I’ve been going to ACM since 2023, at first for my diploma, and currently on it for my degree. The facilities have continued to improve over time with rooms constantly getting refurbished with more facilities and options, studio rooms getting new and improved speakers, 5.1 and atmos sound systems and new gear getting brought in. Recently ACM has also partnered with Nord which have me the chance to use their top of the line synths such as the Grand 4, Piano 6 and Electro 3 which were absolutely insane to use.

I’ve been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to intern amongst the tech team and learn how they manage all the gear and the process of their troubleshooting which is something every aspiring engineer needs to experience first hand. I’ve even gotten the chance to shadow the engineers and runners at metropolis studios which was absolutely amazing to be a part of. I’m also enthusiastic about the fact I’ll also get to go to the SSL factory to watch and learn how they put together their audio desks which I wouldn’t have ever been able to do if not for ACM.

I studied Music Production at the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2010 for their higher diploma course and then continued my studies for the two year accelerated degree program. Overall, I found my time at ACM to be thoroughly enjoyable and a really valuable experience. The lecture formats were well suited to my learning style as they involved a large practical element. The tutors always went above and beyond for me, and I felt like I was pushed to achieve my potential throughout ACM, particularly during my dissertation. Whilst at ACM I was assessed for dyslexia and I was given support for this in the form of weekly tutorials – this experience was invaluable, as not only did it help me to complete my essays but it has also informed the work I have gained in the music PR industry since leaving ACM. For me ACM was the first choice for a university, as being a music college, there will never be a shortage of musicians to record. I was also attracted by the facilities and connections to the music industry for work opportunities. I was not disappointed in any of these elements of the ACM experience, as I made full use of the recording facilities, creating a large portfolio for myself and gaining many work experience placements whilst at ACM. Since leaving ACM I have undertaken several jobs at the heart of the music industry. To be honest ACM is not like other universities, and whilst there is now, when I studied there, there wasn’t an SU in place. The lectures are much more practical, at least in my experience, and the campus is small. However if you want a qualification, the best chance at making it in the music business and are willing to put in the work, ACM is the way forward.

For music production the facilities were AMAZING!!! as we had access to the industry standard mixing desk the SSL Duality.

I had the opportunity to book one on one tutorials every week and access to dyslexia support. Nothing was too much trouble for the tutors at ACM, one of them even loaned out their own microphones to a student to help them complete their coursework.

Whilst I was at ACM there wasn't an SU in place but that has since changed.

The music production courses were fantastic and the lectures were thoroughly engaging. From what I have heard the lecture format if quite different from normal universities but the large practical element worked really well for my learning style.

Since leaving ACM I have undertaken a couple of positions in busy music press offices and in a mastering company, to be honest without ACM I don’t believe I would have had these opportunities.

As there was no halls option, accommodation was via private landlords. I found my house share to be a good experience as I was lucky to be sharing with fantastic people. I do believe there is a hall style accommodation close to ACM now though…