Keyboard Courses

Unique qualification launched for music professionals
Starting in September 2008 keyboard players will be offered the chance to gain a professional qualification as a groundbreaking new course is launched.

Award-winning music college Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) will work with Brighton's City College to give students the opportunity to study a Higher Diploma Level 4 (equivalent to the first year of a degree course).

This innovative new course, which concentrates on how to improve every level of musicianship for vocational keyboard players, will start at BIMM in September and is limited to one class of 15 students only.

Ian Sillet, head of keyboards, BIMM, said: "There are exciting times ahead at BIMM for individuals who are serious about a career in keyboards. This course is for 'real' organic players, strictly no computers or music IT! This is for live musicians and features real piano, organ, hammond and analogue synths, back to the old-school!"

Ian has much experience in the music business, his bands were signed to East West Records, he has played with named artists as a session keyboard player, worked for Yamaha and Roland as a keyboard demonstrator and with Sir Paul McCartney, Mark Knopler, Joan Armatrading, Sugababes and many more.

Course content will feature intensive technical development and analysis of the keyboard greats from Stevie Winwood to Jon Lord, plus keyboard powered bands such as The Charlatans, Coldplay and Pink Floyd. Students will also be expected to perform in many live band performances with other musicians and take theory and sight reading classes along with business studies ensuring players gain a firm grounding as professionals in the music industry.

BIMM offers a range of course levels including: certificates, diplomas, higher diplomas, foundation degree, BA (hons) degree and masters (work based learning). Over 800 students study guitar, bass, drums, vocals, songwriting and live sound and tour management across a two-site campus which includes the original award-winning college (BIMM East) and a 9000 square-foot facility (BIMM West). Every year, BIMM arranges week-long summer schools for younger musicians and those unable to take up full time courses.

Many of the college’s tutors have had successful music careers, including Jon Stewart, guitarist with Sleeper; Carleen Anderson, lead singer with the Brand New Heavies; and Kieron Pepper, live drummer for the Prodigy.

BIMM graduate artists have secured 16 top forty singles and many more are are working throughout the UK music industry within artist management, record labels, publishing and live music production.