Music academy branches into USA

Amelle Berrabah (centre) attended the academy

A UK music academy, which was attended by Sugababes star Amelle Berrabah, is taking its brand to the United States.

The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford is setting up a sister academy at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO).

And it hopes to open further academies across the US.

ACM offers degree courses and higher and BTec diplomas in guitar, vocals, bass, drums, music production, creative sound design and music business.

It was founded 15 years ago with an award of £1,500 from the Prince's Trust.

It was set up with the specific aim of linking industry and education under the same roof and has a business development team which actively seeks out opportunities for students.

For example, recording companies are regularly invited to the academy to give students' a chance to demonstrate their skills.

Now ACM hopes this hands-on approach to music education will prove successful elsewhere.

The ACM at UCO, based in the Bricktown area of Oklahoma city, will take its first group of students in September 2009.

The opening of the new academy will give students and tutors in the UK and the USA the chance to take part in exchanges.

'Unique partnership'

Founder and director of ACM Phil Brookes said: "We are delighted to be working with UCO, to bring ACM's unique brand of music industry education to America.

"Everyone at ACM is looking forward to a great partnership and future with UCO, training tomorrow's musicians, producers and music business leaders."

President of UCO Roger Webb said: "This is one of the most exciting and creative ventures I've been involved with in many years in higher education.

"Through this unique partnership with the ACM, UCO will provide an opportunity for students to receive hands-on learning about everything they need to know to succeed in the music industry."

ACM has 1,200 students at its Guildford site.