THE BIMM players

Mark Clayden - College Manager Bristol Based at Bristol

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 & 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 & Lost Prophets. Mark is a regular columnist for Total Guitar Magazine. Academically Mark holds a Master Of Arts and Cert Ed qualifications. Mark delivers guest lectures in Music Business Studies and is available for tutorials.
Website: http://www.pitchshifter.com/

Vaseema Hamilton (MA) - Principal Based at Brighton

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 Based at Brighton

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 Based at Brighton

With 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. Mark 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 Lecture Based at Brighton

Jon is a 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.

Claire Gardner - Financial Controller Based at Brighton

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 moved to Brighton shortly before joining BIMM and enjoys the relaxed atmosphere that Brighton has to offer and the more interesting direction her career has taken. If you have any financial queries she will be happy to help.

Angelique Smith - Head of Student Support and Quality & Office Manager Based at Brighton

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.

Wendy Law - Head of Events & External Liaison Based at Brighton

Wendy has worked in the music industry for a number of years. 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 worlds 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 amd even graduation! You will need to keep Wendy informed of your gig and releases - as she will look at innovative ways to promote your bands and gigs. 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 this website www.bimm.co.uk.

Gill Sargent - Education Manager Based at Bristol

Gill has worked as a music practitioner and audio technologist for the past twenty years. She has extensive experience as a trainer and educator for both academic institutions and community based projects. Gill has enormous energy and passion for music and this is evident in the vast array of freelance work of which a selection includes; Production Manager for a range of community music festivals Artist Liaison for the Jazz One World Stage Glastonbury Festival and a variety of sound design projects. Currently she also works for Edexcel as an external verifier for both level 2 and 3 music programmes. Gill has over twelve years teaching experience from Level 2, National Diploma, Foundation Degree and BA Hons and for the past three years she has been assessed as a grade one teacher. Gill’s role is to lead the Heads of Department and Tutors and to ensure that all aspects of curriculum delivery are of the highest standard.

Simon Strange - Course Leader Professional Diploma Based at Bristol

Simon has wide ranging experience of many areas of the music industry. He has played 100’s of gigs all over Europe in a variety of styles from Latin to punk. He has also worked as house studio engineer in studios mainly in Glasgow and Paris before becoming a specialist in HiTech retail and studio installations. Simon has worked in music education for the last 10 years running music courses in local communities, schools and colleges. He comes to BIMM having been the Head of Music at City of Bath College. As course leader for the Professional Diploma he will be available for tutorials and to help in the career development of all students.

Mel Thomas - Head of Work Based Learning Based at Brighton

With over 7 years spent in house at major labels, Mel launched the band All Saints at London Records 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, spending more time working with rock acts, consulting to BMG on Avril Lavigne and Pink (in 04) and music events Great Escape and Guilfest in 06. Mel teaches business to BIMM Professional Diploma (Level 5) and Foundation Degree 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 & Tutor Administrator Based at Brighton

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. Loraine coordinates the Buildings & Facilities management, liaising with the school manager on classroom set up, health & safety, student welfare issues, accommodation etc.

Bruce Dickinson - Education Director Based at Brighton

As guitarist with Polydor 90’s stars Little Angels, Bruce achieved 11 top 40 hits and a number 1 album and has toured the world with some of the biggest bands in history including: Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, ACDC, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Aerosmith. Bruce has contributed to Guitarist and Total Guitar magazine and is co-author of the book “Running A Band As A Business”. He also has an MA in Education Management. Bruce is available to discuss touring, magazine columns, and guitar technique. The son of a Music teacher and Headmaster, before setting up BIMM with Kevin and Sarah, Bruce was General Manager at Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) from 1996 to 2001. At BIMM Bruce is primarily responsible for the Course Contents and for companies partnerships which include University of Sussex and Bath Spa University.

Sarah Clayman - Commercial Director Based at Brighton

Sarah has spent her whole working career in the music industry working first for BCC Concerts where she worked with acts such as Michael Jackson, Neil Diamond and Prince. After a year working in New York in Artist Management, Sarah joined Sony Music UK, where she worked as International Promotions Director and on a worldwide basis with artists including Leftfield, Roachford, Kula Shaker, and Grooverider. In 1999 Sarah returned to artist management joining Kevin and together they managed Kirsty MacColl, Subcircus, Younger Younger 28’s, Straw and The Jeevas. Sarah is responsible for BIMM’s Finance, Marketing, Branding and Press at BIMM.

Kevin Nixon - Business and Creative Director Based at Brighton

Kevin has spent his entire career in the Music Business spanning some 35 years. As an artist and songwriter he was signed to EMI and RCA, as well as 8 years as a full time Record Producer. In 1987 Kevin closed his independent label Powerstation to become the manager of Little Angels (featuring 18 year old Bruce Dickinson) and managed major label artists until 2001. Some of these have included Kula Shaker (2 million albums worldwide and Brit Winners) and Kirsty MacColl (Gold album in UK & Europe). Kevin also spent 2 years as A&R Director for Richard Bransons V2 Records before setting up BIMM in 2001. Kevin has had some 32 hit records including 2 number one albums and has worked directly with artists including Robert Plant, Bryan Adams, Pete Townsend, The Stereophonics, as well as producers such as Rick Ruben, Bob Clearmountain and Peter Collins. At BIMM Kevin handles Business Strategy, Property, Legal matters as well as the companies A&R Policies.

Adam Tucker - Facilities Manager Based at Bristol

Adam was a founding member and bass player of the Veils. Signing first with Warners UK and later to the legendary Rough Trade Records, Adam has recorded at some of the UK’s top studios from Abbey Road and RAK in London with guitar God Bernard Butler producing, to Parr Street Studios in Liverpool with Coldplay producer Ken Nelson at the helm. Adam has also toured the world extensively, gigging in 18 countries from the US to Japan and everywhere in between, performing alongside bands such as the Cooper Temple Clause, Suede, Delays, Morrisey and Muse to name but a few. Adam is around all the time, so you can chat to him about rehearsing, setting up a new band, bass playing and coping with jet lag!

Josie Blacknell - Head of Admissions Based at Brighton

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 Based at Brighton

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 on the bass degree. In addition to his bass skills, 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.

Paul Hannon - Gig Prep and A&R Coordinator Based at Brighton

Paul is a graduate of BIMM, and as a multi-instrumentalist who is passionate about music and performance will be involved in the Gig Prep and A&R Department. He has extensive experience of being on stage playing music in a variety of styles, everything from playing along to backing tracks with B’Witched to playing with some of the country’s top tribute bands to acts such as Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin and Red Hot Chili Peppers to name a few. His strengths lie in the performance of Rock music, but he has also played at home and abroad with some of the country’s busiest function bands. His experience and knowledge of which will serve the students of BIMM very well.

Anna Marks - Quality and Student Support Manager Based at Bristol

Anna was a core member of Sheffield based glam-shanty super-group The Barnacles for two years. She now plays melodia and synth in Bristol based Daddy Long Bones. Anna has two main roles at BIMM: QUALITY - Anna will be managing the register system and will be tracking 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. STUDENT SUPPORT - As well as delivering pastoral tutorials and monitoring learning support Anna will maintain records of all student tutorials and assessments and ensure that student files are up-to-date.

Jo Partridge - HE Administrator Based at Brighton

Jo 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. Jo has a degree in drama and an established career in the arts and education sector. She has worked for a number of performing arts companies including Grange Park, Pimlico Opera, The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, Glyndebourne Festival and Tour. Her passion for modern music and art related fields means she can understand and appreciate the environment at BIMM.



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