To turn a passion for music into a career and connect your professional life with what you love, it’s crucial to get a quality education. In Birmingham, one of the UK’s biggest cities, you’ll find every opportunity to do so. You can get a musical education at both private and state-funded institutions. We’d like to introduce you to one of them that has become especially popular in recent years. Find out more at birmingham1.one.
The Story and Features of ACM
The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) is a renowned music school that offers unique courses and a modern approach to learning. Its campuses are located in major UK cities, including Birmingham. Founded in 1997, ACM quickly became a popular institution in the creative industries. Although the school is private, it receives government support. ACM has collaborated with several state bodies to award qualifications. In 2008, it was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.
The Birmingham campus of the ACM music school opened in 2017. It’s located near the Jewellery Quarter. The institution offers various learning formats: in-person, online, and a hybrid model. To help you decide on a course, you can attend one of their monthly Open Days. This is a great chance to chat with tutors from different disciplines, ask them any questions you have, and even watch a live performance by the school’s students.
Studying at ACM
At ACM, you can study a range of music-related subjects and get a quality education in any of them. For instance, some of the most popular courses are:
- Guitar. You can earn a degree in guitar at ACM, thanks to their specialised knowledge and extensive practical experience. The unique curriculum helps you master modern stylistic skills. During the course, students also get to take part in masterclasses with renowned international guitarists.
- Vocal. While you can take a vocal course at many institutions, the one at ACM has become popular with both absolute beginners and those looking to improve their skills. It’s often attended by backing vocalists who want to become solo artists. The curriculum also includes psychological practices, such as those that help students become more self-confident.
- Rap & MC. ACM was the first institution in the UK to offer a degree in hip-hop. The programme includes an introduction to the history and culture of hip-hop, a study of musical techniques used in different sub-genres, and plenty of practical work under the guidance of experienced tutors.
To help you decide on a course, you can either attend an Open Day or sign up for an audition. You can also submit an application on the official ACM website to have a member of the school’s staff contact you and help you choose.
What do Brummies like about ACM?
The ACM music school has earned a high rating among Birmingham’s educational institutions. In their reviews, students and graduates highlight many of the school’s advantages. Here are a few of them:
- Top-notch tutors. At ACM, music subjects are taught by highly experienced educators. They include famous mentors to showbiz stars. Some masterclasses and seminars are even led by world-renowned musicians.
- The chance to gain experience working with Metropolis Studios. This is a recording studio recognised as one of the best in Europe. It has partnered with ACM, allowing students to do internships there.
- Strong motivation. ACM graduates achieve success in music and revolutionise the creative industry. They become an inspiring example for current students and motivate them to continue their studies.
Other Music Schools in the City
Besides ACM, other popular institutions in Birmingham offer musical education. Here are a few of them:
- “Kimichi School”. This is an independent specialist music school that has been operating since 2014. It caters to children aged 9 to 18. “Kimichi School” is known for its affordable tuition fees. The institution is supported by charities. Another advantage of this music school is its small class sizes, which allows teachers to give each child personal attention.
- “Progress Music Academy”. This is a music studio located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. It offers training in various musical disciplines with a focus on practical lessons. “Progress Music Academy” teaches guitar, bass, drums, piano, and vocals.
- “Birmingham Rockschool”. This institution has a very specific focus—it offers lessons in guitar (electric and bass), drums, and singing. It teaches children aged 7 to 17, as well as adults. Besides group lessons, you can also take private lessons with the school’s tutors or even learn on an individual basis. You can also study online with “Birmingham Rockschool”.