Swindon Academy launches apprenticeship scheme for youngsters entering music biz
5:29pm Tuesday 10th January 2012 in Music
Swindon Academy launches apprenticeship scheme for youngsters entering music biz
A Swindon Academy is hoping its new apprenticeship scheme will launch more careers in the music industry, following the runaway success of former student Josh Kumra who shot to number one in the UK charts.
The Swindon Academy of Music and Sound has teamed up with Daylight Music Productions and the National Skills Academy to offer 20 places on a six month course to learn inside knowledge into the music business.
Steve Leigh, manager of the Swindon academy, said: “In essence we are teaching young people how to become A and R men, how to go out and about and recognise talent, how to promote music through social networks, marketing and producing promotional packages. The candidates will be taught by a professional mentor who will be employed by DMP, which is a recognised national label with experience in apprenticeships.’’ The Artic Monkeys and Lily Allen marketed themselves through social networks and they became huge stars so the academy’s scheme will give the chosen candidates vital knowledge of how to build their careers.
Along with the hands on industry mentoring, the successful apprentices will receive indepth training from Sam Lawson, an experienced teacher at the academy.
Steve said: “We had Josh with us for two years and helped him focus on his music. He got his record deal on his own but we helped him along the way and we would like to find more Josh Kumras.’’ But he stresses that the apprenticeship is not a performance course, it is for young people aged between 16 and 18 years who have a burning ambition to work in the music industry as talent scouts, or in the marketing arena or possibly as a music lawyer.
The academy already offers music diplomas, foundation courses and now a full Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music so the apprenticeship scheme is something completely new.
Steve said that the course is open to everyone, including musicians who want to set up their own business.
“But they have to be committed to making a go of it. There are limited places and we want people who are focussed on a career after the apprenticeship. We don’t guarantee a job but if they do well it is possible that DMP would take them on permanently but they would have to prove their worth.’’ said Steve.
There will be presentation and audition days throughout January starting during the week of January 16 at the academy in the Bentley Centre, Stratton Road. Email Steve at steve.leigh@academyofmusic.ac.uk to book a place at the presentations.
