THE BIMM players
Bruce, Damian, Kevin and Sarah have individual extensive experience in the music industry - read below to find out more...

		Vaseema Hamilton (MA) - Principal Vaseema manages all aspects of BIMM’s administration and curriculum delivery through our management team. She initially trained as a visual artist and ran her own studio for a number of years before moving into Arts education. Vaseema has taught at all levels, from Level 2 through to A Level, Foundation Studies and BA (Hons). As well as an extensive teaching and curriculum development background, Vaseema has over 15 years experience as a manager in Creative and Performing Arts education. Before joining BIMM she was Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning, at City College, Brighton and Hove. This role gave her the opportunity to work closely with BIMM’s four Directors in setting up the college and with all of BIMM’s key strategic partners in Sussex. These include: University of Sussex, City College, Central Sussex College and the Learning and Skills Council. Vaseema is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of the student creative and academic experience at BIMM is second to none and this year will be focusing on staff development for all our tutors and on developing our tutorial programme.

		Adam Bushell - Head of Further Education and Tutor Leader As Tutor Leader at BIMM, it’s Adam’s job to ensure all Heads of Department and tutors are supported and encouraged to deliver the BIMM curriculum to the highest possible standards. As Head of Further Education, Adam oversees all aspects of Performance, Songwriting and Live Sound and Tour Management courses to ensure the curriculum is current, cutting-edge and delivered in the most effective way. Adam is also a member of the Drum Department and has been with BIMM since its inception in 2002. He was responsible for writing much of the drum-specific syllabus at both FE and HE levels. Having played drums for over 20 years, in that time he’s privileged to have played , recorded and toured with such artists as Sheryl Crow, Faithless, Celtus, Sam Brown, Braund Reynolds, Public Symphony, Richie Kotzen and Phil Hilborne. He is also a regular contributor to Rhythm magazine, gigs regularly with various artists and on West End shows, and runs his own home studio.

		Mark Irwin - Head of Higher Education Mark has over 18 years experience as a Freelance Sound Engineer and Producer, working across all areas of the discipline from live and broadcast audio to studio and post-production projects. He cut his teeth ’on the road’, firstly, as an audio engineer then later as a partner at Scan PA Hire Ltd. During this period he also worked as a freelance engineer on many worldwide concert tours. In the early 1990’s, Mark began a seven year stint as Managing Director of West London’s Straylight Studios, working with record companies such as Creation, Sony, Chrysalis, Polygram and EMI. Since 1998 Mark has been closely involved with the development and delivery of a BA (Hons) Music Technology, developed and led one of the first Foundation Degrees in Music/Multimedia Technology and more recently led the development and successful launch of an MA in Audio Technology for the London College of Music at Thames Valley University (TVU). Mark was selected as TVU’s ’Rising Star’ in the 2004 National Teaching Fellowship awards. Mark is an active researcher and was part of the team that developed the ’Art of Record Production’ international conference. He has also worked closely with the Centre for the History of Analysis of Recorded Music and in 2007 he was awarded the title of Visiting Research Fellow at the London College of Music.

		Jon Stewart - Head of Business Studies & Senior Academic Lecturer Jon was the lead guitarist and songwriter for 90’s Brit-Pop stars Sleeper, enjoying 3 UK Top 5 Albums and 9 UK Top 40 singles. Jon has also written and recorded with artists such as KD Lang and Mel C, and has played sessions for multi-hit record producers Stephen Street (Blur) and Damian Le Gassick (Madonna). Jon writes a long-running column on the music business for Guitarist magazine, and also works as a music supervisor for film and TV projects. At BIMM Jon is Head of Music Business Studies/Senior Academic Lecturer and is available for one to one tutorials.

		Tony Shepherd - Fd(A) Year 1 Course Leader Tony is a professional drummer, percussionist and keyboard player. His work includes performances with Oasis (BBC TV’s ’Later With Jools Holland’), Ronnie Scott’s with Boo Hewerdine, South Bank Centre as part of ’The Song’s the Thing’ - PRS Songwriting week 2002. He achieved worldwide record sales of 200,000 as a songwriter and performing member of The Bible. His experience includes co-writing, recording and promoting three major label albums, review writing for the music press, session work and extensive TV, radio and live appearances in the UK and abroad. He co-wrote the songs ’Glorybound’, to which a chapter of Nick Hornby’s recent book ’31 Songs’ is devoted, and ’Honey Be Good’ which is featured in the film ’Fever Pitch’.

		Heidi Berry - Fd(A) Year 2 Course Leader As Course Leader for BIMM’s Foundation Degree, Heidi Berry brings with her an impressive background as a solo recording artist and also in music education. As a singer-songwriter she released six albums including an anthology on ultra-hip labels Creation (Oasis, My Bloody Valentine) and 4AD (Pixies, Throwing Muses). Ivo Watts-Russell (founder of 4AD) said of her, “Out of all the records we released on 4AD, Heidi’s are some of the most important”. Tours include Tori Amos, Primal Scream, and Everything But The Girl. Television soundtracks include Dawson’s Creek, Baywatch, and various BBC documentaries. She has over 10 years’ teaching experience and since joining BIMM in 2003 has taught extensively across the school at all levels, mainly concentrating on songwriting and live performance.

		Scott McGill - BA (Hons) Course Leader Proclaimed "The Thinking Man’s Yngwie Malmsteen" by celebrated jazz and fusion author/critic Bill Milkowski, Scott McGill has been playing guitar for over 28 years. His career started at 19 years old as lead guitarist for RCA recording artist Robert Hazard (“Girls Just Want To Have Fun”). His formal training includes a B.M. in Jazz Performance/Composition from Temple University and ten years of study with legendary composer/theorist Dennis Sandole (teacher of John Coltrane and Pat Martino among others). He then went on to win critical acclaim in progressive rock circles and the mainstream press (Guitar World, Keyboard, Guitar Player) as a leader of prog rock/fusion bands The Hand Farm and Finneus Gauge. As a solo artist Scott has led, recorded, and toured in bands featuring legendary bassist Michael Manring, keyboardist Jordan Rudess (Dream Theatre) and iconic bassist Percy Jones (Brand X) as well as Grammy Winning producers Neil Kernon and David Torn. As a teacher Scott was Senior Lecturer of Jazz Guitar at The University of The Arts in Philadelphia U.S.A. and continues to earn critical praise for his playing and music. Scott is excited about his first year at BIMM as Course Leader for the BA and looks forward to making a positive contribution to the institute.

		Claire Gardner - Financial Controller Claire is BIMM’s financial controller, dealing with student funding and payments and ensuring the smooth running of the college’s finances. Claire is an experienced accountant and has expertise in financial planning and management gained through many years of working for financial institutions in London. Claire has a keen interest in music and all related art fields. If you have any financial queries she will be happy to help.

		Angelique Smith - Head of Quality and Student Support Angelique spent four years studying Fashion Promotion and Communication at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London and went on to work with several glossy magazines. She then fell into the music business through styling so has experience of some of the highs of the industry. Angelique also has a strong educational administrative background. She has two main roles at BIMM: STUDENT SUPPORT - As well as delivering pastoral tutorials and monitoring learning support Angelique will maintain records of all student tutorials and assessments and ensure that student files are up-to-date. Angelique will also monitor the attendance of students in receipt of EMA payments. QUALITY - Angelique will be managing the register system and will track attendance and lateness. She will also be responsible for collecting data on our retention and achievement for each area as we aim to improve these vital quality indicators.

		Sam Steedman - Head of Recruitment and Admissions Sam has a musical background in performance, production, composition and education. In 1996 Sam studied at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts under the guidance of veteran New Zealand percussionist Frank Gibson Jnr. He has written, recorded, produced, performed and toured in a variety of independent music acts over the past 17 years. In contrast Sam also has a strong and active academic background. He holds both a Bachelors Degree (with Distinction) and Masters Degree from RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia) where he was studying the changes in the Australian Music Value Chains. Sam has also worked in a variety of music schools, organisations and performances with acts such as Australian artist Leon Ewing and Brighton based group Furneaux (2008).

		Mark Clayden - College Manager Bristol/Special Events Mark is the founding member and bass player of Pitchshifter and supergroup This Is Menace. Over the past 19 years Mark has toured 25 countries at stadium level and released eleven albums across seven labels (including Geffen, MCA and Sanctuary). Pitchshifter are a mainstay in the UK music scene and have placed their music in TV, video games and Hollywood movies. Mark has toured with Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Deftones, Incubus and Lost Prophets. Mark is a regular columnist for Total Guitar Magazine. Academically Mark holds a Master of Arts and Cert Ed qualifications. He delivers guest lectures in Music Business Studies and is available for tutorials in our Bristol branch.

		Wendy Law - Head of Events & External Liaison Wendy has worked exclusively in the music industry since she was 16 years old. She has worked in various major record companies including BMG/RCA, Universal/MCA, Universal/Island and Warner Music. She has also worked on the management side with bands like Massive Attack and at Live Nation, organising some of the biggest shows in the world, with some of the world’s biggest artists. As BIMM’s Head of Events & External Liaison, she is responsible for arranging BIMM’s internal gigs, from the Sussex Arts Club, to the Concorde 2 and even graduation! You will need to keep Wendy informed of your gigs and releases, as she will look at innovative ways to promote you. Wendy will also be booking music industry masterclasses and guests, so you can learn from the best! Keep in touch with Wendy, tell her about your gigs and music - she will include some of the success stories on the BIMM website.

		Karl Middleton - Head of Estates Karl is a founding member and front-man of critically acclaimed metal band EARTHTONE9. They released three albums and toured extensively sharing bills with the likes of Fear Factory, Soulfly, A Perfect Circle, Pitchshifter, One Minute Silence, Lost Prophets, Hundred Reasons and Glassjaw. Karl is responsible for all aspects of estates management. He oversees the quality and safety of the college environment. His main roles include: preparation of the teaching and learning environment and all associated equipment; health and safety compliance and training; monitoring security and general maintenance of both sites; planning and overseeing of internal and external events and the monitoring / managing of student behaviour.

		Mel Thomas - Head of Work Based Learning With over 7 years spent in-house at major labels, Mel launched the band All Saints at London Records and managed their PR for 3 years before moving to BMG to work with Simon Cowell on Five and other major pop acts. After 2 years as Head of Press at Way to Blue (the UK’s leading music, film and game online PR company) working with the likes of Travis, Badly Drawn Boy, Basement Jaxx and The Streets Mel moved to Brighton and set up Stay Gold PR. She spent more time working with rock acts, consulting to BMG on Avril Lavigne and Pink (in 04) and music events such as Great Escape and Guilfest. Mel teaches business to BIMM Foundation Degree students and is a huge fan of rock music! The role of Head of Work Based Learning sees Mel use her industry contacts to generate work experience opportunities for students at BIMM.

		Loraine Pearson - PA to the Principal & Office Manager Loraine is responsible for the administration of the FE provision. Her duties include responsibility for the administration of all students academic and financial records, maintaining good communications with partner colleges and local government offices on funding issues and changes to learner agreements. She also works very closely with the Principal as her P.A and Loraine has been a part of the team since BIMM began in 2002.

		Bruce Dickinson - Director / Guitar Player As lead guitarist and writer with Little Angels, Bruce achieved 11 Top 40 hit singles and a No 1 album. He has vast experience as a musician being signed to Polydor Records, Polygram Publishing and Sony/ATV Publishing. Little Angels toured stadiums with international acts including Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, Guns ’n’ Roses and Van Halen. Bruce has also co-writing credits with multi-platinum songwriter Jim Vallance and vast studio recording experience with multi-platinum selling producers including Mike Fraser, Bob Clearmountain and Steve Harris. Bruce has an MA in Education Management from Middlesex University. Publications include monthly columns in ’Guitarist’, ’Total Guitar’, ’The Band Magazine’ and ’Running a band as a Business’ ( PC Publishing).

		Sarah Clayman - Director / Artist Manager Sarah comes from a music business background and began her career working in live music and touring for BCC Concert Promoters and Apollo Leisure. She then worked in New York for 2 years at a management company working for Zhane, D-Influence, and No. 1 dance music act Livin’ Joy. She subsequently returned to the UK to work in the International Department at Sony Music, and become responsible for artist careers outside of the UK. Some of the acts included Leftfield, Roachford, B*witched, Kula Shaker, Grooverider and Dana International. In 1998 Sarah became a partner in Major Minor Management and Music Ltd and worked alongside Kevin Nixon managing careers for Kirsty MacColl, Straw, Helen Boulding, The Jeevas and producers Mark ’Duck’ Blackwell and Steve Harris. Sarah Clayman and Kevin Nixon also set up an independent record label with Crispian Mills and very successfully launched The Jeevas career internationally selling over 150,000 records in 2 years. At BIMM, Sarah is responsible for financing, press and PR, and any marketing and design aspects of the college, as well as developing new record label South Coast Sounds.

		Kevin Nixon - Director / Artist Manager Kevin has spent his entire career in the music business spanning over 30 years. As an artist he was signed to EMI and RCA, 8 years as a Record Producer having hits with Alex Harvey, UK Subs and Patrick Hernandez. Significantly in 1987 Kevin closed his independent label Powerstation to become manager of Little Angels (featuring one Bruce Dickinson on guitar!) and has continued to manage artists ever since. These have included Francis Dunnery, Kula Shaker (2 million albums worldwide) and Kirsty MacColl (Gold album in UK and Europe). Kevin also spent 2 years as A&R Director for V2 Records from 1999 to 2001, before becoming a founder member of BIMM. Kevin has worked directly with artists including U2, Robert Plant, Dave Matthews Band, Bryan Adams, Pete Townsend and The Stereophonics, as well as producers such as George Martin, Rick Ruben, Bob Clearmountain and Peter Collins. Kevin now contributes his songwriting experience to Acoustic Magazine.

		Neil Kingsbury - Facilities Manager Neil is a guitarist and BIMM Higher Diploma graduate. He has been performing and recording in bands since the age of 15. In that time he has also been a venue promoter, guitar tech and has considerable experience in music retail so can give advice on buying equipment. He currently plays and writes with Brighton based DIY epic! Hardcore/Post Rock band Fall of Efrafa, who have Four records under their belts, played festivals and toured in Europe and USA. Neil is based at BIMM East as Facilities Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the building.

		Marie-Clare Price - Higher Education Administrator Marie-Clare is responsible for all Higher Education administration and student support at BIMM. This includes various aspects such as monitoring attendance, coursework submission and support liaison for the University of Sussex. Marie-Clare moved into the Brighton area having completed a degree in Film Studies. During her degree she focused on screen writing and was involved in many a film production, so having come from a creative academic background herself, she can appreciate the environment at BIMM and is keen to help out in any way that she can.