Welcome to Modern Music Academy – California Coast

Modern Music Academy is the home of Producer Darren Clarke and a fantastic ‘hidden gem’ – with training, recording studios and opportunities for musicians.

Established on the beautiful Central Coast of California in San Luis Obispo (“the happiest place in the USA”), Modern Music Academy offers exceptional programs and rehearsal studios for musicians. You don’t have to move to LA, Nashville, or Portland… We’ve been making musicians since 2003 and can set you on the right path for a rewarding music career.

Our friendship with the world-renowned Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) means we can deliver world class professional music training right here in ‘SLO’. ACM UK is located just outside London with other sites worldwide. They have delivered to over 20,000 graduates since 1995 and was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Innovation Category) for it’s unique industry-based education model. London’s Sunday Times ran a feature stating that ACM was “changing the face of music tuition”.

Read the new Blog, “Once upon a time there was a Song”

Darren’s program for Song Writers

Our Last & Final Showcase
Dear Students & Friends Modern Music Academy has meant a lot to many musicians and song writers in SLO county for the past 9 years. It’s also meant the world to us. Starting the school from scratch and building it up to what it has become has been a labor of love and an . . . → Read More: Our Last & Final Showcase
Our Last BIG SHOWCASE BASH at SLO BREW!
New Video of our Students “Sure of You”
Thanks to Cameron Ingalls for this stunning video of our Song Writing students recording one of their collaborations with Producer Darren Clarke. Click here to watch!
Still a few days to get in on our Night School!
Our all new ‘Song Writing and Music Production’ Night School program starts next week, on May 2. If you’ve missed the deadline and don’t have a demo for your application, we may still be able to get you in. We have a handful of spaces as I type. So get your application in right . . . → Read More: Still a few days to get in on our Night School!
*Song Writing & Music Production* Night School
An all new Internship style program with Producer Darren Clarke…

Two nights a week, starting in May

Interested? Click here to read more.

Featured Student: Jasmin Poncelet
Jasmin has always been a very dedicated and hard working musician, so to see her getting some great opportunities since graduating our Diploma programs, comes as no surprise.Jasmin owns the stage and lives for her music.

Since completing our Artist Development & Songwriting course, Jasmin moved to LA, and has signed with a manager. . . . → Read More: Featured Student: Jasmin Poncelet
Molly Reeves (Graduated both our Diploma programs)
We first met Molly when she was 13 in one of our Guitar Labs. She’s never been a typical student. We could tell by the rat she really wanted to bring into class with her on her shoulder. Yes. True story. But Molly has always been a talented gal and very motivated with her music.

. . . → Read More: Molly Reeves (Graduated both our Diploma programs)

Songwriting Competition 2012 – Tues 29th May May 18, 2012
Come along to The Boileroom, Guildford on Tuesday 29th May to witness the final of the ACM Songwriting Competition 2012. Acts are currently being shortlisted and will post the finalists asap. […]
ACM Students Put Music Recording on Ice May 17, 2012
A Surrey ice rink provided the unlikely venue for a captivating string quartet performance, in a YouTube stunt organised by ACM students. The idea was dreamed up by Ben Pitt, a first year Music Production student, after he was challenged during a lecture to find unusual environments in which to record music. Determined » more […]
ACM Higher Diploma End of Year Showcase – Alternative Night May 16, 2012
After three days of full on live performances showcasing the best of rock, pop and funk from ACM’s Higher Diploma students, what better way to round off a week of high energy performances with the Alternative Night and a final hurrah to one of the world’s greatest pop superstars. Friday’s showcase was kicked off » more […]
Battle of the Bands 2012 – Heat Four – Tues 22nd May May 16, 2012
Congratulations to Dance a la Plage, MassMatiks and Tin Palace who won the ACM Battle of the Bands Heat One, Heat Two and Heat Three respectively! This term sees the return of the annual Battle of the Bands competition at The Boileroom, Guildford. There will be four heats in total, with loads of » more […]