2015) The Chord Scale Theory & Jazz Harmony. Advance Music
Gauldin, R (1997) Harmonic Practice in Tonal Music. W. W. Norton & Company
Wyatt, C & Schroeder, K (1998) Harmony and Theory: A Comprehensive Source for All Musicians. Hal Leonard
www.earmaster.comwww.musictheory.netwww.teoria.comwww.good-ear.comwww.musescore.orgLearn keyboards - www.skoove.com/en?Please note that this is a recommended reading list and therefore not essential.
RECOMMENDED READING ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Notebook
Manuscript notebook
Pencils, eraser, pens, own headphones (optional)
An open mind!
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RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
JOURNALS/MAGAZINES
CMU (Complete Music Update)
M Magazine (PRS’ Magazine)
Mojo Magazine
NME
Q Magazine
The Fly
Intro Magazine
Exberliner
Electronic Music
Fuze
CONTEXTUAL READING
Audio Books available on Audible.com*
Byrne, D. (2012) How Music Works. London: Canongate
Ellen, M. (2014) Rock Stars Stole My Life!: A Big Bad Love Affair with Music. London: Coronet
Knopper, S. (2009) Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age. London: Simon and Schuster UK
Pratt, G. (2007) My Bass and Other Animals. London: Orion
Tassell, N. (2013) Mr Gig. London: Short Books
WEBSITES/BLOGS
GEMA www.gema.de/en/
PRS www.prsformusic.com
PPL www.ppluk.com
BASCA www.basca.org.uk
SONGLINES www.songlines.co.uk
AUDIOBOO (Music Section) www.audioboo.fm/browse/music/boos
The Quietus www.thequietus.com
Drowned in Sound www.drownedinsound.com
Fact www.factmag.com
Pitchfork www.pitchfork.com
The Line of Best Fit www.thelineofbestfit.com
The 405 www.thefourohfive.com
The Guardian Music www.theguardian.com/music
Clashmusic www.clashmusic.com
HERE ARE A FEW MORE IDEAS OF WEBSITES/BLOGS/MAGAZINES AND BOOKS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL TO HAVE A LOOK AT OVER THE SUMMER BEFORE COMING TO BIMM BERLIN AND DURING YOUR STUDIES HERE.
TWITTER FEEDS TO FOLLOW
@thebpi
@ppluk
@CMU
@songlinesmag
@basca_uk
@theivors
@musicweeknews
@m_magazineprs
@prsformusic
@prsfoundation
@recordoftheday
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* Listening to audio books is recommended to students as an excellent means of gaining broad historical and contextual knowledge of the subject area quickly and easily.
STUDENT LIFESTYLEMOVING TO ANY NEW CITY CAN BE A LITTLE DAUNTING. THE GOOD NEWS IS BERLIN IS A REALLY EXCITING AND VIBRANT CITY TO LIVE IN AND YOU WILL NEVER BE SHORT OF THINGS TO KEEP YOU OCCUPIED.
During enrolment and induction week we hold numerous events that we hope will make your transition to Berlin as carefree as possible. It’s hugely beneficial to come to as many events as possible to meet other students and, more importantly, have fun! Details of events taking place in enrolment and induction week will be sent to you in September.
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IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT YOU SHOULD BE REALISTIC ABOUT BUDGETING FOR YOUR TIME AT BIMM. IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR COURSE.
International students may not be able to work under the conditions of their Student Visa. If you hold a Student Visa, then you should refer to the Visa page of your passport for further information about any working restrictions that may apply. If you’re able to work, don’t assume any part-time earnings will fully cover your living costs and accommodation.
REMEMBER: your student experience is as much about your social life as it is about learning. Plan how much spare cash you have for socialising and try not to spend too much in the first few weeks.
Consider what you want to do in advance and how you can keep costs manageable. Have a look at top tips online for how to keep your costs down and within budget. This website budgettraveller.org/?s=berlin is useful for seeing what you can do for free in your spare time, along with cheap places to eat and other helpful tips to save money.
LOCATIONOur main BIMM Berlin building is located at:House of Music, Halle 20, RAW Gelaende, Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin
The college’s nearest U-Bahn station is Warschauer Str on the U1, closest stop 5 min walk.
The S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7 and S75 from Alexander Platz.
The M10 and M13 trams stop very close to the college, which is also served by the 240 and N40 bus routes.
Parking is very limited within the area. We expect many of our new students to live within a short distance of the college. You may wish to consider living slightly further away and commuting into Friedrichshain, especially if you’re already settled in Berlin.
Remember that you’ll need to take into consideration the cost of travelling, and the time it will take to get into BIMM Berlin, when making any accommodation decisions.
LIVING EXPENSES
We recommend the following areas, some of which are within walking distance of BIMM Berlin or a short commute:• Friedrichshain• Kreuzberg• Fennpfuhl• Lichtenberg• Mitte• Prenzlauer Berg• Neukölln• Treptow
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The city is also extremely bicycle-friendly, with dedicated cycle paths and plenty of secure storage. You can download the BVG app or look on the BVG website here (www.bvg.de) to plan your journeys around Berlin and for details on ticket prices. If you are going to use public transport very regularly, then you can also purchase monthly or annual passes to help save you money.
Map showing S-Bahn and U-Bahn routes to BIMM Berlin from nearby areas. Major stations and local stations near to BIMM are shown. Tram & bus routes are not shown.
TRANSPORT
PUBLIC TRANSPORT THROUGHOUT BERLIN IS BOTH INEXPENSIVE AND RELIABLE, WITH A COMBINATION OF BUSES, TRAMS, UNDERGROUND AND SUBURBAN TRAINS SERVING THE METROPOLITAN AREA.
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DISCOVER BERLIN
Berlin is a very diverse city with lots of different social and leisure activities to suit everyone. With so much to see, do and experience, you may feel a little overwhelmed as to where to begin.
The good news is that many of Berlin’s top attractions are free so you don’t need to worry about spending too much money. We suggest visiting:
The East Side Gallery This is a huge section (1.3km) of the Berlin wall that was left standing, and has been turned into a gallery to celebrate the work of 105 artists from all around the world.
Brandenburg Gate One of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. It dates back to 1791 when it was first built as the Royal City Gate.
Tiergarten Park Tiergarten Park is a very central and relaxing place to be if you fancy a stroll. There are ponds and ornamental gardens to see and explore.
Holocaust Memorial The Holocaust memorial in the centre of Berlin was created to pay respects to the 6 million Jewish people who lost their lives in the Holocaust. 2,711 concrete slabs of varying height create a maze-like atmosphere in the Centre of Berlin.
Flea Markets These are a great place to pick up a bargain and they happen all across the City throughout the week.
Checkpoint Charlie The original gateway between East and West Berlin.
Bearpit Karaoke Join the crowds at Mauerpark on Sundays, when people pile into an outdoor amphitheatre to watch and cheer on brave singers.
Visit a lake Berlin is surrounded by lots of lakes and a Berlin tradition is to jump on a train when the weather is nice and go for a swim in one of the lakes nearby!
If you want to escape the crowds, take a wander around or have a picnic in one of Berlin’s numerous parks. The city is full of relaxing and interesting open spaces. Tempelhofer Feld is a former airfield that has now been turned into a public space, and there are often art installations taking place in the open spaces in and around Berlin.
Boxhagener Platz is really close to BIMM Berlin and offers a relaxing place to be between lesson times, there are also plenty of places to buy cheap and delicious food around there too.
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FOOD
Berlin is crammed with good places to eat and if you look closely then there are plenty of places to pick up tasty, healthy and cheap food.
There are a range of diverse cultures and cuisines, so there really is something for everyone. Berlin is very accommodating for all dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal and gluten free. There are restaurants, cafes and food markets where you can sample the local German delicacies or find something different from the wide range of cuisines that are represented within the City.
Every type of food is available within a variety of price ranges, however, on a student budget it’s a good idea to shop and prepare your own meals to help keep costs down.
Grocery stores and supermarkets are scattered throughout the city, shops like Netto, Lidl and Aldi provide an inexpensive way to do your weekly shop. Other supermarkets like Rewe, Edeka and BioMarkt
provide a bit more of an upmarket option and you may be able to get some products here that you can’t in the cheaper options.
Note: The majority of shops, including all supermarkets, close on a Sunday, so make sure that you stock up with all the essentials on any other day of the week!
If you really find yourself stuck on a Sunday and need somewhere to do a grocery shop, check out the big S-Bahn stations as they sometimes have supermarkets that are open on a Sunday, but make sure that you look into this before you go.
ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE
The electrical voltage in Europe is 230v, compared to 240v in the UK and 120v in the US. The plugs have two pins, so if you’re bringing electrical equipment from home, you may need an adaptor and transformer. Bear this in mind when deciding whether to bring small goods with you. Try Amazon or Ebay as an affordable source of electrical goods, or to buy adaptors and transformers.
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STAYING SAFE
Berlin has a relatively low level of major crime and what does occur is typically opportunistic in nature. For example crimes such as pick-pocketing, street harassment and petty theft are some of the more common crimes that happen in Berlin. There are also a large amount of reported bike thefts, so if you do buy a bike once you are here, invest in a good lock, and make sure that you store it somewhere safe at all times.
On a daily basis, millions of people go about their lives without any difficulty. You’re unlikely to be a victim of crime but it’s important to always remain streetwise and safe. Remember, personal safety is often about using your common sense. Plan journeys in advance, keep to well-lit areas at night and don’t take shortcuts through alleyways or parks if you’re walking alone. Keep your belongings close to you and in a safe place. Make sure that you have a secure place on you to keep your wallet and phone so that it is not easily accessed by opportunist thieves. Make sure that you tell someone where you are going if you’re going out alone, and use pre-booked taxis to get home late at night rather than walking.
112 is the European Emergency number. You can call this number for free, anywhere in the EU. By calling this number you can contact the emergency services, police, ambulance/paramedic and fire brigade. Put this number in your phone and remember it in case you find yourself in an emergency situation.
ILLEGAL DOWNLOADING
Illegal downloading of films, music and any other form of entertainment is taken very seriously in Germany. It is common to incur a fine of thousands of Euros if you are caught downloading, and it’s a common occurrence that people get caught. Unlike other countries that might not take it very seriously, Germany is extremely strict with people who are caught downloading. Make sure that you don’t get fined, so don’t download illegally.
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STUDENT SUPPORT
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PASTORAL SUPPORTThe Student Support team holds individual one-to-one sessions with students to discuss any issue they may be struggling with. These are strictly confidential and can include any topic ranging from personal issues, attendance related queries and discussions of special considerations we may need to take into account to support your studies. We actively encourage students to book appointments and to come and meet us at any point during their studies for extra support. You can easily contact the support team through reception or directly through email or phone if you need to have a chat and we also have weekly drop in sessions available for students to speak to a student support staff member..
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Here at BIMM Institute Berlin, we understand there are certain needs you may have which will require support from us. We provide support for students with a wide range of needs including (but not limited to) dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, mental health issues, as well as those who have physical and sensory impairments. We have a range of services available for you.
These include: General health advice Health promotion Counselling Academic & pastoral tutorials Learning support
ACADEMIC TUTORIALSStudents are encouraged to book regular one-to-one tutorials to work on technique, master their academic writing and discuss their skills, development and long/short term career goals. Tutorials give students a unique opportunity to be individually guided by the most experienced industry professionals in the country. Students are able to see any tutor on the BIMM Berlin roster, however these tutorials may be limited, so make sure that you check with Reception in advance.
Students are also invited to book tutorials with their Course Leader or the Head of Education at any point throughout their studies; these tutorials are unlimited and can help to provide you with guidance and support for your academic life at BIMM. They can also address any assessment related queries and concerns you might have about your course and provide guidance of where you can access support elsewhere.
We are committed to helping students fulfil their potential during their time at BIMM Institute Berlin and we place an emphasis on supporting the development of our students both academically and personally. With this in mind, the Student Support team is available at every step of the student journey to offer confidential support and guidance on issues such as stress, disability and learning support, depression and anxiety issues, family/friends/relationship problems, smoking, alcohol and drugs, sexual health, eating disorders; as well as on-going academic and practical learning support and advice. We also offer a wide range of additional support services that are designed to meet students’ academic and welfare needs to enrich the BIMM Institute Berlin experience.
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BIMM INSTITUTE BERLIN IS COMMITTED TO A POLICY OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PROVIDES CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT TO STUDENTS WITH VARYING DISABILITIES AND SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES.
We are committed to ensuring that students with specific needs are provided with equal access to their chosen course of study and facilities. The college is working towards removing any barriers which might prevent an individual from actively participating in student life.
If students indicate on their application and/or pre-enrolment form that they require further support, then a member of the student services team will be in contact to arrange an individual tutorial. This is to ensure all requirements are catered for.
We work with students with a wide range of disabilities, including but by no means restricted to:
Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD)
Mental health difficulties (such as depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety)
Students with autistic spectrum and Asperger syndrome
Long-term medical conditions (such as HIV, cancer, multiple sclerosis)
Unseen disabilities (such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy)
Sensory impairments (such as visual/hearing impairment)
Mobility or physical impairments (such as paralysis, arthritis)
For students with Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties there’s a range of support available, including special arrangements for exams and 1:1 specialist tuition. Please notify the Student Support team, at your earliest convenience to let us know about any requirements that you have.
COUNSELLINGBIMM Institute Berlin offers short term counselling to any student in need of the service via professional counsellors. This free and confidential provision offers individuals the opportunity to explore a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. If you think this may be of benefit to you then contact the Student Support team at any point throughout your studies at BIMM Berlin.
DISABILITY AND LEARNING SUPPORT
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BIMM GIGSOnce you’re settled into BIMM life then you can audition for one of BIMM’s gigs. We have an end of term gig once a term, and utilise some of the amazing live music venues that are on our doorstep. These are a great opportunity for students to get some live performance experience and put on a brilliant show for their peers, friends and families.
BIMM ALBUMThe BIMM album is a showcase of BIMM Berlin’s greatest talent. Students have the opportunity to submit their demos to be reviewed by our Artist Development team, and a selection of these songs will be professionally recorded and available to buy as a CD or digital download. Listen to BIMM’s albums from across the years here: https://soundcloud.com/bimm/albums
NETWORKING EVENTSBIMM regularly holds networking events, which are a great opportunity to get together with other students from different courses that have similar musical interests. Not only is it a great way to find new friends and swap some phone numbers, but it’s also a good place to start finding band members or people to work with.
GET CONNECTED AT BIMM
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CAREERS AND INDUSTRYAs Head of Events & Guests & Industry Liaison here at BIMM Institute Berlin it is my pleasure to help springboard your musical career as early as possible.
I will work closely with students on an individual basis to help define and nurture your career goals and ultimately provide opportunities to allow you to get out of the classroom and experience the music industry in a real-life setting.
There are numerous exciting work placements on offer, or book a tutorial for guidance on one of your own entrepreneurial ventures etc. I also invite the performers and songwriters to attend artist development tutorials where you will be advised on recording, gigs, your digital profile, photography, videos and promotion.
I will hold regular Careers Hub sessions, where you will meet employers and A&Rs, as well as hosting CV surgeries and networking workshops. There will be Q&A sessions with top artists where you can learn from the best. Last year wewelcomed David Ellefson (Bass Megadeth), Hanna V (Keys Rihanna), Juan Atkins (Originator of Techno), Planningtorock and several exclusive DJs from Berghain to our campus.
I look forward to meeting you – book a tutorial and get involved as soon as you get here!
Christoph Borchers, Head of Events & Guests & Industry [email protected]
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FRESHERS’ GUIDE
COMMON FEELINGSMoving away from home to a new city and starting University is a really exciting opportunity for a big change. You get to make a whole new start in a new place with new people. You might feel a mixture of great excitement and nervousness – what will the course really be like? Will I get on with my housemates? Will I make friends? How do I look after myself?
Please remember that you are not alone in feeling this way. These are all questions that everyone in your situation is asking themselves. If you’re worried about making friends, or not knowing the city, or how to make a Bolognese; remember that every other person around you feels the same way, and within just a couple of days you will feel more at home and comfortable than you can even imagine.
STRATEGIES FOR COPINGThere are some important things to keep in mind when going through this experience of moving away from home; these will prepare you and help you to cope with any situation you stumble across.
Look after yourself – It takes time for new friends to really know you properly, which means you need to put your own welfare, health and safety at the top of your priorities.
Know yourself and what you can handle – This is a time when you can experiment and find a way of living that really suits you, but this can take time. Try not to be pressured or influenced by others’ opinions and actions. Try to make decisions about life choices in the cold light of day, so that you know how you want to respond if you end up in a tricky situation.
Confront difficulties – In a new environment it’s easy to waste time worrying about things you don’t understand or can’t control. Don’t be afraid to ask the Student Services team and many other agencies external to BIMM who are ready and willing to help you with any problem or query, big or small. Begin to see challenging situations as a chance to overcome something rather than a problem in your way.
Be healthy – Maintain a good diet, get adequate sleep and try to be active when you can; people are often happier if they are healthy. Register with a local doctor’s surgery so that if you fall ill you can get the right care. If you are feeling stressed or sad talk to the Student Services team, they will find you the right support; know when you need to get some extra help.
Make a budget – Work out how much money you have for the term, and how much you will have to spend on unavoidable costs like rent, food and bills. This way you will know how much you have left to spend on yourself. Doing this will avoid you running out of money half way through the term, which can be very stressful.
Don’t work all the time – As independent study is so important at University, it can sometimes be hard to give yourself time off. Give yourself regular breaks and occasional days off.
Do work some of the time – Being away from home and with so much to do in a new city, it can be easy to neglect your work and fall behind in the course. Make sure you find the time for your studies to avoid a stressful situation.
Be yourself! – People can’t get to know and like you for who you really are if you don’t act like yourself. There are so many people to potentially become friends with, be yourself and you will find the right friends for you.
FRESHERS’ EVENTS, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST TERM, ARE A GREAT WAY TO MEET PEOPLE AND MAKE FRIENDS; WE’LL PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AT ENROLMENT. YOU CAN EXPECT CLUB NIGHTS, GIGS AND NETWORKING EVENTS. A FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND OFFERS WILL BE SENT TO YOU IN SEPTEMBER.
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PRE-DEPARTURE ADVICE
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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE IN GERMANY Accept your offer from BIMM Institute Berlin Make sure you have a passport (this should be valid for the entirety of your planned time in Berlin plus an additional six months after your planned return date to your home country)
Secure your visa (if applicable) Book an appointment at the Bürgeramt (to register yourself as a resident in Berlin). Appointments get booked up quickly and for months in advance so you need to do this ASAP
Arrange your accommodation (you may wish to consider temporary accommodation as it can be easier to find a permanent place to live once in Berlin – please see our accommodation guide for tips and more detailed information.
Arrange your compulsory Health Insurance (if you are from the EU then you can apply for an EHIC card for the duration of your studies, if you’re from any other country then you will need to buy health insurance as it is mandatory in Germany). Please see Student Health page for more information (page 30)
Book your flights/travel Pay your tuition fees Plan your budget for your time in Berlin Pack carefully Familiarise yourself with Germany (research the country’s history, culture, location, current affairs, etc.)
Work out a route for getting to your accommodation in Berlin after you’ve arrived
Make copies of all your important documentation (and keep them safe!):
Passport BIMM offer letter IELTS/English language qualification certificate Bank statement that demonstrates you have
the funds to support yourself Serial numbers of any travellers’ cheques
Credit card details Insurance details Plane tickets/flight booking information
Keep one copy for your records while you’re travelling (bring them in your carry-on luggage) and give a second copy to a relative in case of an emergency.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN BERLIN Enrol at BIMM Berlin (enrolment takes place the week commencing 23rd September 2019. Further information regarding enrolment will be sent to you via email in late August/early September.)
Attend Freshers’ Week events (Freshers’ Week takes place the week commencing 23rd September 2019. More information will be given to you at enrolment.)
Book an appointment at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in to your apartment/room
Open a bank account (you can’t open a bank account in Germany until you have a German address and have registered at the Bürgeramt)
Make sure that you are covered by health insurance Find out where your local doctor/dentist are in case you fall ill
Attend all of your lessons!
Berlin is a very international city and you can get by without learning German straight away, however if you want to integrate yourself properly into the city then we would recommend learning German when you have the time to do it.
We have a partnership with a German language school, Expath, and BIMM students are eligible for a 20% discount for German courses and 25% discount for online seminars.
There are also a couple of online seminars that you can access for free which give you helpful guidance on temporary accommodation and registering your address in Germany.
You can learn all about what is on offer and sign up here www.expath.de/bimm.
THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS YOU’LL NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING TO STUDY IN GERMANY. FOLLOWING THE TICK LIST ABOVE AND PLANNING EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE WILL HELP TO EASE YOUR TRANSITION!
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SECURING YOUR VISA
If you’re a national of a country outside the European Union/Economic Area (EU/EEA), you’ll need a visa to study in Germany. A student visa allows you to study in Berlin, and it is advised that you apply for this visa around 3 months before you are due to start your studies. Your application and documents will be sent to the immigration office in Berlin to be approved; once this has happened then you will be issued with a residence permit in the form of a visa.
Once you have a visa and have arrived in Berlin then you will need to register at the local Bürgeramt in Berlin. You need to do this within 14 days of arriving in Berlin and you have to go in person to register. It’s best to book an appointment beforehand and make sure that you do this as far in advance as possible, as the appointments get booked up months in advance.
If you are coming from outside the EU/EAA then you will need to provide at least some of the following documents when you register:
Application form (available from this website: www.redtapetranslation.com/register-address-berlin)
Proof of Student Status (you could use your acceptance letter of your student contract)
Passport and Visa (if required)
Proof of valid health insurance (EHIC card is approved if you are from within the EU/EAA)
Proof of financial security in order to fund your studies in Germany
ARRANGE YOUR ACCOMMODATIONIt is essential that you arrange some form of accommodation before moving to Germany and as soon as possible. Berlin is full of students across the city that will be applying for similar accommodation at the same time. Make sure that you get in early and book your accommodation as soon as you can to avoid unnecessary stress when you arrive.
For more information about accommodation in Berlin, please check out the Berlin accommodation guide, which can be found at www.bimm.co.uk/essential-documents
Please bear in mind that we don’t find accommodation for you. We are here to guide and advise only. If you need any advice or help, please email the Student Support Team: [email protected]
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STUDENT HEALTH
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
For students coming from a country that is outside of the European Union then you will need to source your own insurance.
Depending on the country you are coming from, your age, your existing health insurance policies in your home country and/or what your home health insurance covers while you are studying internationally, the options available to you may be different.
Something to bear in mind: BIMM Berlin is not currently a state recognised institution in Germany. This means that the students who study here at BIMM Berlin do not have access to some of the same allowances that students at public universities may have. Therefore, when looking for private health insurance, make sure to find out that they will cover you as a student at BIMM, knowing this information.
We recommend that you spend some time researching the best options for you, looking at both your home insurance policies, and
the cover that can be bought here in Germany and seeing what works best. You can call up some of the German Health Insurance providers and discuss your options with them, or even visit a Health Insurance advisor here in Germany to get help on your individual situation.
There are also some companies that offer packages for foreign students studying in Germany. A couple examples of these are:
www.educare24.com
www.mawista.com/en/health-insurance-for-foreign-nationals-in-germany
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WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING WITH YOU?We recommend that you pack the following items in your hand luggage (It is also useful to take scans/copies of all your documents):
Passport Visa and biometric card (if you have been issued one)
A copy of your offer letter from BIMM Institute Berlin
IELTS/English Language qualification certificate Bank statement that demonstrates you have the funds to support yourself
Airport pickup booking confirmation email (if applicable)
Any money you need (Euros)
It’s advisable to limit your check-in luggage to a maximum of two suitcases if you can, as you’ll more than likely accumulate more clothes and belongings during your stay. Try to pack clothes suitable for cold weather as the winters in Berlin can get chilly!
Don’t forget to pack some personal items from home such as photographs, mementos and anything else that may make your accommodation feel more comfortable and familiar.
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FACULTY INFORMATION
STUDENT CARDS
You will be issued with a BIMM student card and lanyard at the start of your course provided we receive a scanned photo. It is compulsory that you wear your student card at all times when within the BIMM building. There are other businesses working in the same building as BIMM, and it’s important that you are recognisable as a BIMM student to all who work here.
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BIMM INSTITUTE BERLIN Berlin Reception: 0800 664 7529 (German freephone) or +49 303 1199 186 (international)Main BIMM switchboard: +44 (0) 844 2646 666 General enquiries: [email protected]
BIMM INSTITUTE BERLIN STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM Email address: [email protected]
BIMM INSTITUTE ADMISSIONS TEAM Email address: [email protected]
HEALTH INSURANCE WEBSITES Website: www.studying-in-germany.org/health-insurance-germanyWebsite: www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/entry_into_germany/health_insurance
BOOK YOUR REGISTRATION APPOINTMENT HERE Website: service.berlin.de/standorte/buergeraemter/
LOOK UP PUBLIC TRANSPORT HEREWebsite: www.bvg.de/en
FIND YOUR LOCAL GP HEREWebsite: www.jameda.de/arztsuche
EMERGENCY SERVICES Dial 112 in an emergency from anywhere in Europe to access Emergency Services
USEFUL CONTACTS
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WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR TIME AT BIMM BERLIN
BIMM BerlinHouse of MusicHalle 20RAW GelaendeRevaler Str. 9910245 Berlin
+49 303 1199 186 (international)0800 664 7529 (German freephone)
[email protected]@bimm-institute.de
We are committed to helping you throughout your
studies with us at BIMM Berlin and offer a wide
range of support services designed to meet your
academic and welfare needs, don’t hesitate to speak
to us whenever required: T: +49 30 31199186
BRITISH & IRISH MODERN MUSIC INSTITUTE WWW.BIMM-INSTITUTE.DE
YOUR MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE
BIMM Berlin
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