Access to Music’s music courses are run from Nightfly Studios on the west side of Southend, about ten minutes walk from the town centre. The professional setting of this provision provides a work-related learning environment for students and opportunities to engage in local projects.

The centre features fully-equipped band rehearsal rooms, a digital recording studio, a music technology suite and teaching rooms. Access to Music has been running courses in Southend for a number of years and has built up a strong tutor team led by Gerard Esser and James Tyler, the centre managers.

A strong culture of performance is integral to the centre, which is evident in their band, Shed Boat Shed, reaching the Regional Finals of Atom Live this summer.

Esser’s got the industry in a headlock
Switch on Channel 4 and see Esser as one of the Levi’s One to Watch artists; listen to Radio 1 and he’s being interviewed by Rob Da Bank; go to the Electric Proms and he pops up again! It seems Esser has well and truly got the music industry in a headlock (and that just so happens to be the title of his debut single). He’s signed to Transgressive Records and his current UK tour sees him supporting the likes of Bloc Party and the Kaiser Chiefs. Esser’s (ex BANM/ Southend student Ben Esser) music is poppy and gritty in equal measure; Mike Skinner from the Streets likes it so much he’s asked Esser to remix for him! www.myspace.com/esserhq

Dan tours with Ladyhawke
To promote the release of the self-titled debut album, hot new pop/electro act Ladyhawke is touring the globe, and has enlisted ex Southend student Dan White on guitar! The 19 year old completed the Performing Musician course and was taking a year out when he had the chance to audition for the band. He joined Ladyhawke in 2008 and has been gigging solidly since, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, major venues in the UK, as well as Spain, Norway, Germany,Belgium and Amsterdam! They've also played at the Ibiza Rocks venue twice this year.www.myspace.com/ladyhawkerock

Hit singer joins Access to Music as new vocal coach
A session singer who enjoyed a string of chart successes in the 90s with the likes of Robert Miles, Ultra Violet, Tilt and the legendary DJ Sasha has joined the ranks of tutors at ATM Southend. Maria Nayler has over 20 years experience as a vocal performer and coach and was hand picked by Kylie Minogue to support her on tour in 1998 when they were signed to the same label. myspace.com/marianayler

He's Got Rhythm
Ex-student Daniel Fraser-Betts supported Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra at Priory Park in 2008. Daniel plays bass with acoustic pop act Jodi Lenton www.myspace.com/jodielentonmusic

Mikey’s flying high with indie band Get Cape
Cornet player Mikey Glenister joined Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly in mid 2007, shortly after the band signed to Atlantic Records. He has since toured the UK to sell out crowds and March 2008 saw the release of 2nd album Searching for the Hows and Whys. In 2006 Mikey and the Get Cape crew performed in Trafalgar Square to 50,000 people as part of the Love Music Hate Racism event. getcapewearcapefly.com

Performing Musician
Level 3 (two years).

Please note that some courses may not run
if there is insufficient recruitment.

ATM STUDIOS
Nightfly Studio
24 Wallis Avenue
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
Essex
SS2 6HS

T: 01702 344 020
F: 01702 344 020
E: atm.southend@accesstomusic.co.uk

Contacts: Gerard Esser and James Tyler