guitar courses

"At last, a real school for real players...BIMM rocks!" - Ace (Skunk Anansie)
We take guitar playing very seriously. The guitar tutors at BIMM live and breathe guitar. Learning with us is not just about being presented with information - that - you can get from a video! It's about spending time with professionals in a working environment. These players will give you personal feedback on your development and will push you to reach your full potential.

Plus, whatever course you take, you will study a Music Business module.

Courses: BA Honours | Foundation Degree | BIMM Professional Diploma (Level 5) | Diploma | Certificate | Summer Schools

BA HONOURS IN PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP

This course is validated by the University of Sussex

"The team at BIMM has succeeded in creating a realistic programme that sets and maintains the highest professional standards for its students. The degree is well poised to fill the specific gap that exists in HE provision in the region and is quickly becoming acknowledged as a key programme in its field."
- External Examiner's Report Summary 2004

The BA Honours programme is both academically and musically challenging. There is a focus on live performance, technique, songwriting and stylistic development in addition to research and project work in the field. Students undertake professional work during the course of their studies. During 2004 degree students had chart successes, session work with major artists, professional teaching work and appearances as session players on all the major TV music shows.

Entry Requirements:
BIMM BIMM Professional Diploma (Level 5) at Merit or above or equivalent
2 A-levels at Grade C or equivalent (160 UCAS tariff points)
Grade 8 instrumental or equivalent practical skills
APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning) can result in direct entry to year two for applicants with appropriate HND or equivalent plus relevant professional experience
All applicants are interviewed individually - a strong work ethic and career focus will be a definite advantage for applicants on this demanding course

For more information:
BA-Course Specification 1
BA-Course Specification 2

Foundation Degree (Arts) in Professional Musicianship (UCAS: W310)

The Foundation Degree in Professional Musicianship is a new two-year course which aims to equip musicians with the key practical, theoretical and business skills required for a long-term career in the music industry. Validated by the University of Sussex, the BIMM Foundation Degree integrates vocational skills in music performance with academic study and work-based learning.

By studying on the programme you will work towards achieving the following aims:
The development of professional-level performance skills in a wide variety of styles for your chosen instrument: drums, guitar, bass or vocals.
The opportunity to undertake work experience in the music industry.
The acquisition of personal transferable skills such as team work, communication and presentation skills, academic research and study skills, and self-management.
A thorough understanding of the career paths available within the music industry.

The course consists of 15 modules which provide a strong balance of instrumental, practical and academic study:
Year 1 modules: Technical Instrumental Development; Musical Styles and Repertoire; Music Business and Personal Management; Study Skills; Music Theory and Arrangement, Aural and Notation Skills, Pre-Production Skills and Live Performance Workshop.
Year 2 modules: Critical Insights into 20th Century Music; Applied Technical Development; Session Skills; Engaging with Industry; Creative Composition and Arrangement; Transcription and Critical Listening Skills and Live Music Project.

In addition to practical and academic lessons, course delivery is supported by BIMM's comprehensive tutorial system that enables every student to benefit from widespread access to music industry professionals for expert help and advice. In addition, there are many extra-curricular activities, including rehearsing, recording and performing in public, and regular visits from high level professional musicians and other music industry personnel.

BIMM Foundation Degree students also have access to the full range of student services at the University of Sussex at Falmer, Brighton, including Student Union membership, library and IT provision, careers advice, student support and sports and recreational facilities including band rehearsal rooms. From 2007, first-year students will be eligible for University-owned accommodation.

Success in all modules will lead to the award of a Foundation Degree (FdA). Possible further study options include progression onto Year 3 of the BA (Hons) degree course at BIMM (also validated by the University of Sussex) or other HE partner institutions (subject to academic performance and individual institution's entry criteria).

Applications for the Foundation Degree have to be made through UCAS (UCAS Course Code: W310, Institution Code: S90, Campus Code: B), and the entry requirements are:
Most successful applicants will have CCC grades in A level or MMM in a BTEC National Diploma. The minimum requirement for entry, however, is EE at A level and the Admissions Tutor is pleased to consider applicants offering a range of different qualifications and experience.
Performing ability equivalent to Trinity Grade 6-8, together with Grade 5 or equivalent level music theory.
All applicants will be interviewed and auditioned at BIMM after their UCAS application has been received, and an enthusiasm for performing combined with a strong work ethic and career focus will be seen as definite advantages for prospective students.
Applications are welcomed from mature students with relevant professional experience and an aptitude/willingness to undertake a course of study at HE level.

For more information:
Foundation Degree Course Specification 1
Foundation Degree Course Specification 2
Foundation Degree Course Specification 3

BIMM Professional Diploma (Level 5) in modern music

The BIMM Professional Diploma (Level 5) is suitable for musicians who have semi professional musical and technical abilities, and usually have some semi professional studio and live experience.
The unit structure of the course looks like this:

The course is one academic year in duration, and students may wish to progress onto the BA Honors Degree. The Accrediting body is Edexcel and BIMM’s partner college on this course is City College, Brighton. This course is approximately 15 hours per week and students will also be engaged in many extra curricular activities including extensive rehearsal and gigs.

Entry Requirements:
18 years of age and semi-pro playing ability
Some studio and gigging experience
Grade 6 equivalent technical skills
Most applicants have National Diploma or A-Level or equivalent in Music
Some music degree graduates also find this course useful for upgrading their technique to professional levels

diploma in modern music

The Diploma is suitable for musicians who have solid musical and technical abilities, but may be lacking in professional studio and live experience. This course is a year-long focused Programme for instrumentalists, vocalists and song writers.
The unit structure of the course will look like this:

The course is one academic year in duration and students may wish to progress onto the BIMM Professional Diploma (Level 5). The Accrediting body is Edexcel and BIMM’s partner college is Central Sussex College. This course is approximately 15 hours per week and students will also be engaged in many extra curricular activities including rehearsal and gigs.

Entry Requirements:
Solid technical playing skills at Grade 3-5 or equivalent
5 GCSE passes at C or above
Other instruments, band work and song writing also an advantage
Bring your demos when you audition!

certificate in modern music

The unit structure of the course will look like this:

The course is one academic year in duration, equivalent to four GCSE’s and students can progress onto the Diploma in Modern Music which is equivalent to two A-Levels and form there to the BIMM Professional Diploma (Level 5) in Modern Music and ultimately on to the BA Honours degree. The Accrediting body is Edexcel and the partner college is City College.

N.B. this course is approximately 15 hours per week and students will also be engaged in many extra curricular activities including rehearsal and gigs.

Entry Requirements:
A love of music is the most important entry requirement!
This course is designed to widen participation in music.
Applications are welcome from those with limited experience but enthusiasm and a commitment to working hard.
The qualification is equivalent to 4 GCSE’s and is an opportunity for young people to improve their GCSE points!

ultimate summer school

Four day intensive tuition for Guitar, Bass and Drums.

Course Features:
Intensive technical development and rock / metal - Styles work outs taught by top UK session players
Live Performance Workshop under the guidance of experienced pro players using a pro backline and PA system
Artists covered include: Queens of the Stoneage, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chile Peppers, Muse, Hundred Reasons, Tool, Darkness, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Iron Maiden, NOFX, Machine Head, Funeral for a Friend, System of a Down, Incubus and Deftones

Star tutors include: Mark Richardson (Feeder), Toy (The Faders), Alex Dickson (Robbie Williams), Kenwyn House (Reef), Alonza Bevan (Kula Shaker/Johnny Marr), Kate Cameron (Fat Boy Slim), Billie Godfrey (Beverley Knight), Geoffrey Williams (Michael Jackson), Guthrie Govan (Asia/Guitar Techniques), Steve Allsworth (Ronan Keating/Total Guitar) and Vinnie Lammi (Mel C).

kerrang metal summer school

Course Features:
Intensive technical development and rock / metal - Styles work outs taught by top UK session players
Live Performance Workshop under the guidance of experienced pro players using a pro backline and PA system
Artists covered include: Queens of the Stoneage, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chile Peppers, Muse, Hundred Reasons, Tool, Darkness, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Iron Maiden, NOFX, Machine Head, Funeral for a Friend, System of a Down, Incubus and Deftones

Star tutors include: Hundred Reasons, Carcass, Therapy, A, The Lucky 9, Million Dead, Pitchshifter and The One Condition.

music business

Whatever course you take at BIMM, everyone gets a chance to study a Music Business module. After all, Music Business classes are where we show you how you can make a living from doing what you love - and you won’t want to miss out on that! The Music Business modules at BIMM are designed to help you make a living as a player, a songwriter or in any of the other career paths available.

We look at what it takes to get your band or music project into shape and how you can present your work like a true professional. We explain how to find and approach the right labels, publishers, managers and PR people; and we cover every important aspect of the business from the impact of the Internet to music teaching, from film and television soundtracks to working in live music.

Every teacher on this course has a long CV, masses of useful contacts, and many years of experience in the industry that they are happy to share in class or on a one-to-one basis in tutorials. Most of all we make sure that everyone has a lot of fun on the way, and regularly spice up classes with top level guests from all aspects of the business. You’ll never have a better chance to find out how this industry works and how to carve your own place in it.

bimm tutorial programme

BIMM has a unique tutorial programme which is tailored to meet the needs of students at each level of the curriculum. The aim of the BIMM tutorial programme is to support every student to get the most out of their time with us and to achieve at the highest level, personally, academically and professionally. The tutorial programme includes the following:

Induction Tutorial
This first meeting will be an opportunity for us to begin to get to know you and find out what your ambitions are and what your  career plan is and, most importantly, to identify any needs you may have in terms of additional learning support. During this session the tutor will fill in an Induction Review sheet to record your discussion and you will be given a copy of this.  If you need a follow up meeting about Learning Support or any other issues this will be set up for you in your first couple of weeks at BIMM by our Head of Quality and Student Support.

Career Action Planning Tutorials
During your course you are encouraged to book in for a Career Action Planning Tutorial with either your Head of Department or another member of the team. These are a UNIQUE aspect of the BIMM experience which enables you to have intensive one-to-one meetings at least once a term with highly experienced professionals who know about the music business, because they have lived it. 

Our Head of Student Support and Quality monitors the uptake of these and will chase those of you who do not take advantage of the CAP Programme to make sure you don’t miss out!

Pastoral Tutorials
At BIMM we also have a Pastoral Tutorial system.  This works to help you deal with any issues that might get in the way of succeeding at BIMM e.g., medical, financial, accommodation or other personal issues.

These tutorials are here to help you achieve your potential - please use them efficiently!