Bristol’s leading music college, Access to Music, is hoping to re-live some of the many high points of its 10 years in the city with some anniversary concerts featuring students and bands, past and present. Two gigs have been announced so far: an acoustic showcase on June 26th  at the Colston Hall and a rock gig on July 9th at the Fleece. ATM is also recruiting the students for the next 10 years and have an open day on Saturday June 21st 10am – midday. So if you are a former student, a future student, or a Bristol gig-goer, read on for further details. 

Bristol's leading music college, Access to Music, is hoping to re-live some of the many high points of its 10 years in the city with some anniversary concerts featuring students and bands, past and present.

From rock to pop to hip hop, Access to Music has been at the helm of musical education in the west for the last decade, arming the artistes of the future with vital skills to get ahead in one of the toughest industries.

Now the college is calling on former students to get their acts together to help celebrate the 10th anniversary. Head John Douglass says:

"We'd love to hear from former students and more importantly hear how they are sounding as musicians, so this is the perfect opportunity to get together for a celebration with music at its heart. It would also be great if some old bands reformed for the night"

"We are proud of what we have achieved in 10 years in Bristol and how integrated we have become into the local scene. We hope former students will rally to support us - it's play back time!"

Two gigs have been announced so far: an acoustic showcase on June 26th at the Colston Hall and a rock gig on July 9th at the Fleece.

ATM is also recruiting the students for the next 10 years and have an open day on Saturday June 21st 10am - midday.

John Douglass is asking for any former students to contact him to chat about the forthcoming gigs on 01275 893075/ 07870 567 631 or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Past Success 

Students from Access to Music have gone on to thrive in music and music-related careers, and the types of students who attend the Hengrove-based college reflects the enormous diversity of the music scene. Some examples include:

• Indie band Grebo who formed in their first week of college and by the end of the year had performed at Reading Festival;
• Percussionist and father-of-four Chip Bailey is currently playing percussion for V2 signings, Duke Special, who have supported Crowded House, Beautiful South, Divine Comedy, Snow Patrol and Van Morrison. Chip attended the Music Educator Course and has recently returned to deliver a workshop - before going back on tour!
• Former student Billy Fuller is now playing with Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant in Strange Sensation
• Mark Cooper's band Self Service were plucked from their second year of study at ATM by song-writing supreme Guy Chambers and recently signed a deal with his record label Sleeper Music. Mark says: "I really enjoyed my time at Access to Music.  The tutors at ATM were really cool and it helped me a lot. Now when I go into the studio I can really hear the improvement in my playing and I think that if I hadn't spent that year at ATM I wouldn't be able to do all this now."
• Former Music Producer student Alex Ross - aka ALX - is currently working on a project with US dance legend Jason Nevins (RUNDMC etc.) and working on commercial tracks with Irish DJ/Producer Jazzi Jay. His tracks have been released on Ministry of Sound compilations
• Former student Matt Otridge may not be making music, but he's making music happen as the co owner & main promoter of The Croft in Bristol which is best described as ‘the Home of Bristol Music' due to its unstinting support of local acts.  
• ATM tutors Sean Snook (a former student) and James Hester are both in the buzz band Malakai, who have just signed a major record deal and are currently on tour supporting Groove Armada and Athlete.

About ATM Studios

ATM Studios Bristol is the largest facility of its kind in the city and has been used by artists such as PJ Harvey and Portishead. There are seven sound-proofed rehearsal rooms; an acoustically-designed live room for quality recording with adjoining control room; three technology suites; dance studio; lecture room and DJ booths.

Through a strong staff team and effective leadership, Bristol has an excellent record of qualification success. Tutors are a mixture of experienced music industry professionals and ex-students who have worked with a bewildering range of musical artists including U2, Peter Gabriel, Tina Turner, James Blunt, Amy Winehouse, Crowded House, Beverly Knight, Swervedriver and Squeeze. In addition, staff have recorded for a range of labels from EMI, RCA and Atlantic to Trigger Records, have performed at major national and international music events and have made numerous TV and radio appearances from Top Of The Pops to the Jools Holland Show.
The centre promotes over 33 live events each year, many of which are organised by the students themselves, culminating in an exciting end-of-year Prom.

The centre has strong community links with schools and local music businesses as well as exposure on BBC TV, guest speakers from international touring bands such as the Scissor Sisters & Robert Plant's Sweet Sensation, and high profile involvement in South West Sound.
ATM Studios Bristol also operates as a professional rehearsal and recording studios in the evenings and at weekends.