In a move to supply increased support to their course Accreditation Scheme and associated services, the APRS (Association of Professional Recording Services) and MPG (Music Producers Guild) have recently launched a new enterprise: JAMES, Joint Audio Media Education Services. JAMES is endorsed by the patronage of Sir George Martin.

Established ten years ago, the APRS/MPG course Accreditation process has historically assessed universities’ and colleges’ teaching content and technique to ensure that it is appropriate to the needs of the recording industry, whilst confirming a standard to the prospective student.

The first initiative under JAMES is to offer a series of seminar panels hosted by industry professionals. These will be available to all educational bodies throughout the UK and Europe and will illustrate engineering and production techniques used on specific recordings to handle aspects in analogue and digital recording and mixing.

A consultancy and advisory service will also be developed promoting JAMES as the first point of contact for all bodies requiring information and advice on recording industry training and education.

JAMES will also undertake representation of the music production and recording industry‘s training and education interests to government agencies and wider sectors such as the Sector Skills Councils and awarding bodies.

Simon van Zwanenberg, JAMES’ chairman comments, “It made a lot of sense to create this new administration. By consolidating APRS and MPG resources, we can draw on a huge range of industry talent and knowledge to pass on to students. It also allows us to talk to educational and governmental bodies with a stronger, single voice.”

More information can soon be found at www.jamesonline.org.uk