ATM Bristol - About us

Access to Music has been successfully running courses in Bristol for over 10 years and from the current site since 1999. Formerly known as ‘Mr Grin Studios’, it is the longest established facility of its kind in the city, and has been used by bands such as PJ Harvey, The Mission and Portishead. In 2001, thanks to the support of the LSC, Access to Music took over the facilities, and following a major refurbishment transformed it into ATM Studios.

Located just two miles south east of the city centre, ATM Studios is easily accessed and well resourced including; 7 rehearsal rooms; an acoustically-designed live room with adjoining control room and post production facilities; technology suites and lecture rooms. ATM Studios remain running as a professional facility for outside hire at evenings and weekends to maintain strong community links, music industry experience, networking and employment opportunities.

The Bristol centre has been awarded Grade 1 status for the last two years and has very high attendance, retention and achievement rates, well above national standards. ATM employs experienced music industry professionals in a range of roles from tutors to managers they have worked with a bewildering range of artists from Amy Winehouse to U2.

At our last inspection it was noted that:

‘The tutors demonstrate strong specialist expertise and are knowledgeable and very enthusiastic with exceptionally good relationships and atmosphere between students and all staff.’

The same inspection by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) also stated that:

‘Students are enthusiastic about their experience at ATM Bristol and the standards of student practical work are high, and are individual and well executed.’