ACM x Metropolis

Program Overview

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ACM x Metropolis

Creative Industries Futures

Overview

ACM and Metropolis Studios in London, are proud to announce the creation of their groundbreaking Sound Recording and Engineering course at ACM.

Built from the ground up by Metropolis Studios and their world-class, award-winning engineers the course takes their decades of experience in sound recording and audio engineering and marries it with ACM’s 25 years of teaching excellence.

The result is a Sound Recording and Engineering course that encompasses the science of sound, the technology to capture and record it, as well as how to manipulate and enhance it.

You will study in both ACM’s world leading facilities and the incredible, inspiring real world environment of Metropolis Studios in London.

What You Will Learn

• How to capture vocals, classical, acoustic and full band live performances within professional studio environments
• Acoustic techniques and how to build an environment that perfectly enhances the sound you are trying to capture
• Groundbreaking techniques in Atmos Recording
• Sound Installation design and Studio Building techniques
• Electronics to fix, hack or create hardware
• Recording, Mixing and Mastering from award-winning sound engineers
• Working creatively to realise the aesthetic vision of an artist through studio techniques
• Plus, and only ACM / Metropolis can offer you this, you will learn how to prepare for sessions in a real world professional setting.

Faculty & Visiting Professionals

ACM blends expert tutoring, professional mentorship, and 100 industry-developed modules, ensuring students gain relevant skills and insights for success in the fast-evolving professional world, with personalised 1-to-1 tutorials and practical experiences to prepare for industry careers.

Marwan Elbergamy

• Multi Platinum Producer / Songwriter
• Marwan ‘King Tut’ Elbergamy is a multi-platinum-producer. His expertise spans across various genres including Hip Hop, Indie, Rock, Country, and Pop.
• Marwan boasts an impressive discography featuring renowned artists such as Jessie J, Ella Henderson, Professor Green, Maino, Joel Ortiz, Chip, Nekfeu, Wretch 32, and Dappy, among others.
• His exceptional work has garnered numerous accolades, including Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond plaques from the UK, Europe, and the US. Marwan continues to make significant contributions to the music industry.
• Marwan now heads up Artist Development at Metropolis Blue Rooms.

Richard Connell

• CEO, Metropolis Studios
• Joining Metropolis in 2017 as CEO, Connell has taken charge of Europe’s largest independent recording complex. Immediately, he set about returning the studio to what it does best by concentrating on its core business of recording, mixing, and mastering. This has reaped huge rewards and reminded the music business what Metropolis does best: putting the artist first. Always.
• Prior to joining Metropolis, Connell spent nearly 30 years working in record labels, both independent and major, from a Parts Assistant at Mushroom Records all the way to Chief Marketing Officer of Sony Music and MD of Epic Records and Associated Labels. Working with artists as diverse as Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, Kasabian, Kings of Leon, One Direction, and the Foo Fighters, his career has been hallmarked by a simple, determined focus on bringing the commercial and the creative together.

Paul Norris

• With over 15 years of experience in the recording industry, Paul has worked with a wide range of artists, from up-and-coming indie acts to some of the biggest names in pop, rock and hip-hop.
• Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Little Mix, Lewis Capaldi, Ella Henderson, Kid Cudi, William, Jessie J and many more have trusted Paul to help deliver their artistic vision.
• Since joining Metropolis, Paul has worked on countless albums, singles, and EPs, and has become known for his calm demeanour and ability to bring out the best in each element of a mix, and his commitment to creating a dynamic and cohesive sound.

Joe Brice

• Joe first joined Metropolis in 2018. At first, he was working as a runner whilst finishing his university studies. Joe has found his passion for recording and all things audio at a young age, having trained in drumming and orchestral percussion since he was 8. What better place to start his career than a music studio? Driven, talented and friendly, Joe progressed quickly and started assisting on sessions with the likes of Burna Boy, Stormzy, Wizkid and AJ Tracey.

Course Details

Award

• BA / BSc (Hons) Creative Industries Futures

Awarding Body

• Middlesex University

Modes of Study

• Full time
• Accelerated

What is an accelerated degree?

• In 1999 ACM pioneered the World’s first accelerated degree delivering two 45-week terms that allowed a traditional three-year degree to be delivered across two-years. Over the subsequent 20 years this model has been adopted as the gold standard delivery for two-year degrees, with the government recognising the model developed by ACM in legislation in 2017.
• The accelerated model provides a quicker route to industry by condensing a three-year degree into two years through the addition of an extra third term during the Summer. This means that students study a year and a half’s worth of a degree in a one year time timeframe. This model means that students do not study more intensively during any given weeks of the course, the extra learning takes place during weeks that students would normally be on an extended Summer holiday at a traditional University.
• The accelerated nature of the course does still allow for time off, with seven weeks of the year taken as holiday between terms. This system mirrors the type of holiday periods students are familiar with through their study at School and College. Due to ACM’s industry connections, partnerships and vocational project briefs, students get numerous opportunities to work whilst on programme, even gaining academic credits for their work. This means it is possible to study and build a meaningful CV during your accelerated course, with opportunities to learn and earn whilst on programme.

Study Level(s)

• Degree

Campus Delivery

• London

Duration

• 2 Year accelerated delivery

FHEQ Credits

• Degree 360

UCAS Institution Code

• Institution A48

Interview guide

• View Interview guide

Fees

• View course fees

Ready for ACM or want to learn more?

Complete the form below to register your interest and begin your journey with us.

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Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

ACM and Metropolis Studios in London offer a groundbreaking Sound Recording and Engineering course. Developed by Metropolis Studios' award-winning engineers and incorporating ACM's 25 years of teaching excellence, the course blends the science of sound, recording technology, and sound manipulation/enhancement techniques. Students learn in ACM's facilities and the Metropolis Studios environment. The program aims to equip students with both the technical skills and the "soft skills" needed to excel in the professional music industry, differentiating a "good engineer" from an "exceptional Metropolis Studio engineer." The course is considered the most comprehensive and practical sound and audio engineering program in the UK. The program leads to a BA / BSc (Hons) Creative Industries Futures degree awarded by Middlesex University. It's offered as a full-time, two-year accelerated program.

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Outline:

The curriculum covers:

• Capturing vocals, classical, acoustic, and full band live performances in professional studios.
• Acoustic techniques and environment building to enhance sound.
• Groundbreaking techniques in Atmos Recording.
• Sound installation design and studio building techniques.
• Electronics repair, hacking, and hardware creation.
• Recording, mixing, and mastering taught by award-winning engineers.
• Creative realization of an artist's aesthetic vision through studio techniques.

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Teaching:

The program uses a blend of expert tutoring, professional mentorship, and 100 industry-developed modules. It includes personalized 1-to-1 tutorials and practical experiences. Faculty includes:

• Marwan Elbergamy: Multi-platinum producer/songwriter with experience across various genres and work with artists like Jessie J and Ella Henderson.
He heads Artist Development at Metropolis Blue Rooms.
• Richard Connell: CEO of Metropolis Studios, with nearly 30 years of experience in record labels (including Sony Music and Epic Records), working with artists such as Beyoncé and Bob Dylan.
• Paul Norris: Over 15 years of experience working with artists including Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, and Little Mix.

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Careers:

The program prepares students for careers in sound recording and audio engineering. The specific career paths and opportunities are not explicitly detailed, but the emphasis on both technical and soft skills suggests a wide range of possibilities within the music industry.

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Other:

The accelerated degree program condenses a three-year degree into two years by adding an extra term during the summer. This doesn't increase the intensity of weekly study but utilizes time normally spent on holiday. Students still receive seven weeks of holiday per year. ACM's industry connections provide opportunities for students to work while studying, even earning academic credits for their work.