The Academy of Music and Sound


The Academy of Music and Sound is an independent popular music college with centres in six locations in England and Scotland. The Academy delivers instrument specific courses validated by local partner college and Universities.

History

The Academy of Music and Sound started was founded in 1994 in Torquay by Kevin Harding, 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 had a national network of 7 centres, based in Birmingham, Exeter, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Swindon and Gateshead, 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.
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.

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 Edinburgh's creative hub Leith, close to The Shore, at 88 Giles Street.

Glasgow

The Glasgow centre opened in 2006, based in Jamaica Street.

Gateshead

Opened in Gateshead in 2010.

Alumni

The Academy is a host to master-classes by nationally and internationally renowned musicians, producers and managers including:
Albert Lee, Laurie Jenkins, Guthrie Govan, Ash Soan, Katie Holmes, Oli Saville and Nathan Curran, Luke Bullen and Arnulf Linder, Dave Troke, Vintage Trouble, Vula Malinga, Simon Have, Bruce Findlay.

Academic partners