Category Archives: Education

Lick Library Bring You Learn To Play Metallica Vol. 3

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library guitar DVD learning experience just got even better with the release of Learn to Play Metallica Vol. 3. This DVD brings you more insight into how to play arguably some of the greatest riffs of all time.

Metallica are one of the most influential heavy metal bands today. With nine Grammy awards, five consecutive albums debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 charts, and more than one hundred million records sold worldwide. Keith Hammett is a renowned student of all things guitar; he even had lessons from Joe Satriani. He continues to bring a stunning array of lead guitar parts and mean riffs making Metallica’s more melodic with his controlled guitar work.

Helping you learn these killer riffs is the highly respected thrash metal guitarist Andy James. Andy, fresh from appearing at Download this year with his band Sacred Mother Tongue, is the perfect guitar teacher; ready to show you each song note for note, in meticulous detail with the patience and willingness to not be concerned when you don’t get it right first time and need to rewind. Andy talks calmly, using straightforward explanations, and the split screen makes his hand positions easily observed. Techniques covered in these guitar lessons include basic licks, alternate picking and bending, with the main focus being metal rhythm.

Learn to Play Metallica Vol. 3 (RRP £24.99) guitar tuition DVD takes a look at five of the best loved Metallica tracks. From the 1983 album, Kill ‘Em All, Andy takes you through the solos and unusual bending of Seek & Destroy. Next come For Whom The Bell Tolls and Creeping Death from the 1984 Album Ride the Lightening and then Harvester of Sorrows from the …..And Justice For All album. The fifth track is classic Wherever I May Roam, from the Metallica (Or The Black Album).

Then once you have learnt all the songs you can play along to them at home with the Metallica Jamtrax Vol. 3.

Also available at www.licklibrary.com are Learn to Play Metallica Vol.1 and Vol. 2, Metallica Jamtrax Vol.1 and Vol. 2 and Quick Licks: Kirk Hammett.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

The Institute announces partnership with Future Copyright

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance is delighted to announce a partnership with Future Copyright, a leading and innovative web-based provider of secure copyright solutions for musicians and creative artists.

This partnership is designed to support Institute students and alumni with services designed and developed for protecting copyright of intellectual property – essential for any creative musician! The Institute’s Operations Director Pete Whittard said on the partnership: “This link up with Future Copyright will really enhance the education programme that we have at the Institute. Future Copyright is a great product and their team and their existing legal and educational partners will offer great support to our staff and students.”

Future Copyright director Darryl Sherborne said, “This is a great link up for Future Copyright. The Institute’s brand and ethos really fits with Future Copyright. Our users include a large number of music producers, musicians and song writers; and our focus on educating new artists can be delivered with the support of the Institute. With the world of media copyright changing with the UK Government’s announcement to implement the Hargreaves Review recommendations, it’s important for colleges like the Institute to bring the latest educational material to their students so they are equipped to enter the modern media industry.”

Amongst the many benefits that this will bring to Institute students are:

  • Special lecturing events covering the ‘truths and myths of copyright protection’
  • Sponsorship of selected Institute awards and events
  • Full-time Institute students will be offered a free Future Copyright account with free start-up credits

For more information on this announcement or courses at the Institute please contact us directly:

Posted in Education, News

Lick Library Brings You Jam With Bullet For My Valentine Guitar Tuition DVD

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library one of the world’s biggest suppliers of guitar tuition DVDs, has just released a Jam with Bullet For My Valentine, a double DVD and CD set. This new release featuring hours of guitar lessons will help you learn how to achieve the signature guitar harmonics of lead Guitarist Michael Paget and rhythm guitarist Matthew Tuck.

Bullet For My Valentine, described by Q magazine ‘as the best British metal band to emerge in years’  were Voted Best British Band and Best Live Band in 2010 in the Kerrang! Awards and Best British Band 2010 by Metal Hammer, they were second to headline at the 2011 Download Festival. Their matchless sound is made distinctive by the powerful six string dexterity of Michael ‘Padge’ Paget and the relentless thundering rhythms of Michael Moose. Padge’s lead style, which can be best described as aggressive, is full of vibrating riffs, his own unique style of bending, three string sweeps, tremolo picking and hammer pull-offs.

Jam with Bullet For My Valentine (RRP £27.99) – is a double DVD and CD with guitar tutorials and jam tracks by Andy James of seven favourite Bullet For My Valentine tracks.  Tracks included are the slow starting, 4 Words (To Choke Up On) which rapidly builds into a punchy metal core song and the highly catchy All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me) from their debut album Poison. From the second studio album, Andy looks at the title track Scream, Aim, Fire which is full of great musical ideas and roaring solid metal riffs. Hearts Burst Into Fire unlike many of the bands other songs is in a major key, full of velocity and lingering notes with an intense guitar solo. Then he takes a look at Waking the Demon, thought by many to be one of the most difficult songs downloadable for the Rock Band computer game.  Next from the hard hitting Fever Album, Andy breaks down the high energy title track with its pinch harmonics and riffs galore before looking at the fast paced One Last Fight.

Andy James is the incredible lead guitarist for UK Metal Band Sacred Mother Tongue whose album has just been release to widespread critical acclaim. His playing is well known for incorporating frighteningly fast alternate picking, sweeps, taps, aggressive vibrato and super precise riffs – who then, could be better placed to take you through, chord by chord, these fantastic Tracks from Bullet For My Valentine. Andy takes you through each track step by step, explaining what he is doing as he goes along and you can see what each hand does because of the split screen shots. You can take your time and really learn these tracks thoroughly, practicing them as you go with the CD or backing tracks. The guitar tuition DVD is designed so you can stop and start it to go back over things until you understand and master the techniques involved.

To find out more about the full range of products visit www.licklibrary.com.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

Third Issue iGuitar features Zakk Wylde, Phil Collen, Doug Aldrich, in-depth reviews and hours of Guitar Lessons

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The free digital Magazine iGuitar has now launched its third issue which features not one but two interviews with the great Zakk Wylde, plus in depth looks at some of his kit: Zakk’s Gibson Les Paul, the Marshall JCM800 amp and the MXR Zakk Wylde pedals.

Other interviews continue the heavy metal theme with Stuart Bull quizzing Def Leppard’s guitar ace, Phil Collen, Jamie Humphries meeting Whitesnake’s Doug Aldrich and Gary Cooper profiling that master of chords Pete Townsend. All the interviews are supplemented with videos showing you how play songs by these great guitarists and the techniques they use.

A special feature, tying into the cover story, is ‘The Wizard’s of Oz’. Top guitar teacher Jamie Humphries takes a look at the guitar styles of Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Jake E. Lee and Gus G, some of Ozzy Osbourne’s greatest axe men. Check out the free lick lessons, and if you like the free licks then there is almost a DVDs worth of additional licks available on special offer as a paid download for subscribers; in all twenty five licks plus a jam track, to get your metal soling up to speed.

Reviews include guitar, amp and FX products from a host of manufactures including Line 6, Yamaha, Providence, PRS, T-Rex, Vigier, Marshall and Brace Audio. All reviews include a full product write up, as well as videos demonstrating the gear and letting you see the products and details on how to use them.

In the Quiet Room section, there is an exclusive interview with Australian guitar wizard Tommy Emmanuel plus even more exclusive live footage from one of his recent gigs.  Also included are reviews on products from Breedlove, Tanglewood, Trace Accoustic and LR Braggs, again complete with video demonstrations.

Then there is the competition – you can win a copy of the highly sought after signed copy of the Book of Orange and a superb Orange CR6S Stereo Micro Crush Combo.

On top of all that, the third issue of iGuitar is brimming with technical know how, lessons and much, much more.

iGuitar is much more than just a magazine, it offers readers an exceptional experience with its dynamic design and layout, and its fully interactive multi media presentation.

iGuitar is available free from www.iguitarmag.com/issue3, no strings attached!

Posted in Education, Guitar, News

Institute alumnus wins Live and Unsigned 2011

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Institute of Contemporary Music Performance songwriting alumnus Robbie Boyd was selected as the winner in the ‘alternative’ category for this year’s Live and Unsigned grand final at the IndigO2 on Saturday 23rd July.

Robbie was joined on stage by fellow Institute students Mike Newman, Russell Smith, Huw Beynon and Simon Fitzpatrick, and performed two tracks for an impressive group of industry judges. These included Tom Deacon (Radio 1 presenter), Adam Perry (drummer of The Bloodhound Gang & co-owner of the label Medical Records), Paul Handley (Director of Out of Bounds Music), Alex Baker (presenter of unsigned show on Kerrang! Radio), Steve Russell (Vice-president of TC Group), Bez (Happy Mondays), Chris Grayston (Head of Future Music) and Ben Price (Head of A&R at Future Music).

Robbie and his band beat 10,000 other acts from around the UK who entered Live and Unsigned this year to take the title. Part of the prize for Robbie is an all expenses paid trip to represent the UK at ‘Tour Fest’ in Rome next year. On the Live and Unsigned experience, Robbie had the following to say:

“The competition really helped us focus on the specific arrangements of my songs in terms of how to make them as powerful/impactful as they can be in as little time as possible, along with learning the importance of doing covers in a truly original way. It was also a great way to get exposure to top industry people, increase our fan base and play at a prestigious venue like the IndigO2 in front of thousands of people!”

For more information on this story or enquiries about courses at the Institute, contact us directly:

Posted in Artists, Education, News

Three New Drum Channel DVDs Released – Buddy Rich, Gannin Arnold and Peter Erskine

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Drum Channel has just released a Special Edition of the Award Winning Buddy Rich Up Close DVD now including a new CD of the show. They have also released two stunning new drumming DVDs, by the virtuoso guitarist Gannin Arnold with 5 world class drummers and the highly skilled, versatile drummer Peter Erskine. Each of the DVDs takes a completely different approach, giving you access to the widest possible methodologies for playing the drums.

The Special Edition of Buddy Rich Up Close ( RRP $24.95) brings with it a previously unreleased CD which includes the Band Mix and the Buddy Hot Mix of six fantastic songs: Love For Sale, Bugle Call Rag, West Side Story, Birdland, Greensleeves and Dancing Men. The DVD features footage from three of Buddy’s shows with shots from as many cameras as possible highlighting Buddy’s incredible drumming techniques. You can also listen to two different versions of the audio, plus a slow motion rendering to catch all the nuances of Buddy’s performances. Modern Drummer magazine who rated the DVD five stars commented, ‘Whether you’re a longtime Buddy fan or you’re just discovering his talents, this DVD, which features six songs performed by Buddy Rich and filmed in a club with Rich’s big band, is one to check out . . . fun and inspiring, with lots of wow.’

Next comes the Gannin Arnold Project: 5 World Class Drummers (RRP $24.95). Featuring Taylor Hawkins, Jimmy Chamberlain, Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio and Gary Novak, this has to probably be one of the most exceptional, engaging and interesting performance and educational drumming DVD’s ever produced. Joining Gannin Arnold and this marvelous array of drummers are Billy Mohler on Guitar and Bass and Tim Landers on Bass. These top notch drummers each play the Gannin Arnold song ‘Not From Here’ showing you how differently they interpret it. During the DVD you will be able to see the drummers playing from overhead and watch what their feet are doing with the special close up edits that are included. On top of that the DVD also included interviews with each of the drummers, and 19 remarkable band performances.

The third in this trio is Peter Erskine: Everything I Know, A Work In Progress (RRP $24.95). Peter was once described by the great Neil Peart as ‘a master drummer and educator, an amiable guru of deep wisdom and infectious enthusiasm’. He is known for sophisticated rhythms, distinctive accompaniments and powerful, ripping solos. This double DVD set is a collection of drum lessons with the man himself accompanied by three of his favourite musicians. Produced by music industry legend Don Lombardi these two drum educational DVDs contain the equivalent of a years worth of private lessons.

Available exclusively through Drum Channel go to www.drumchannel.com to find out more.

Posted in Drums & Percussion, DVD, Education

Lick Library Releases Quick Licks in the style of Kerry King Thrash Metal

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library is now shipping Quick Licks in the style of Kerry King Thrash Metal key: E Minor. This new guitar tuition DVD helps you learn the best Kerry King killer licks in easy to follow lessons, where you can practice along with the professional backing track included with the DVD.

Kerry King, rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist and co-founder of American thrash metal band Slayer, has earned his reputation as one of thrash metal’s premier guitarists by consistently delivering crushing riffs, ripping tones and staggering live performances. His guitar playing is often described as angular, focusing more on speed and chaos than on melody or typical metal style technical precision. He is known for making extensive use of the whammy bar, down tuned rhythms and a very heavy irregular vibrato. You can see Kerry Play at Slayer’s only 2011 UK appearance at Sonisphere 8th July.

Andy James has for some time been widely regarded as one of the UK’s rising stars in the realms of Shred & Metal guitar and more recently played Download festival with his band Sacred Mother Tongue. His blistering technique is well suited to showing you how to develop the speed and instrumental prowess that defines the hardcore tempos of the aggressive Kerry King and Slayer material.

In the Quick Licks in the style of Kerry King Thrash Metal key: E Minor (RRP £19.99) guitar tuition DVD, Andy James explores a series of licks and ideas that Kerry King has put into his solos over the years. After listening to Kerry’s playing Andy has taken the gems of ideas and the techniques Kerry uses that makes up his playing to put together 3 minutes tracks that demonstrate how to string licks together and create a solo. Breaking everything down into small sections, and using the famous Lick Library split screen, these guitar lessons will help you develop techniques such as bending, alternate picking and tapping. Also included are backing tracks so you can practice everything you learn.

LickLibrary also offer Learn to Play Slayer, and Slayer Jamtrax. To find out more about these and other products visit www.licklibrary.com.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

Everything Everything selects Bobby Evans as 2011 Shure Songwriting winner

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Shure Songwriting Award, as chosen by the Ivor Novello Award-nominated band Everything Everything.  This innovative competition for aspiring singer-songwriters saw a record number of applicants compete for a place on the Institute’s prestigious one-year Professional Diploma in Songwriting course, sponsored by Columbia Records.

Eight finalists were chosen through a combination of public voting and a panel of experts from the Institute’s impressive songwriting faculty. The finalists were presented to Everything Everything, who have been making a notable impact in the music industry with their debut album ‘Man Alive’. The band were impressed by the high level of the entries and chose two winners: Bobby Evans for a full scholarship and Alex Losardo for the partial scholarship.

Commenting on their winners the band said:

We gave Bobby first place because we were really impressed with his simple and direct song. It has a great, hooky vocal melody, uses simple but really lovely harmony, and rhythmically his drumming on his guitar is really effective. Overall, a great song performed beautifully.

‘Alex’s song impressed because of his strong voice, creative use of quite jazzy harmony, and relaxed performance. The song takes some unexpected turns and keeps the listener on their toes in a really enjoyable way.’

Bobby and Alex now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to professionally develop their talent and skills with a free place on the Institute’s one-year Professional Diploma in Songwriting course (worth £5,250). As well as enjoying this great opportunity to learn, Bobby and Alex will also benefit from the many opportunities that arise at the Institute to write, collaborate and perform in live London showcase events in front of key industry professionals.

For further information about the Institute and the 2012 Shure Songwriting Award, visit www.shuresongwritingaward.com or contact the Institute directly:

Posted in Education, Events, News

Lick Library Bring You Learn To Play Thin Lizzy The Solos

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library one of world leading suppliers of guitar tuition DVD’s, has just released Learn to Play Thin Lizzy The Solos ,giving you the opportunity to explore this explosive Celtic rock band’s intensely powerful twin guitar harmonies.

There is no other band, past or present like Thin Lizzy. As one of the defining twentieth century rock bands they burst onto the Dublin rock scene in the early seventies. The band saw a succession of critically acclaimed guitarists play, including founder member Eric Bell, the legendary Gary Moore, Scott Gorham, the longest serving and most steady guitar presence in Thin Lizzy, and Brian Robertson who along with Scott Gorham provided Thin Lizzy’s twin guitar attack. Others include Midge Ure, Snowy White and John Sykes. These incredible partnerships made Thin Lizzy into one of the most powerful guitar bands in the music industry.

Renowned guitarist and tutor, as well as co founder of Lick Library, Stuart Bull takes you through note for note five classic Thin Lizzy guitar solos. Stuart has literally taught thousands of people to play the guitar throughout the world with his award winning Total Accuracy that guitar series. Using the trade mark Lick Library split screen so you can see what both of Stuarts hands are doing at the same time you can match what Stuart is saying to what he does.

Stuart looks at what is widely regarded at Thin Lizzy’s greatest and most romantic ballad Still In Love With You, which includes the long Brian Robertson solo full of subtle tremolo picking making it almost ethereal in the emotions it conveys. Next up is Don’t Believe A Word, featuring the awesome guitar work of Gary Moore in a slower yet equally fantastic solo. This is followed by Dancing In The Moonlight, in which Scott Gorham’s solo is crisp and light especially with its descending octave lick.  Further solos are featured from Whiskey In The Jar, arguably their best known song and last but not least is Waiting For An Alibi where the guitars and bass take turns in coming to the front.

Accompanying the DVD is a CD with jam tracks for each solo. Each jam track comes at three different speeds, slow, medium and full tempo, allowing you to practice each solos at your own pace, steadily building up to full speed.

You can find out more on Learn To Play Thin Lizzy The Solos (RRP £24.99) from www.licklibrary.com where you will also find details of wealth of tuition DVDs, CDs and books related to Thin Lizzy, and the incredible guitarist that have played a part in creating their distinctive sound.

Posted in Education, Guitar

Institute student Raphaella performs at UEFA Champions League Final 2011 celebration party

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance vocal Degree student Raphaella and her band performed at an exclusive private pre-match event for the UEFA Champions League at The Roundhouse in Camden on Friday 27th May.

Performing her own arrangement of the iconic Clash song ‘I’m Not Down’ as well as original material such as ‘Playing Games’, Raphaella and her band, which comprised of Institute student Dave Baker on bass and alumnus Jason Condison on drums, were accompanied by the Roundhouse Choir and a spectacular visual show from Silk Aerial artists.

After already headlining the Apple store as part of City Showcase 2011 and performing at the industry attended Music Week Awards, Raphaella is still set to headline prominent London venues ‘The Bowery’ and ‘The Bedford’ in the coming weeks.

For more information events and masterclasses at the Institute, contact us directly:

Posted in Education, Events