Bristol Institute of Modern Music

This rock school was a long time coming in Bristol. A spin off of the very successful Brighton Institute of Modern Music it is the place to be if you’re a wannabe young musician. Run by a host of dedicated musos, including Mark Clayden the bassist from Pitchshifter and James Hester the drummer from local ledgends Malakai. They offer a range of courses to suit all levels and all instruments, well maybe not all — I don’t know if they teach the washboard. They also get in other professionals to give master classes to the pupils. These include people from Massive Attack and Less Than Jake. Bristol Institute of Modern Music (or BIMM as it is more commonly known), is well placed just a stone’s throw away from a host of music shops and venues. The bands and musicians also take part in an annual showcase, usually at the Thekla. Well worth a look if you want something fresh and new to be a fan of.