Introduction

Sometimes, a little history can help to understand the present day, and in the case of the ICMP, our history is crucial in understanding why we have gained such a reputation for quality and excellence over the years and why so many students choose to study with us.

Read more on our history

Founded in the early 1980's, we have over a quarter of a century of experience in developing and delivering relevant, highquality courses for contemporary musicians. The ICMP has pioneered the teaching methods, curriculum and philosophy that have become the benchmarks for contemporary music education. We pride ourselves on being able to offer modern musicians the kind of rigorous training that conservatoires have offered classical musicians for centuries. And of course our teaching faculty, our greatest asset, is unrivalled in the UK and probably anywhere in the world.

The ICMP was the first to offer full time programmes for students of contemporary music, and we continue to innovate and develop our provision. This unrivalled experience means that our students acquire the techniques to express themselves, the tools to survive in the industry and the ability

Our students experience more class time, in smaller groups, than other schools, enabling them to effectively benefit from our inspiring and challenging teaching methods. At all times, we are focused on the needs and goals of the individual; as musicians we are all on a personal journey to unlock our potential and here at the ICMP, we aim to help you nurture and develop your own unique voice. And the interest and care doesn't stop once you graduate; we work hard to make sure our alumni continue to benefit from the many opportunities that come our way.

The school was originally founded as the Guitar Institute/Guitartech™ and Basstech™, and was focused exclusively on training and developing guitarists and bassists. The established Basstech name and heritage continues to thrive within ICMP along with all of the original Basstech™ teaching faculty and bass courses that began so many years ago. We also continue to be recognised as the Guitar Institute,

 as this founding name is often described as legendary, and for guitarists, being able to enroll on a Guitar Institute course often represents the holy grail of personal development!l

Of course, when we began delivering drum and vocal courses, and expanded into the areas of music business and technology, songwriting courses and more, we needed a new name, and as a result the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance was born, or ICMP for short! Our name now clearly represents what we are - a leading centre of contemporary music education, development and training, focusing on the needs and careers of a wide range of aspiring musicians and creative artists.l

Many places try to copy our formula but of course, whether you know us as the Guitar Institute, Basstech™ or the ICMP, it doesn't really matter - we all know there is only one Institute, the first and still the best way to make it in the music business.

Why choose the ICMP?

• Freshers week
• Open mic and jam nights
• Gig nights at famous London venues, such as The Luminaire, The Bedford & Matter
• Showcase nights
• In-house auditions with record labels and artists
• Student discount cards
• Organised student party nights
• Masterclasses & clinics
• Visits by industry performers & bands
• Graduation celebrations