Progress - News

FRIENDS AND AFFILIATES...

Progress Music Academy are extremely proud to be associated with the following people, companies and organisations. Without their help, Progress Music Academy would not have got off the ground anywhere near as quickly.

A link to the affilliate and a detailed description is shown below for information.

marshall MARSHALL
Probably the biggest name in rock and roll... or music in general for that matter were very keen to get involved with Progress and have kindly become our official sponsor.

Having backing form a global brand such as Marshall is invaluable and as a result Progress will be using Marshall Amplification and will have access to all the brand new Marshall products, clinics, shows, product lauches and we have managed to secure some amazing deals on Marshall gear for Progress students due to our fantastic working relationship.

http://www.marshallamps.com
marshall NATAL DRUMS
Natal drums are truly part of British Musical heritage and while based in swinging ’60s London, Natal enjoyed huge success, which found favour with the likes of Santana, The Rolling Stones, T. Rex and Led Zeppelin and could be seen on stages and heard on recordings everywhere from that period continuing up to today.

Natal Drums have recently been reinvigorated and hugely invested in, due to their recent aqcusition by Marshall Amplification and 2011 has some fantastic developments in store. Gary Walmsley now works for Natal Drums and it goes without saying that along with Marshall, Natal are the main supporter of Progress.

http://www.nataldrums.com
drumfest DRUMFEST
Over the past six years, Gary Walmsley has been part of the team who organise and produce the annual Drumfest Events. Featuring the worlds best drummers and percussionists the event has gone on to become collectively, the largest event of its type in the world today.

Recent years have seen the likes of Terry Bozzio, Mike Portnoy, Nico McBrain, Thomas Lang, Greg Bissonette, Simon Philips, Carmine Appice, Jo Jo Mayer and so many more perform along with some brand new drummers who have credited Drumfest for being responsible for helping launch their careers.

Progress students will benefit from exclusive discounts and access to all future Drumfest Events.

http://www.drumfest.net
guitarfest GUITARFEST
Guitarfest established itself as a sister event to the Drumfest and has grown into a major event in its own right, recent years have featured Jennifer Batten, Doug Wimbish, Michael Angelo Batio, Bernie Marsden, Stone Gods, Glenn Hughes, Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinne Moore, Dave Mustaine and lots, lots more.

Culminating as part of our huge event at the Birmingham NIA last year, Guitarfest drew the biggest crowds yet and future events are looking bigger and better than ever.

Again, Progress students will benefit from exclusive discounts and access to all future Guitarfest Events.

http://www.guitarfest.net
stick it to ms STICK IT TO MS
Gary Walmsley was one of the team who staged the successful world record breaking attempt for the 'largest drum ensemble' in 2009.

An amazing day at Birmingham's NIA saw 585 drummers smash the world record for the most drummers drumming in unison... all using a full drum kit each! Not only did we gain major media coverage (Sky News, Daily Mail, Metro, Evening Mail) we raised over £20,000 for The MS Society in the process.

Helped on the day by Don Powell (Slade), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall), Karl Brazil (Robbie Williams/Leona Lewis), Gavin Pearson (Porcupine Tree), Robin Guy (GMT) and hosted by Jon Thompson (Cold Feet/Coronation St) we managed to break the record and bring over 585 drummers playing together under one roof!!

http://www.stickittoms.com
dimarzio DIMARZIO
Steve Smith is now on the artist roster for DiMarzio pickups and guitar equipment!

DiMarzio endorse only the best Guitarists around the world such as Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Richie Kotzen, Joe Satriani, John 5, Billy Sheehan etc and you can visit Steve's profile on the DiMarzio website... find him in between Steve Morse and Steve Via!

DiMarzio endorse Steve for his country wide clinics with Ibanez/Laney.

http://www.dimarzio.com
fcs FCS LASER MAIL
Gary Walmsley has been associated with FCS Laser Mail for over 15 years now. FCS are one the UK's largest IT and printing, facilities management companies and supply Progress Music Academy with all our printed literature and marketing materials.

FCS also provide Progress Music Academy with a consultation service in order for us to keep up to date with our General Health and Safety, Quality Control and Environment issues.

http://www.fcslasermail.co.uk