The Academy was founded in 1994, initially offering Guitar & Bass lessons together with Sound Engineering & Music Technology in its commercial recording studios. Soon, it became apparent that there was a real need for up-to-date music tuition, covering a variety of modern styles, with lessons that were organised, professionally-written and taught by experienced working musicians, but delivered locally.

The teaching of contemporary music dramatically changed throughout the 1990's, and a handful of specialist 'rock & popular music' colleges evolved in and around the London area. They went on to offer professional training up to degree level: indeed our Academy Director Shaun Baxter was a Founder Member of the very first school of this kind, The Guitar Institute (est. 1986).

Many students do not want to relocate to study on their instrument, or pay large tuition fees and living expenses: leaving their established bands or work. The impracticalities of relocating makes many musicians feeling that they are unable to 'chase the dream' because of family commitments. The Academy has chosen to focus on more regional centres, and has created partnerships with music studios and colleges throughout the country. The response has been fantastic and, by 2001, The Academy opened the doors to its flagship Birmingham centre and, in doing so, set the wheels in motion for what is now the UK's only national network of instrument-specific music and technology courses.

You may be asking yourself "What makes The Academy different than studying music at any local college?" The answer is simple. At the Academy, all our students study instrument-specific lessons with experienced tutors who are also working musicians (which means, if you’re a drummer, most of your lessons will be on drums). All of our lessons have been planned and written by some of the UK's leading session musicians and teachers. The Academy centres are fully-equipped with the latest gear supplied through sponsorship by our industry partners Yamaha, Peavey and Sound Control. During our ‘Activities Week’ each term, students also attend master-class sessions with renowned musicians.

We continue to apply the same principles today that we did when the Academy was founded:

• Top quality tuition by world-class experienced musicians & teachers
• Great surroundings and well-equipped studios
• Regional locations for our students
• A commitment to exemplary pastoral care of all students studying with us

All we ask is that, regardless of age; ability or background, students bring with them an enthusiasm and commitment to learn and practise.