New Apprenticeships opportunities
Access to Music is pleased to announce that we have a limited number of Freelance Music Apprenticeship opportunities for people aged 16+ looking to set up their own music business. Apply now to start in September 2010. >> More info

Apprentice secures grant for music business
Pascal Wray was determined to become self-employed by the end of the Apprenticeship, he put his musical skills into action and decided to set up workshops teaching music production. With guidance and support from Apprenticeship mentors and other organisations including Changemakers, he submitted his business plan to Unltd, a charity which supports social entrepreneurs. His ideas grabbed their attention and the project has been awarded £2,000! The workshops will take place in All Saints Youth Centre in Birmingham.

As well as his shining entrepreneurial skills Pascal is also a budding DJ and has secured himself DJ slots on some of the biggest club nights in Birmingham including, “Goonies” at the Rainbow with Roll Deep and Silent Disco.

Success for Vocal Workshop Business
Starting a workshop business wasn’t something Suriya Rahman had ever considered until she started her Apprenticeship at Access to Music Birmingham. Aimed at young girls aged between 7 and 16, the workshops not only develop vocal skills but also deal with anxiety and shyness building self-confidence and self-esteem through performance.

Suriya said ‘The workshops give the girls a new insight into music and allows them to be more creative… it has helped me personally too, developing my teaching skills- the one thing I was nervous about!” Suriya has just accepted a place at Access to Music partner centre- the Royal Northern College of Music. She will continue her studies and help more young females with her vocal workshop business.

Club Atom & Dubmatic join forces
DJ's and MC's from the Birmingham Digital Musician course performed at Club Atom vs Dubmatic at the Rainbow's purpose built Cellar. DJ's Romantico, Pogman, Pascal Wray and Pedro performed alongside Black Market’s Dub Step supremo DJ Youngsta in what proved to be a cracking night that attracted over 200 people. Club Atom & Dubmatic are currently discussing further dates; this looks set to be an exciting, new working relationship between the 2 promoters.

Touring Tales from Bella Diem
After a musical whirlwind across the UK on the Atom Live Tour, 5-piece outfit Bella Diem, from Birmingham, are back on home ground. The students won the touring opportunity after auditioning at the Atom Live Convention, in March. They hit the road in May for the second leg of the national Atom Live tour. I caught up with Bella Diem’s drummer, James Bird, to find out how they enjoyed life on the road. Read More >>

Mr Hudson visits Apprentices
Apprentices at the Birmingham centre were recently visited by British artist Mr Hudson. Signed to Kanye West’s record label G.O.O.D Music, Hudson chatted to Apprentices about his experiences of the music industry, including his work with top acts including Dizzee Rascal, N-Dubz and Tinie Tempah.