Our exclusive student events make full use of our connections within the music industry. These regular events are a great opportunity to learn from the best in the business, from both up-and-coming artists to industry legends.
The most inspirational
musicians, performers and professionals
At ICMP London, we hold regular masterclasses, clinics, and workshops featuring some of the most inspirational musicians, performers, artists, songwriters, producers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and behind-the-scenes experts in the music business. These fantastic opportunities to learn from those who have achieved success are not to be missed, and form an invaluable complement to your chosen music course.
Keep scrolling to meet some of the peerless professionals who've come to our campus for exclusive sessions, and learn more about our comprehensive events programme.
WORLD CLASS GUITARISTS
We host regular masterclasses and workshops featuring some of the industry’s most legendary guitarists, as well as expert session players. Our extensive guestlist has included Luca Faraone (Stormzy), Matt Allen (Rita Ora), ICMP alumnus and acoustic virtuoso Jon Gomm, fingerstyle icon Andy McKee, Hugh Burns (Paul McCartney), and more.
PAUL TURNER & ROB HARRIS (JAMIROQUAI)
As key members of the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling ensemble Jamiroquai, Rob and Paul have decades of knowledge and experience to share on recording, writing, session work and touring. Rob, who has been part of Jamiroquai since 2000, has also worked as a touring guitarist for Kylie Minogue, Take That, and many others. Paul, a highly sought-after bassist, has worked with top-selling artists like Annie Lennox, Tina Turner, Bryan Ferry, and Tom Jones.
During an incredible ICMP masterclass, Rob and Paul offered expert guidance and priceless insights into the music industry.
GUTHRIE GOVAN (FEATURED GUEST)
Guthrie is a long-time friend of ICMP, and we’ve welcomed him to our London campus on many occasions for masterclasses and clinics. As one of the industry’s most impressive electric guitar virtuosos, he’s renowned for his mastery of rock, jazz, and blues, and is equally at home touring with rock supergroup Asia and grime artist Dizzee Rascal. Guthrie has even worked with film composer Hans Zimmer on scores for films including X-Men: Dark Phoenix, The Boss Baby, and 2019’s The Lion King, and toured as part of Zimmer’s live band. His ICMP events are not to be missed.
EXPERT BASSISTS
Some of the world’s greatest bassists have given masterclasses, 1-2-1s and more at ICMP, from Yolanda Charles (Robbie Williams) to Neil Fairclough (Queen & Adam Lambert), Sandy Beales (One Direction), Vicky Warwick (Charli XCX), Janek Gwizdala (John Mayer), Phil Mulford (Chaka Khan), Laurence Cottle (Eric Clapton), Michael League (Snarky Puppy), and more.
DIVINITY ROXX (BEYONCÉ)
As Beyoncé’s bassist and musical director, Divinity has a solid understanding of life on the road with a musical superstar. She’s headlined Glastonbury as a member of Queen Bey’s all-female backing band, performed at the White House for President Obama, and has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Ellen, and at the Grammy Awards. She’s also collaborated with artists including Patti LaBelle, Will.i.am, and Erykah Badu. Divinity has connected with ICMP many times over the years, offering advice on how to succeed as a session musician.
ICONIC DRUMMERS
We’ve welcomed many great drummers to ICMP for special masterclasses and events, including Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Mark Guiliana (David Bowie), Ash Soan (Adele), Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters), Dave Rowntree (Blur), Ben Thompson (Two Door Cinema Club), and world-touring virtuosos such as Thomas Lang and Anika Nilles.
CHAD SMITH (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS)
As the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988, Chad hardly needed an introduction when he arrived at ICMP. A founding member of the band (who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012), Chad is also known for his extensive charity work and passion for supporting young musicians. He’s also the drummer for hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot, and the all-instrumental outfit Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats. During his inspirational visit, Chad talked about his passion for drumming, gave advice about the music industry, and explained why music education is vitally important in developing well-rounded professional musicians.
MATTY BROWN & LEVI YARDE (STORMZY)
Fresh, super-talented, and in high demand, Levi and ICMP alumnus Matty – who make up Stormzy’s rhythm section – have hosted a range of “in conversation” sessions and masterclasses for ICMP. Matty, who won ICMP’s Young Drummer of the Year Award in 2013, has played with the likes of Rita Ora, Dave, Olly Murs and Plan B, while Levi has toured and worked with some of Britain’s top contemporary artists, including Emeli Sandé, Melanie C, and Fleur East. The duo generously shared insights into building a career as a session musician, and were happy to discuss Stormzy’s extraordinary 2020 Brit Awards performance, which they were both part of.
CELEBRATED VOCALISTS
Our long list of past vocal guests includes Lauren Johnson (Ella Eyre), Izzy Chase (Dua Lipa), Salena M (Rita Ora), Vula Malinga (Lalah Hathaway), Sharleen Hector (Alicia Keys), Ladonna Harley Peters (Adele), Cleveland Watkiss (Stevie Wonder), neo-soul singer Ady Suleiman, international vocal arranger Juliet Russell, Mary Carewe (Westlife), and many more.
SARAH BROWN (FEATURED GUEST)
Sarah is one of the world’s most in-demand vocalists, and has worked with Pink Floyd, Duran Duran, George Michael, Stevie Wonder, Simply Red and Roxy Music. Her vocal experience has deep roots in choir singing, which gave her the skills she needed to drive her amazing success as a session singer. Sarah has been a member of Simple Minds for over a decade, and regularly records and tours. Sarah unpacked her extraordinary career during a special online masterclass, engaging in a fascinating conversation with ICMP Vocals tutor Lucinda Allen and drawing on her wide-ranging knowledge of the music industry.
RENOWNED PRODUCERS
From Bernard Butler (Duffy) to Youth (Guns N' Roses), Steve Lillywhite (U2), Goetz Boenhardt (Dido), Gary Katz (Steely Dan) and Mark Ralph (Clean Bandit), we’ve been proud to host sessions with some of the most notable names in music production.
AAMIR YAQUB (FEATURED GUEST)
Aamir has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry – including David Guetta, Ne-Yo, Will.i.am, Alicia Keyes and Sia – as a producer, engineer, and songwriter, and even won a Grammy for his engineering work on Rihanna’s album Unapologetic. A passionate supporter of local artists, Aamir also mentors up-and-coming talent. He shared his amazing experiences, success, and insights into the world of production and engineering during a special ICMP masterclass, and also discussed his inspiration and influences inside and outside the studio.
DISTINGUISHED ENGINEERS
Mandy Parnell (Björk), Phil Harding (Kylie Minogue), and Riccardo Damian (Mark Ronson) are just a few of the incredible engineers who’ve given masterclasses and other events at ICMP’s London campus.
ANDREW SCHEPS (FEATURED GUEST)
Andrew is one of our favourite supermixers here at ICMP, and our students have gained essential mixing, engineering, and production knowledge from him over the years. He’s best known as a three-time Grammy Award winner for his work on Adele’s 21, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Stadium Arcadium, and Ziggy Marley’s Fly Rasta, and has also mixed albums for Jay-Z, Metallica, Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, Black Sabbath, U2, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. His ICMP masterclass covered essential advice for new music producers, while his guidance on studio gear and technology is a must-view for all budding engineers.
MANON GRANDJEAN (FEATURED GUEST)
Behind the controls of some of Britain’s best breakthrough artists, from London Grammar to Stormzy, Raye, Nina Nesbitt, Mabel, and Fraser T Smith, you’ll often find the deft hand of award-winning recording and mixing engineer Manon Grandjean. Manon’s passionate advocacy of women in the music industry was a core topic of her ICMP masterclass, which also covered ways to create the right vibe in a studio, and life as a sought-after engineer. Manon was the recipient of the Breakthrough Engineer of the Year Award in 2017 at the Music Producer’s Guild Awards, followed by the Engineer of the Year Award one year later.
INSPIRING ARTISTS
ICMP students have learnt directly from the likes of Frank Turner, Tom Grennan, Jack Garratt, ELIZA, JC Stewart, Sam Phillips, Goldie, and Bruno Major through masterclasses, 1-2-1s and other events.
NAO (FEATURED GUEST)
One of Britain’s most exciting young singer-songwriters, Nao blends electronica, funk, soul and R&B into an eclectic, highly contemporary sound with deep roots. She has been nominated for a Grammy and a Mercury Prize, released two studio albums, and has co-writing credits on tracks by Ariana Grande, Stormzy, and Nile Rodgers & Chic. As a former music teacher and live session singer, she’s also been involved in the 3T initiative, which equips black women with skills for working in the live music industry. Joining ICMP for an exclusive online masterclass in 2020, Nao reflected upon her impressive career and industry experience, pulling out insights along the way.
ESTEEMED SONGWRITERS
Our extensive songwriting guestlist has included Ralph Murphy (Shania Twain), Grammy Award-winning artist-songwriter Drew Ramsey, Willie Weeks (BTS), Fiona Bevan (Ed Sheeran), Nicky Brown (Roy Orbison), folk singer-songwriter Polly Paulusma, and independent singer-songwriter Leddra Chapman, who has toured with Tom Jones, Katie Melua, and Ed Sheeran – and even contributed guest vocals to Sheeran’s Songs I Wrote With Amy EP, and his debut album +.
CATHY DENNIS (FEATURED GUEST)
With writing credits on eight UK number one pop singles, including Britney Spears’ “Toxic”, Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”, and Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl” to name but three, Cathy is undoubtedly one of the UK’s powerhouse songwriters. Even adding a Grammy win; five Ivor Novello Awards; collaborations with the Spice Girls, Kelly Clarkson, Galantis, S Club 7, and Celine Dion; and the UK music industry’s Woman of the Year Award still only scrapes the surface of Cathy’s achievements. Her outstanding career and songwriting insights were central themes of her very special ICMP masterclass.
SNARKY PUPPY (FEATURED GUESTS)
New York-based contemporary jazz collective Snarky Puppy’s ties to ICMP couldn’t be stronger – ICMP Songwriting tutor Bill Laurance is one of its founding members! The highly respected group have won three Grammy Awards, and performed with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Lalah Hathaway, David Crosby and Erykah Badu. Snarky Puppy have consistently returned to ICMP over the years, with Bill and band bassist Michael League hosting multiple masterclass sessions covering composition, arranging, musicianship, improvisation, and songwriting. Their three-day on-campus residency in 2012 culminated in a live gig at London venue Cargo..
MUSIC BUSINESS LUMINARIES
Success in the music industry requires an in-depth understanding of the business itself. Our events have enabled ICMP students to learn directly from such industry specialists as Julian Palmer (A&R Director, Columbia Records), Char Grant (A&R Director, 0207 Def Jam Records), Jamie Oborne (Founder of Dirty Hit Records), Jamila Scott (Senior A&R Manager, Warner Music), Stacey Tang (Managing Director, Columbia Records), Adele White (Senior A&R Manager, Island Records), and Darryl Parkinson (Senior A&R Manager, Warner Chappell Publishing).
DARCUS BEESE (CEO, ISLAND RECORDS)
Named one of the most important people in the British music industry for several years running, A&R legend Darcus Beese has a string of high-profile signings to his name, including Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons, and Dizzee Rascal. During an exclusive keynote address at ICMP, Darcus explored his ascent from the Island Records promotions department to his later positions as A&R Director, Co-President, President, and CEO. He is truly an expert on breaking into the music industry, and was even awarded an OBE for his services to the British music business by the Queen in 2014.
