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…

ACM's lecture's, facilities and links to industry are what separates this university from others. Instead of sticking to a rigid standard syllabus, learning from those who are working successfully in industry means your course is shaped to current and future trends in the music industry, allowing you to be right on the pulse when you graduate - I also used them to establish a solid database of influential contacts. Regardless of what course you are on, make use of all the facilities on offer. I was a business student, but could book tutorials with performance tutors to further my guitar skills. I wish I made use of Teaching Control and the SSL Studio - a professional working studio could charge a fortune to hire out that standard of gear!

Gear is top of the range. Tonnes of practice space. Numerous studios. Good tech team - it all worked a treat!

I didn't necessarily need the support that ACM offered, but had friends that did require it and only had good words to say!

There wasn't an SU when I was a student at ACM. However, they have since opened one due to high demand - Good to hear they listened to student concerns. Now I'm a little jealous if anything!

Guildford ha a great music scene due to all the ACM music students. It's a solid stop on any bands tour as well with venues like the Boileroom. Half hour train into London too so pretty commutable.

Tonnes of out of lecture workshops // hosted nights // jam nights etc.

Always on point, still using knowledge I learnt from lectures.

Several opportunities to intern, through tutor contacts and IndustryLink.

As with the SU, ACM didn't offer halls when I was studying but did offer a comprehensive list of private landlords and estate agents. In my second year I was fortunate enough to be able to live at home to save costs, but I'm pretty sure they've now got halls with the YMCA and SCAPE, so once again, glad they're improving the student experience. Halls would have been really fun!