THE BIMM players

		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 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 - 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 Senior Academic Lecturer and is available for one to one tutorials.

		Tony Shepherd - Fd(A) 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’.

		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.

		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.

		Mel Thornton - Head of Work Based Learning Mel’s role as Head of Work Based Learning see’s her using contacts generated from over 13 years experience in the industry to generate work placements and work based learning opportunities for students at BIMM. Mel is available for tutorials for students of all courses at BIMM to discuss career planning, developing a CV or gaining entry into the music industry. Mel is also a useful contact for students looking to gain exposure for their music in the media as she is a specialist in PR. Mel worked with the band All Saints and managed their PR for three years before moving to BMG to work with Simon Cowell on Five and other major pop acts. After 2 years at Way To Blue, the UK’s leading music, film and game online PR company as Head of Press (Travis, Badly Drawn Boy, Basement Jaxx, The Streets) Mel moved to Brighton and set up Stay Gold PR, developing rock acts, consulting to BMG on Avril Lavigne and Pink (in 04) acting as publicist for Guilfest in 06 and managing the PR campaign for the first ever Great Escape festival in Brighton before joining BIMM as a full time member of staff.

		Angelique Smith - Head of Quality and Student Support and Office Manager 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.

		Josie Blacknell - Head of Admissions Josie is the first point of call for any applicants wishing to apply to BIMM Brighton or BIMM Bristol. Her main role is to ensure that applicants are booked in for assessments promptly and support them in all aspects of their application. She is able to help with any questions relating to the admission processes; how to apply, course details, UCAS applications, costs, accommodation and open day information. Josie is qualified in Special Effect and Theatrical Make-Up, achieving A Levels at Sussex Downs College. Josie has a love for all kinds of music, especially progressive/post rock, blues, electronica and drum and bass.

		Anthony Giles - Head of Recruitment Anthony was one of BIMM’s very first BA (Hons) graduates and has been a much sought after bassist for many bands and projects across the UK since completing his studies. In addition to his bass playing, he is also the vocalist for Brighton based hardcore outfit Here There Be Monsters. As a bass player and vocalist he has toured the UK and Europe extensively and has shared stages with the Lost Prophets, Raging Speedhorn, Sikth, Reuben, Linea 77 and Mark B and Blade to name but a few. He is also a keen music journalist, most recently contributing reviews to TUNED magazine. Anthony now brings his enthusiasm and passion for music to the BIMM Admissions and Recruitment team and is here to inspire and help musicians progress in their musical careers.

		Kathryn Craddock - Head of Creative and Music Industry Kathryn has spent the last 15 years working within major record labels in the UK; firstly for EMI Records in press, followed by Chrysalis Records in A&R and for 10 years as a Senior Marketing Manager at Sony Music. Kathryn has worked on million selling album campaigns and her artists included Jamiroquai, The Coral, Reef, Toploader, Hope Of The States and The Zutons. Her role as Head of Creative and Music Industry includes the running of BIMM’s independent record label South Coast Sounds, as well as marketing and overseeing the Events and Guests team, press and the A&R and audition updates for the music industry.

		Wendy Law - Head of Events & Guests 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 & Guests, she is responsible for arranging BIMM’s internal live gigs, as well as Graduation and Induction events. Wendy also books music industry masterclasses and guests, so you can learn from the best!

		Fraser Kennedy - Artist Development Consultant Spending decades in the Music industry, Fraser has worked in many varied roles including Director of Artist Development at East West Records and General Manager at Island Records. He has worked as Music Supervisor on 26 feature films, produced every Concert at The Monteaux Jazz Festival for 18 years and has managed Grammy nominated Record Producers & Songwriters. Current career highlights include his role as Associate Producer on the ‘Live From Abbey Road’ TV series, and he is currently producing Herbie Hancock’s exclusive Bio Documentary. He is also producing a TV documentary celebrating Abbey Road Studios 80 Anniversary, and co-producing Uncle Sam Goes Pop for BBC Radio 2 with Steve Levine. Fraser has a great wealth of Music & Film knowledge together with an intuitive understanding of artists and the creative process, which he is now sharing with BIMM musicians, apprentices and professionals across all campuses.

		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.

		Adam Carswell - Finance Director Adam Carswell is Finance Director at BIMM and works across all BIMM Group campuses. He has past experience in Education working specifically in Apprenticeship training for young people. He and the Finance Team are happy to help with any funding, finance or budgeting queries you may have. Adam enjoys live music, so you will frequently see him at BIMM end of term gigs and events.

		Michelle Jay - Financial Controller Michelle is BIMM’s financial controller, ensuring the smooth running of the college’s finances. Michelle has gained her financial experience working within a variety of industries, the most recent being a pub management company. She recently relocated from London and thoroughly enjoys the music culture Brighton has to offer.

		Bobby Lambkin-Williams - Accounts Assistant Bobby is a part-qualified accountant and graduated from the University of Brighton in Accounting and Astrophysics. During his studies Bobby became a popular DJ for University Radio Falmer and spent several years as an indie DJ in London and Brighton. He enjoys playing guitar, martial arts, sailing, and running half marathons!

		Phil Whiting - Accounts Assistant Phil is a member of the accounts department working alongside Michelle Jay and Bobby Lambkin-Williams. He deals with all financial aspects at both Bristol and Brighton campuses. Phil has extensive experience in the financial sector and previous work commitments include, payment and processing company, RR Donnelley. Phil has a keen interest in sport and recently completed the 10K run for cancer research. His love of music and gigging also holds him in good stead with the team at BIMM!

		Loraine Pearson - PA to the Principal & Tutor Administrator 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.