AD Education joins forces with ICMP

We are delighted to announce that AD Education group, Europe’s leading platform in the independent higher education market focused on the creative arts, has acquired a majority interest in the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP). 

AD Education is widely respected for its unique positioning in creative arts education across Europe and is highly regarded as a provider of both traditional education and online learning platforms. The group’s acquisition of ICMP provides further impetus for growth and development for all.     

ICMP is a long-established, and highly respected, small and specialist provider of higher education in the UK. Formed in 1987, originally as the Guitar Institute, ICMP was awarded its own Degree Awarding Powers (DAPs) in 2021 and is on track to become a university in its own right. With state-of-the-art premises in Kilburn and Queens Park in north-west London and a long history of supporting graduates in the creation of successful and sustainable careers in the creative and global music industries, ICMP has been a significant contributor to the development of specialist higher education in the UK. 

Staff and students can be reassured that there will be no changes to the structure or leadership of the institution. The acquisition now presents exciting opportunities for further development, investment and collaboration as we join such a great organisation. An enhanced program of professional development for staff including plentiful opportunity for career progression is also expected. 

This new chapter presents a fantastic opportunity to further solidify ICMP’s reputation, in both the UK and overseas markets, as a leader in contemporary music education.  

Paul Kirkham, Chief Executive at ICMP, said: 

We are delighted to have reached an agreement with AD Education to join forces with their outstanding group of schools across Europe. They have a superb reputation for helping students achieve success in a diversity of careers in the creative sectors and have a strong focus on employability. This is extremely important to ICMP, as we look to further enhance our graduate outcomes and the overall student experience. Working with the AD Education group will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to both our students and staff, and we can’t wait to get started with the creation of further growth and opportunities here in the UK and globally.” 

Kevin Guenegan, President at AD Education, said: 

 
We are pleased to welcome ICMP, one of the most highly regarded specialist providers of music and performing arts in the UK, to the AD Education group. We look forward to working with ICMP's staff and management to accelerate its development and shape the future of this fine institution. The acquisition of ICMP also demonstrates one more time the ability of AD Education to attract the best-in-class institutions and brands of the creative field industries in order to create a leading specialist network within Europe.” 

ICMP has been a significant contributor to the development of specialist higher education in the UK over many years and AD Education’s ambitions are in tune with our own to take music education to the next level. This new acquisition will begin a bold new chapter, and we’re looking forward to you joining us, either as a student or staff member.