Open Days at our Southampton site

Southampton is having some Open Days!
Fancy a Career in Music? Then head down to the Academy of Music and Sound in Southampton to learn more about our courses in Music. You can thrive in a small focused learning environment and learn from industry professionals.
We offer College and University courses in Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Drums and Music Technology.
Most of our students qualify for funding for these courses!
Gain real experience and learn from some truly awesome tutors. Gain recognised qualifications and start to build your Career in Music.
Your first step is to come and meet us at one of our Southampton Open Days.
Open Days – Dates and Times
11th of April 2018 6pm til 8pm
14th of May 2018 6pm til 8pm 
Can’t wait till then? No worries! Give us a call: 02380 829 666

Why Study in Southampton?

Here is what our level 3 students think!


fast track

Fast Track your way to a BA (Hons) Performance Industries in 12 months

For most musicians, playing, creating and performing are things we are passionate about. Things that we HAVE to do, not just want to do. By developing your instrumental, creative and performance skills through practice, you will have amassed a great deal of experience that can be rewarded with FAST TRACK entry to the final year of the AMSonline BA (hons) in Performance Industries.
C Hargreaves CroppedFor those with previous experience of making and playing music, gaining a BA(hons) qualification can take as little as 12 (full time) or 18 (part time) months of  study. This is made possible through a process known as recognized prior learning, or RPL. RPL is a commonly used process in education aimed at “widening participation’ and inclusivity.
The process involves mapping your previous musical experiences against the knowledge and competencies that someone would expect to develop in the early years of a degree. One of our AMSonline advisors can provide a preliminary eligibility check in as little as 15 minutes, putting you on a FAST TRACK path to achieving BA(hons) in as little as 12 months.

 To find out if your eligible for direct final year entry to the AMSonline BA (hons) performance industries, call 0843 224 9300 to speak in confidence to one of our team, or visit www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/amsonline and enquire online.


musician earn more ba hons performance industries

Earn more as a musician with a BA hons Performance Industries

In a survey of over 5000 working musicians, researchers from the Berklee college of music found that the average wage of those working in music was in the region of £35,000 p.a and that for more than half of respondents, this income was generated from a portfolio of 3 or more musical jobs. These findings are mirrored in the feedback of AMS’ graduate population. Of the 75% of our BA graduates that have secured music industry employment within 6 months of completing their course, a large number are working across multiple musical and managerial positions as they carve out their career in the industry.

“ The BA prepared me for working in the industry. It allowed me to understand how a self-employed musician makes a living and what they have to do in order to keep gaining work.” – (Michael Mackay, BA(hons) Performance Industries,)

“ The course content was varied, with business skills and lots of practical music skills. I’ve used all the skills I learned on the course in the year since I graduated and I think it’s made a real difference to how I regard myself as a creative professional." – (Jena Thomson, BA (hons) Performance Industries)

For those working in today’s modern music industry a flexible approach to employment will help you secure a more stable income.

With fast track entry, student funding and flexible learning hours available, the AMSonline BA(hons) in Performance Industries program could help you to unlock new earning opportunities as a working musician. For more information, please call our AMSonline advice line on 0843 224 9300, or visit www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/amsonline


ams online degree music fast track careers

Musicians - Having a Degree can help open up new career opportunities.

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While you certainly don’t need a degree in music to get gigs, join a band, enjoy or even get paid for making music, there is much research to support the fact that for many musicians, a music degree is the key to unlocking new career opportunities.
If you are struggling to establish a sustainable career in music, despite years of practice, experience and hard work, an AMSonline degree may be the essential ingredient  to help you achieve your goals.

Musicians with degree’s find it easier to secure work in education, either by qualifying to deliver lectures at college level, charging more for private lessons or gaining access to the cert ed post graduate qualification that allows them to teach professionally in schools. Many musicians use teaching as a stable supplement to their income, allowing them to pay the bills while continuing to pursue their artistic and performance passions. Teaching can be hugely rewarding and may lead to gains in playing/practice I've always felt my teaching improves my performing and helps me to have an intelligent approach to my own practice” – (Alex Laing, Guardian)

How’s aboutthe development of transferrable skills and qualities? Having a degree can help to show that you have tenacity, that you see things through and are ultimately committed to your music. What about IT skills, networking, business and events management? These are all areas that you will develop through AMSonline’s BA(hons) in performance industries.

“ The BA definitely opened by eyes to the concept of having a portfolio career in the music industry…….,it showed me how easy (with the right mind set) having a career in music can be" (Alyssa Renwick, BA (hons) Performance Industries)

If you’re keen to create new opportunities in you musical career, call AMSonline on 0843 224 9300 and see if you can gain FAST TRACK entry into the final year of our BA(hons) Performance Industries. Visit www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/amsonline for more info.


ba hons

Get started in your BA hons with minimal outlay.

f6565761-7905-4cf8-abdf-eabdf1409442If you already have access to an internet connected computer workstation, and your instrument, you’re ready to go! All of your BA hons course material is available on our Moodle virtual learning environment, meaning you don’t need to spring for expensive textbooks or equipment. Our VLE ensures you are able to fit your studies around your existing commitments, allowing you to study at any time in any space.

Call 0843 224 9300 or email [email protected] to find out more about the AMS Online BA hons Performance Industries Top Up course or visit www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/amsonline.

 


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Find out if you’re eligible to complete a BA hons in 12 months

The Academy of Music and Sound offer a Fast Track to a BA hons  for professional musicians who can demonstrate that their experience is equivalent to the first two years of a degree. Our specialist advisors can let you know within 30minutes, if you are eligible for fast track. They can support you in making your application to the University of Wolverhampton and to Student Loans England. Our advisors can also give you full details about the contents of the course and the logistics of studying for a supported distance learning qualification.

Call 0843 224 9300, email [email protected] to find out more about theAMS Online BA(hons) Performance Industries Top Up course or Visit www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/amsonline


ba hons music course musicians

Study for a BA hons which has been written by musicians, for musicians.

AMS-Online-300x155The Academy of Music and Sound has developed a range of courses for serious musicians with professional goals. We have a unique understanding of the working life of musicians as our courses are written by working musicians. This lends an authentic and current understanding of the music industry in our course materials. In addition to our course material being written by musicians, you will also be supported on your course by musicians. All of our staff have extensive professional experience in the music industry, either as performers, producers, promoters, managers or a mix of all.

Call 0843 224 9300 or email [email protected] to find out more about the AMS Online BA hons Performance Industries Top Up course.


Fast track to the final year of a BA hons

NH2The Academy of Music and Sound has a long standing relationship with the music industry, and we understand the skills and knowledge a working musician has are varied and extensive; from instrumental skills to business skills, working as a musician can be tough!

This experience is unique to the music industry and is recognised as the equivalent of the first 2 years of your degree, meaning you can fast track to the final year of you BA(hons).We are aware that working musicians have a lot to offer, their experience, talent and commitment are all evidence that they have what it takes to achieve a degree.

While you may not have achieved formal qualifications, your experience as a professional or semi-professional musician has equipped you well for the rigours of studying at BA(hons) level.We can guide you through the recognised prior learning application process to help you tofast track to the BA(hons) final year.

Call 0843 224 9300, email [email protected] to find out more about the AMS Online BA(hons) Performance Industries Top Up course or Visit www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/amsonline


Your experience is important to us - use it to earn your BA hons in as little as 12 months

Thanks to our Recognised Prior Learning scheme, working musicians can fast track to the final year of their BA hons qualification. Our RPL scheme means that your experience can be used to equate to the first 2 years of a BA hons degree. Once you have enrolled on the BA hons course, you have the flexibility to study in your own time, over a 12 or 18 months, depending on whether you chose to study full time or part time. Our dedicated support staff are on hand to help you through your course and you will have regular contact with them as you progress through your course.

Call 0843 224 9300 or [email protected] to find out more about theAMS Online BA hons Performance Industries Top Up course.


music degree degree in music ams uk academy of music ams online

Did you know? 40% of musicians hold a degree in music

A degree is an important part of progressing your career as a musician, many jobs, including teaching and lecturing, require you to hold a BA hons qualification. According to the Musicians Union, "Musicians are experienced, qualified and multi-skilled...two thirds of musicians undertake four or more years of formal education and training with 40% holding a degree in music." In order to be heard in this competitive environment, a BA hons qualification will help you to stand out.

The Academy of Music and Sound are proud that over 75% of our graduates are working within the music sector within 6 months of graduation from their BA hons Performance Industries Top Up. The AMS Online BA hons Performance Industries Top Up supported distance learning course allows to you to achieve this qualification, and the associated benefits, from home with the support of our specialist staff.

Call 0843 224 9300 or email [email protected] to find out more about the AMS Online BA hons Performance Industries Top Up course.


Higher Education at the Academy of Music & Sound

Higher Education is more than just a course...

Higher Education at the Academy of Music and Sound is your stepping stone to a career in the music industry. We understand that musicians need to be highly trained in a range of skills and being top notch on your instrument is just the start! To support our Higher Education students, we have also developed a pioneering enrichment program.

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Courses at AMS

Foundation Degree Music

This course is designed for musicians who want to improve their instrumental skills while working on stagecraft, performance and rehearsal skills. You will have the opportunity to work with a range of musicians developing you communication skills and network of professional contacts. To support your vocational skills, you will also develop entrepreneurial and creative skills, helping you to get your freelance career off the ground.

Music Performance at the Academy of Music & Sound
Music Performance at the Academy of Music & Sound

Foundation Degree Creative Music Production

On this course, aspiring producers will have the opportunity to develop skills to work with artists in the studio or work on your own EDM creations in our iMac suites. If you choose to study as a studio producer, you will work on recording, mixing and mastering. If you choose to study on our EDM pathway, you will develop your skills in live midi implementation and triggering, audio loops and sequencing. In addition to these creative skills, you will also work on entrepreneurial skills and teaching skills, helping you to develop a sustainable freelance career.

 

HNC & HND Music
In our Scottish centres, you will have the opportunity to study HNC and HND courses. These courses are for musicians who want to develop their instrumental and performance skills while also receiving teaching on a range of skills that the modern musician will need. You will develop teaching, creative, entrepreneurial and analytical skills, readying you for further study or your freelance career.

BA(hons) Performance Industries Top Up

Once you have completed your Foundation Degree or HND, you can embark on our BA(hons) Performance Industries Top Up in 1 year. Through a variery of exciting projects, you can develop your musicianship, sound recording, composition and songwriting skills. You will have an enormous amount of creative autonomy and freedom to tailor your degree to suit your needs.

BA(hons) graduates
Graduate with honours with the Academy of Music and Sound

If you've been working in the music industry as a professional, but don't have a Foundation Degree or HND qualification you may still be able to fast track directly to the BA(hons) Performance Industries Top Up through the process of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) Please contact your local centre for more information.

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Higher Education Enrichment Program

Masterclasses

Our industry led masterclasses will provide you with specific training and connections with top class practitioners. Previous masterclasses have been delivered by Nat Power, Newton Faulkner, PRS for Music, Bumblefoot, Vintage Trouble, Musicians Union, Futureheads and many more!

Industry Mentors

Our industry mentor scheme will connect you with dedicated professionals who will offer help and advice. Your mentors will be available throughout your time on the course and for 6 months after you graduate to really help you get your career off the ground.

Glen Brady (A.K.A DJ Wool): California based music producer and audio engineer. Glen writes and produces music for film & TV and specialises in analogue synth systems, modular synths and drum machines.
Glen Brady (A.K.A DJ Wool): California based music producer and audio engineer. Glen writes and produces music for film & TV and specialises in analogue synth systems, modular synths and drum machines.
Keith Armstrong: A manager and publisher, currently working with Jake Bugg and previously Editors, Karima Francis and Lighthouse Family among many more.
Keith Armstrong: A manager and publisher, currently working with Jake Bugg and previously Editors, Karima Francis and Lighthouse Family among many more.
Rick McMurray: Founding member and drummer in Alternative Rock band, Ash. Rick tours the world as a drummer and has extensive experience of the live & recording industry.
Rick McMurray: Founding member and drummer in Alternative Rock band, Ash. Rick tours the world as a drummer and has extensive experience of the live & recording industry.
Roy Harter: New York based Emmy award-winning composer, sound designer & audio mixer best known for his work in film & TV.
Roy Harter: New York based Emmy award-winning composer, sound designer & audio mixer best known for his work in film & TV.
Simon Efemey: A record producer, noted for his work with Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, Obituary, The Wonderstuff and Diamond Head among many more!
Simon Efemey: A record producer, noted for his work with Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, Obituary, The Wonderstuff and Diamond Head among many more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tour & Showcase

At the end of your first year on the Foundation Degree in Music Performance, you will be taken on a tour bus to a showcase event within the UK. You will showcase your talents at a gig with students from across the UK. After the gig, you will spend the night on the tour bus as you're taken home. Music Performance students will be given delegate passes to Liverpool Sound City where you can network with the who's who of the UK music industry. Creative Music Production students will have the opportunity to attend Sonar in Barcelona.

If you're interested in any of our Higher Education courses, please contact any of our locations for more information.

 


Newton Faulkner visits AMS Exeter

Newton Faulkner delivers a fantastic masterclass at the Academy of Music & Sound in Exeter

We were very lucky recently to host a fantastic masterclass from Newton Faulkner in out Exeter centre. The masterclass was focussed on songwriting, guitar techniques, the experience of working in the music industry and how to get started in the industry. After the masterclass, Newton was kind enough to stay and speak individually to each student in the room, taking the time to offer tailored advice and guidance to each student.
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Centre manager Laura Wright said: The masterclass was absolutely brilliant. Newton Faulkner is a highly skilled guitarist, songwriter and performer and to have him here at our centre, performing live for us was a real privilege. Our students went away on a high after being inspired and motivated to try out new techniques and to keep working hard towards their own musical careers.
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Becky Walker, a student on the BTEC Level 3 Music Singer-Songwriter course said: It was a great intimate experience, with great humour and some enriching stories that further made me want to branch out and better myself
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Following the success of the masterclass, Newton is now in the process of developing a signature Songwriting module for the Academy of Music and Sound as part of the Foundation Degree Singer-Songwriter course, ready for delivery next September. This news has further delighted Higher Education students at the Academy of Music and Sound. This module will be available to all of our Foundation Degree students alongside our brand new Higher Education Enrichment program.
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Sara Sanders, from the Music Degree course said about Newton: “He was so down to earth, which was refreshing to see. It was great to hear about his experiences”