Metropolis Studios launches new Academy Programme

Iconic West London recording facility Metropolis Studios has announced the launch of a brand new Academy Programme, with a host of experienced industry professionals set to lead its courses, alongside an array of special guest speakers.

As one of the most successful independent recording facilities in Europe, Metropolis Studios has hosted sessions for a number of international stars, with The Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Madonna, Kylie, The Rolling Stones, Usher, The Clash, Rihanna and Michael Jackson among its client list.

The launch of Metropolis’ new Academy Programme, which is overseen by an Advisory Faculty of Music Professionals, is designed to provide aspiring producers an exclusive insight into the music industry via its professional development programme. Courses will be led by a selection of highly experienced industry experts, with a number of special guest speakers dropping in to speak to students about their work in the industry.

The Academy Programme will launch in October 2012 with two courses:

Mastering the Art of Music Production
Led by Marc Fox, students will learn how music production works, how to balance technical expertise with artistic sensibilities, the crucial role of organisation to a producer and how recording really works in a world-class studio.

An Introduction to the Music Business
Led by Ian Ramage, the course covers scouting for new talent, the role of management, how to market artists in a digital age, the new structure of record labels, music publishing and the live sector.

Metropolis Academy Spokesmen and Guest Lecturers:

Ian Brenchley – managing director of Metropolis and has worked for Virgin, EMI and Universal, as well as artists such as The Killers, Massive Attack, The Rolling Stones, The Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna.

Ian Ramage – has worked in the industry for over 25 years at some of its most prestigious companies; Sony, EMI and BMG, and with artists such as Coldplay, Keane and Pink Floyd.

Marc Fox – founder member of Haircut 100 whose album Pelican West sold over two million records. Covering numerous roles from session percussionist and arranger to A&R consultant, Fox has worked with artists such as Depeche Mode, Tina Turner, Girls Aloud and Paul McCartney, and works regularly on productions with Endemol, Sky and TigerAspect.

Fraser Kennedy – has been a producer for many years and worked on a number of prestigious records and shows, including Live at Abbey Road, a 12 part series showcasing international artists performing from a studio.

Commenting on the Metropolis Academy, Brenchley stated: “The Academy is a natural evolution of our business and is an opportunity for us to pass on the vast knowledge and experience our world class engineers have built up over the years.”

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