cameronspencermusic
(Somerset)
Wednesday 21 Dec 2016, 8:46pm
I'm not sure I completely agree about the tutors not being successful enough thus having to teach to make a living. One of the tutors who taught me is now playing with Soul II Soul and many of them still do some high profile gigs when they don't teach.
I've just graduated from the ACM - I did the Keys Professional Performance degree and got a 2:1.
It actually taught me quite a lot about how to get on with musicians, how the industry works, what you need to do to succeed and what NOT to do. I've also become a better player and learnt more about chord progressions, soloing, playing tastefully in different contexts (really important!) and how to 'jam' and 'feel the music'. My production skills have also improved and I've made some good friends.
Some contacts there are useful to have and as an alumni I still get a level of support from some of the tutors. I don't live in Guildford anymore but if I did, I could still attend masterclasses, workshops and have rehearsal room access (so long as a current student books it on my behalf). As I am now back in Somerset, I do feel like I need to do a lot on my own and work my way up but I guess that's part of life. Just because I've been to uni doesn't guarantee anything.
There's now an ACM in Clapham but I don't know much about it. I'd check it out though if I were you.
Masterclasses can be inspiring and you get the opportunity to jam with people, do things out of your comfort zone, play with people from different backgrounds, live independently for a couple of years and get a degree. Just be aware that you need to follow things up with people organising gigs and such. Communication is key!
Some people won't care too much about a degree but if I wanted to do a masters one day, join a cruise company (which I do!), do an internship, join a management/production company, do music therapy/community work/youth club work, high level teaching or shadow someone, it can be useful for sure.
At the end of the day, it's up to you. Some people find colleges/unis more useful than others and you still have to learn a lot on your own. I would recommend asking some alumni (can find many on Facebook or on various websites like LinkedIn or Meet and Jam).
If you don't mind having to pay back the loans or having lectures scattered around a bit (also, organisation isn't always the best), then go for it.