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LATEST NEWS
Unexpected Bonus from 'Mic to Master' Event!
The first 'Mic to Master' event has already yielded positive results for three people who attended the first weekend at Deep Blue Sound in Plymouth.
Patrick Sturrock and Paul Fletcher, who write library music and music for film, TV and video games, went along with the intention of brushing up on their recording skills by learning from working producers such as Tony Platt, Al Stone and Simon Heyworth. By the time they left the course they had no only learned a few tricks of the trade but had also found themselves a vocalist and potential song writing partner in the shape of Deep Blue Sound student Dan Fagg.
“The course itself was really useful and we really enjoyed the producer sessions and masterclasses,” said Sturrock. “But in terms of networking it was even better – we’d been looking for a vocalist for some time and to meet up with someone as versatile and talented as Dan was a real bonus.”
The composers met Dan Fagg during a listening session hosted by Producer and MPG director Tony Platt’s listening session. Fagg, who is studying for a BTEC in Creative Sound Engineering and Music Technology, said, “I took along a song I’d written and recorded at home and I was very nervous about playing it to a professional. But Tony was really helpful and after the session Patrick and Paul approached me and said they were interested in working with me as a vocalist. I couldn’t believe it when I discovered they lived just six miles from my home - I would never have found them if it hadn’t been for the 'Mic To Master' workshop.”
Sturrock added: “From my point of view it was great to meet working producers. Like Dan, I really can’t recommend these courses highly enough. The music business is very fragmented these days and having an opportunity to meet likeminded people is a huge added bonus.”
First 'Mic to Master' event at Deep Blue Sound
Deep Blue Sound in Plymouth hosted the first in the 2010 series of Mic to Master events presented by JAMES and Prism Sound.
Graham Boswell, director of Prism Sound and SADiE said that the weekend was an enormous success that generated a really good engagement with the audience. He commented, “It was good to see such high level and challenging material being discussed. We were delighted to be involved with this event and the fact that it took place in a JAMES Regional Centre meant that we knew that it had real relevance for the students.”
Special Student Membership for AES
JAMES accredited course students have the opportunity to participate in the 128th AES Student Delegate Assembly by joining the AES as student members under the special arrangements negotiated by JAMES - 6 month full membership for £12.00. AES student membership allows students access to the entire programme for £50 - a considerable discount from £90 for other students and £180 for other attendees. Students interested should contact Heather Lane at AES - email uk@aes.org.
In addition AES students including new JAMES/AES members will be entitled to participate in the AES Student Recording Competition (registration deadline 15th April and see - www.aes-sda.org/cms.) The student community has a significant presence at AES Conventions and any serious aspiring audio practitioner should do whatever is necessary to be a part of the SDA. They hold a special convention party which is a bespoke sponsored event outside of the regular convention programme - venue yet to be confirmed but historically it's one of those events where you should take your ALKA SELTZER before going to the party.
Applicants for the AES Recording competition should contact Miroslav at miroslav@aes-sda.org for details about categories, formats etc.
JAMES and Prism Sound Announce 'Mic to Master' UK Tour
Encouraged by the success of Prism Sound's recent 'Mic to Monitor' Tour, JAMES in conjunction with Prism will be working with other leading Pro Audio companies and producers/engineers to present the 'Mic to Master' UK Tour. Commencing in June 2010, this will take the form of training weekends held at various locations throughout the UK.
Dates, venues and further details will be announced very soon. If you are interested in attending these training events for Music Producers, go to www.prismsound.com/trainingweekends to register for more information.
Students Celebrate Success with Music Celebrities
Two sound engineering students spent an evening mingling with celebrities and top music producers thanks to an exclusive partnership between DEEP recording studio and Kensington and Chelsea College.
Kensington and Chelsea College students Billy Halliday and Wesley Byfield enjoyed a glamorous evening of networking after bagging a place at the prestigious Music Producers Guild Awards.
The budding sound engineers were offered tickets to the ceremony by DEEP, who delivers a number of the college’s music courses at their West London recording studio.
Held at Café de Paris, London, the event celebrated the achievements of producers and professionals from the recording industry and included the DEEP sponsored award for Best Break-through Producer 2010. Among the star studded guest list were rapper and song writer Dizzee Rascal, chart toppers Florence and the Machine and Mercury Music Prize and Brit Award winners Franz Ferdinand.
Billy, is in the second year of the college’s Level 3 Advanced Sound Engineering, which is taught at DEEP’s award winning* studio. The 23-year-old from Mile End said: “Being at the awards was a great opportunity for me as there were a lot of producers and industry professionals attending that I really respect and admire. It resulted in an amazing night of fun, networking and seeing the stars up close and personal!”
Kensington and Chelsea College, in partnership with DEEP, is currently one of only two colleges in the UK able to offer JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services) industry approved and accredited FE courses. The rare and widely respected accreditation gives students a unique edge in the highly competitive music industry.
Standing Room Only for JAMES' Seminar at Music Live 2009!
Tony Platt chaired a well received JAMES panel at the recent Music Live exhibition at the NEC. Joining him on the platform were George Shilling, Tommy D and Russ R. making this a "panel for all genres" !
The rather noisy seminar room was absolutely packed out with standing room only - so full in fact that we almost brought the house down because people were so keen to get in they had dislodged some of the stand supports causing the roof to be in danger of collapsing! Unfortunately this led to the following presentation by Ableton Live being cancelled!
The topic was “Surviving & Innovating in a Download World” and all the panelists were able to pass on valuable insights into how they are coping with the rapidly changing structure of the music business. Generally the mood was upbeat, all panelists reporting a healthy workload and worthwhile projects coming their way.
Some criticism was inevitably aimed at the latest government, headline grabbing attempts over file sharing but the panel were able to report on the various positive initiatives that JAMES, MPG and UK Music are engaging with to ensure we have our say.
Similarly, there was much discussion in respect of the future of mp3 and again the panel were able to point to the work that MPG is undertaking in conjunction with the Fruanhoffer Institute to develop the next generation of Codecs. Other topics that came up were limiters on iPods and the very worthy Don't Lose The Music campaign from RNID but of course there were questions on the usefulness and relevance of the various courses available at colleges around the country and the panel were unanimous in their support of the best courses and especially those that had sought and gained JAMES Accreditation.
JAMES' Chairman Exposes all!
Phil Harding, Chairman of JAMES and Vice-Chairman of the MPG has recently published his account of his career in the Music Industry spanning 30 years - from recording The Clash to producing East 17 and Boyzone.
PWL – From The Factory Floor is a detailed and expertly researched memoir, which will take you on a roller coaster journey through the heyday of the PWL Hit Factory Empire. Here Phil spent his time in the ‘Bunker’ studio using state-of-the-art equipment to mix the records of artists such as Dead or Alive, Princess, Mel & Kim, Rick Astley, Bananarama, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, The Pet Shop Boys, Jesus Jones and many more.
For more information and to purchase go to www.philharding.co.uk
Skillset Recognition
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) Skillset have recognised JAMES Accreditation as being consistent with the aims and objectives of their own accreditation schemes.
Skillset have stated that “Skillset and the accrediting bodies we recognise, share the same aim which is to create standards of excellence in professional training by establishing and promoting a model of best practice mutually agreed between education and training providers and industry. All of these organisations have professionally developed standards and criteria, include professionals on all assessments and work to enhance dialogue between the profession and education and training providers.“
JAMES Accreditation and Centre Approval is our industry’s way of forging links with Education, so that the years of professional experience are not lost to future generations.
JAMES Accreditation is also recognised by City and Guilds and Edexcel. Both of these awarding bodies involve JAMES members in the writing of their qualifications and assessment procedures.
First Course Accreditation in Scotland
The University of Abertay, Dundee have been awarded the first JAMES course Accreditation in Scotland. Their excellent BA (Hons) Creative Sound Production is a highly innovative and unique course that has been designed to address the needs of our evolving industry. JAMES and Abertay are now in discussion about the provision of Master-classes and other events for colleges in that area. Abertay will be our new Regional Centre in Scotland.
Provisional Accreditation
In 2009 JAMES introduced Provisional Accreditation for the pre-approval of planned courses. JAMES Course Accreditation is normally awarded to established courses. This enables JAMES assessors to talk with students and get valuable feedback from them.
However, we are aware that JAMES Course Accreditation has also been suggested as a condition of initial course validation, therefore we have created this scheme of “Provisional Accreditation” to facilitate our support for course design and the validation process.
When Provisional HE Course Accreditation is applied for JAMES will normally take part in the consultation, design and validation processes..
JAMES, Course Planning and Consultation
Among other colleges, our consultants are currently working with numerous colleges on course development. As well as working closely with awarding bodies, JAMES professionals are available to assist with course planning and structure for Degrees, FdAs and Top-up Degrees.
In this way everyone can ensure that courses are relevant and appropriate to our industry from the outset. This makes industry involvement much easier to facilitate in the future and involves our industry professionals not only in validation but in the evolution of courses.
Close ties to industry also helps with funding issues as well as recruitment.
Unexpected Bonus from 'Mic to Master' Event!
The first 'Mic to Master' event has already yielded positive results for three people who attended the first weekend at Deep Blue Sound in Plymouth.
Patrick Sturrock and Paul Fletcher, who write library music and music for film, TV and video games, went along with the intention of brushing up on their recording skills by learning from working producers such as Tony Platt, Al Stone and Simon Heyworth. By the time they left the course they had no only learned a few tricks of the trade but had also found themselves a vocalist and potential song writing partner in the shape of Deep Blue Sound student Dan Fagg.
“The course itself was really useful and we really enjoyed the producer sessions and masterclasses,” said Sturrock. “But in terms of networking it was even better – we’d been looking for a vocalist for some time and to meet up with someone as versatile and talented as Dan was a real bonus.”
The composers met Dan Fagg during a listening session hosted by Producer and MPG director Tony Platt’s listening session. Fagg, who is studying for a BTEC in Creative Sound Engineering and Music Technology, said, “I took along a song I’d written and recorded at home and I was very nervous about playing it to a professional. But Tony was really helpful and after the session Patrick and Paul approached me and said they were interested in working with me as a vocalist. I couldn’t believe it when I discovered they lived just six miles from my home - I would never have found them if it hadn’t been for the 'Mic To Master' workshop.”
Sturrock added: “From my point of view it was great to meet working producers. Like Dan, I really can’t recommend these courses highly enough. The music business is very fragmented these days and having an opportunity to meet likeminded people is a huge added bonus.”
First 'Mic to Master' event at Deep Blue Sound
Deep Blue Sound in Plymouth hosted the first in the 2010 series of Mic to Master events presented by JAMES and Prism Sound.
Graham Boswell, director of Prism Sound and SADiE said that the weekend was an enormous success that generated a really good engagement with the audience. He commented, “It was good to see such high level and challenging material being discussed. We were delighted to be involved with this event and the fact that it took place in a JAMES Regional Centre meant that we knew that it had real relevance for the students.”
Special Student Membership for AES
JAMES accredited course students have the opportunity to participate in the 128th AES Student Delegate Assembly by joining the AES as student members under the special arrangements negotiated by JAMES - 6 month full membership for £12.00. AES student membership allows students access to the entire programme for £50 - a considerable discount from £90 for other students and £180 for other attendees. Students interested should contact Heather Lane at AES - email uk@aes.org.
In addition AES students including new JAMES/AES members will be entitled to participate in the AES Student Recording Competition (registration deadline 15th April and see - www.aes-sda.org/cms.) The student community has a significant presence at AES Conventions and any serious aspiring audio practitioner should do whatever is necessary to be a part of the SDA. They hold a special convention party which is a bespoke sponsored event outside of the regular convention programme - venue yet to be confirmed but historically it's one of those events where you should take your ALKA SELTZER before going to the party.
Applicants for the AES Recording competition should contact Miroslav at miroslav@aes-sda.org for details about categories, formats etc.
JAMES and Prism Sound Announce 'Mic to Master' UK Tour
Encouraged by the success of Prism Sound's recent 'Mic to Monitor' Tour, JAMES in conjunction with Prism will be working with other leading Pro Audio companies and producers/engineers to present the 'Mic to Master' UK Tour. Commencing in June 2010, this will take the form of training weekends held at various locations throughout the UK.
Dates, venues and further details will be announced very soon. If you are interested in attending these training events for Music Producers, go to www.prismsound.com/trainingweekends to register for more information.
Students Celebrate Success with Music Celebrities
Two sound engineering students spent an evening mingling with celebrities and top music producers thanks to an exclusive partnership between DEEP recording studio and Kensington and Chelsea College.
Kensington and Chelsea College students Billy Halliday and Wesley Byfield enjoyed a glamorous evening of networking after bagging a place at the prestigious Music Producers Guild Awards.
The budding sound engineers were offered tickets to the ceremony by DEEP, who delivers a number of the college’s music courses at their West London recording studio.
Held at Café de Paris, London, the event celebrated the achievements of producers and professionals from the recording industry and included the DEEP sponsored award for Best Break-through Producer 2010. Among the star studded guest list were rapper and song writer Dizzee Rascal, chart toppers Florence and the Machine and Mercury Music Prize and Brit Award winners Franz Ferdinand.
Billy, is in the second year of the college’s Level 3 Advanced Sound Engineering, which is taught at DEEP’s award winning* studio. The 23-year-old from Mile End said: “Being at the awards was a great opportunity for me as there were a lot of producers and industry professionals attending that I really respect and admire. It resulted in an amazing night of fun, networking and seeing the stars up close and personal!”
Kensington and Chelsea College, in partnership with DEEP, is currently one of only two colleges in the UK able to offer JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services) industry approved and accredited FE courses. The rare and widely respected accreditation gives students a unique edge in the highly competitive music industry.
Standing Room Only for JAMES' Seminar at Music Live 2009!
Tony Platt chaired a well received JAMES panel at the recent Music Live exhibition at the NEC. Joining him on the platform were George Shilling, Tommy D and Russ R. making this a "panel for all genres" !
The rather noisy seminar room was absolutely packed out with standing room only - so full in fact that we almost brought the house down because people were so keen to get in they had dislodged some of the stand supports causing the roof to be in danger of collapsing! Unfortunately this led to the following presentation by Ableton Live being cancelled!
The topic was “Surviving & Innovating in a Download World” and all the panelists were able to pass on valuable insights into how they are coping with the rapidly changing structure of the music business. Generally the mood was upbeat, all panelists reporting a healthy workload and worthwhile projects coming their way.
Some criticism was inevitably aimed at the latest government, headline grabbing attempts over file sharing but the panel were able to report on the various positive initiatives that JAMES, MPG and UK Music are engaging with to ensure we have our say.
Similarly, there was much discussion in respect of the future of mp3 and again the panel were able to point to the work that MPG is undertaking in conjunction with the Fruanhoffer Institute to develop the next generation of Codecs. Other topics that came up were limiters on iPods and the very worthy Don't Lose The Music campaign from RNID but of course there were questions on the usefulness and relevance of the various courses available at colleges around the country and the panel were unanimous in their support of the best courses and especially those that had sought and gained JAMES Accreditation.
JAMES' Chairman Exposes all!
Phil Harding, Chairman of JAMES and Vice-Chairman of the MPG has recently published his account of his career in the Music Industry spanning 30 years - from recording The Clash to producing East 17 and Boyzone.
PWL – From The Factory Floor is a detailed and expertly researched memoir, which will take you on a roller coaster journey through the heyday of the PWL Hit Factory Empire. Here Phil spent his time in the ‘Bunker’ studio using state-of-the-art equipment to mix the records of artists such as Dead or Alive, Princess, Mel & Kim, Rick Astley, Bananarama, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, The Pet Shop Boys, Jesus Jones and many more.
For more information and to purchase go to www.philharding.co.uk
Skillset Recognition
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) Skillset have recognised JAMES Accreditation as being consistent with the aims and objectives of their own accreditation schemes.
Skillset have stated that “Skillset and the accrediting bodies we recognise, share the same aim which is to create standards of excellence in professional training by establishing and promoting a model of best practice mutually agreed between education and training providers and industry. All of these organisations have professionally developed standards and criteria, include professionals on all assessments and work to enhance dialogue between the profession and education and training providers.“
JAMES Accreditation and Centre Approval is our industry’s way of forging links with Education, so that the years of professional experience are not lost to future generations.
JAMES Accreditation is also recognised by City and Guilds and Edexcel. Both of these awarding bodies involve JAMES members in the writing of their qualifications and assessment procedures.
First Course Accreditation in Scotland
The University of Abertay, Dundee have been awarded the first JAMES course Accreditation in Scotland. Their excellent BA (Hons) Creative Sound Production is a highly innovative and unique course that has been designed to address the needs of our evolving industry. JAMES and Abertay are now in discussion about the provision of Master-classes and other events for colleges in that area. Abertay will be our new Regional Centre in Scotland.
Provisional Accreditation
In 2009 JAMES introduced Provisional Accreditation for the pre-approval of planned courses. JAMES Course Accreditation is normally awarded to established courses. This enables JAMES assessors to talk with students and get valuable feedback from them.
However, we are aware that JAMES Course Accreditation has also been suggested as a condition of initial course validation, therefore we have created this scheme of “Provisional Accreditation” to facilitate our support for course design and the validation process.
When Provisional HE Course Accreditation is applied for JAMES will normally take part in the consultation, design and validation processes..
JAMES, Course Planning and Consultation
Among other colleges, our consultants are currently working with numerous colleges on course development. As well as working closely with awarding bodies, JAMES professionals are available to assist with course planning and structure for Degrees, FdAs and Top-up Degrees.
In this way everyone can ensure that courses are relevant and appropriate to our industry from the outset. This makes industry involvement much easier to facilitate in the future and involves our industry professionals not only in validation but in the evolution of courses.
Close ties to industry also helps with funding issues as well as recruitment.
