NEWS
NEW TRANSATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP TO UNLOCK MUSIC TECH OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCLUSION MUSIC MAKING
August 2026
A new transatlantic partnership is set to open up opportunities for the music tech industry to support the growing market for inclusive music making.
Technology in Music Education (TiME UK) was created in 2019 to help educators embrace new music technology, acting as a bridge between product developers and real world classroom use.
With a 1,000-strong membership, TiME UK introduces leading music technology brands including Ableton, Yamaha, Sontronics, Woojer, Digit Music, Robkoo, Soundbeam and Arcana Instruments to the UK education sector.
Now the organisation has announced a new partnership with Technology in Music Education (TI:ME USA) to create an international platform for sharing best practice in music technology, inclusion, new digital and adaptive instruments, networks and professional development models.
Millions of young people in both the UK and US require additional educational support, increasing the need for accessible music technology, adaptive instruments and inclusive teaching approaches.
August 2026
A new transatlantic partnership is set to open up opportunities for the music tech industry to support the growing market for inclusive music making.
Technology in Music Education (TiME UK) was created in 2019 to help educators embrace new music technology, acting as a bridge between product developers and real world classroom use.
With a 1,000-strong membership, TiME UK introduces leading music technology brands including Ableton, Yamaha, Sontronics, Woojer, Digit Music, Robkoo, Soundbeam and Arcana Instruments to the UK education sector.
Now the organisation has announced a new partnership with Technology in Music Education (TI:ME USA) to create an international platform for sharing best practice in music technology, inclusion, new digital and adaptive instruments, networks and professional development models.
Millions of young people in both the UK and US require additional educational support, increasing the need for accessible music technology, adaptive instruments and inclusive teaching approaches.
Kate Rounding, Executive Director, TiME UK, said: “Music tech companies need trusted routes into education. We’ve seen great success in putting products in front of teachers, music services, SEND practitioners and young people, while feeding real-world classroom insight back to industry. This exciting new partnership strengthens the bridge between industry, classrooms and young creators in both the UK and US.”
Richard Llewellyn, CEO, TiME UK, commented: “Music technology has become central to how young people create music, but many educators lack the training, confidence, equipment knowledge or sector connections to use it meaningfully.” TiME is successfully meeting these challenges with activity across CPD, adaptive technology, corporate partnerships, specialist settings, Music Mark, Music & Drama Education Expo and the Inclusive Music Consortium.
Owain Wilson, Digit Music, said: “It's been a pleasure working with Kate, Richard and the TiME team over the years to ensure music technology is embedded across all stages of learning. During that time we have seen them lead nationally recognised work on accessible and adaptive music technologies and have had the pleasure of joining them at numerous events where they advocate for the role of music technology in education.
“We're excited to see this new chapter in TiME’s journey with their international partnership with TI:ME USA (Technology in Music Education USA) and the wider benefits it will bring to music learners and lovers around the world.”
Richard Llewellyn, CEO, TiME UK, commented: “Music technology has become central to how young people create music, but many educators lack the training, confidence, equipment knowledge or sector connections to use it meaningfully.” TiME is successfully meeting these challenges with activity across CPD, adaptive technology, corporate partnerships, specialist settings, Music Mark, Music & Drama Education Expo and the Inclusive Music Consortium.
Owain Wilson, Digit Music, said: “It's been a pleasure working with Kate, Richard and the TiME team over the years to ensure music technology is embedded across all stages of learning. During that time we have seen them lead nationally recognised work on accessible and adaptive music technologies and have had the pleasure of joining them at numerous events where they advocate for the role of music technology in education.
“We're excited to see this new chapter in TiME’s journey with their international partnership with TI:ME USA (Technology in Music Education USA) and the wider benefits it will bring to music learners and lovers around the world.”
Adam McCulloch, pBone Music, said: “We have been delighted to partner with the TiME UK team, sharing their goal to make music technology inclusive and accessible to all learners. Our teams have collaborated at events across the UK, most recently at Yamaha UK as part of the Music Hub Conference 2026. TiME truly cares about the products, the people behind them, and crucially, the educators and students looking to advance their knowledge and skills with the latest musical innovations. We look forward to continuing our partnership to further and provide the best solutions and music technology for the education sector.”
Kate Billinge, Headsoup Ltd, said: “As a start up in the accessible music space, TiME UK has provided us with a huge amount of support and advice. They’ve opened doors across the music technology and education space, introducing us to resellers, industry partners and like-minded organisations, and offered opportunities to engage directly with educators through expos and events.
“Kate and Richard bring an exceptional depth of knowledge, generosity and connectivity to the sector. They are always full of ideas, introductions and practical guidance. TiME UK plays an important role in connecting industry and education, and we’re excited to see the impact of this new international partnership.”
TI:ME USA has been active since 1995 and its mission is to help music educators apply technology to improve teaching and learning in music.
Kate Billinge, Headsoup Ltd, said: “As a start up in the accessible music space, TiME UK has provided us with a huge amount of support and advice. They’ve opened doors across the music technology and education space, introducing us to resellers, industry partners and like-minded organisations, and offered opportunities to engage directly with educators through expos and events.
“Kate and Richard bring an exceptional depth of knowledge, generosity and connectivity to the sector. They are always full of ideas, introductions and practical guidance. TiME UK plays an important role in connecting industry and education, and we’re excited to see the impact of this new international partnership.”
TI:ME USA has been active since 1995 and its mission is to help music educators apply technology to improve teaching and learning in music.
TI:ME USA, said: “From that first conversation at NAMM, we knew just how important it was for us to collaborate. With developmental disability rates as high as 17% in the U.S., we’ve been eager to explore more accessible music technologies. We’re hopeful that with Kate and Richard we can build a bridge between our shared missions and cast a wider net into the industry. That way, we might help solve some of the greater issues facing music education and better support our students and teachers with technologies we trust.”
The Memorandum of Understanding commits both organisations to professional development, research and knowledge exchange, advocacy, shared resources and international networking, all focused on improving the use of technology in music education. It will create access to wider expertise, training, examples and shared resources from both sides of the Atlantic.
To become a corporate member, visit www.timemusicuk.org/
The Memorandum of Understanding commits both organisations to professional development, research and knowledge exchange, advocacy, shared resources and international networking, all focused on improving the use of technology in music education. It will create access to wider expertise, training, examples and shared resources from both sides of the Atlantic.
To become a corporate member, visit www.timemusicuk.org/
JAMES ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AS COMPANY APPROACHES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
September 2025
The company has appointed two new directors to its board: Wendy Laybourn FBKS, a pioneering film industry professional with over five decades of experience who made history as the first woman elected as Council Member of BKSTS (British Kinematograph Sound & Television Society) in 1994 and played an integral role in introducing off-line editing technology to Europe in the 1970s. As a Fellow of BKSTS, BAFTA member since 1972, and co-author of "The Art of Film: Working on James Bond, Aliens, Batman and More" (2022), she brings unparalleled expertise in film production and visual effects to JAMES.
Andy Brook, UK music producer, mix engineer and touring musician. With over three decades of cross-discipline experience in industry and education, Brook has worked with renowned artists including Status Quo, Bonnie Tyler, Stewart Copeland, Del Amitri and more. Having experienced JAMES as a student, educator, assessor and executive board member he brings a unique perspective to this new role.
Dr. Dennis Weinreich has been re-elected as director and will continue to serve on the finance team. Dr. Weinreich was instrumental in JAMES's inception and brings decades of experience as a company director across multiple organisations.
September 2025
The company has appointed two new directors to its board: Wendy Laybourn FBKS, a pioneering film industry professional with over five decades of experience who made history as the first woman elected as Council Member of BKSTS (British Kinematograph Sound & Television Society) in 1994 and played an integral role in introducing off-line editing technology to Europe in the 1970s. As a Fellow of BKSTS, BAFTA member since 1972, and co-author of "The Art of Film: Working on James Bond, Aliens, Batman and More" (2022), she brings unparalleled expertise in film production and visual effects to JAMES.
Andy Brook, UK music producer, mix engineer and touring musician. With over three decades of cross-discipline experience in industry and education, Brook has worked with renowned artists including Status Quo, Bonnie Tyler, Stewart Copeland, Del Amitri and more. Having experienced JAMES as a student, educator, assessor and executive board member he brings a unique perspective to this new role.
Dr. Dennis Weinreich has been re-elected as director and will continue to serve on the finance team. Dr. Weinreich was instrumental in JAMES's inception and brings decades of experience as a company director across multiple organisations.
Andy Brook, freshly-appointed
JAMES Director.
These appointments follow the resignation of Dr. Phil Harding, who stepped down after 19 years of distinguished service to JAMES, having been one of the original founders representing the Music Producers Guild (MPG). Dr. Harding will remain available as a consultant to support the organization's ongoing work.
"The new directors have the opportunity and enthusiasm to bring something new and the mandate to drive the company forward with the full support of the Executive," said Dr. Gary Bromham, JAMES academic advisor.
JAMES is also proud to announce the establishment of "The David Ward Outstanding Achievement Award". The award honours the memory of JAMES's founder and Executive Director David Ward FRSA (1943-2023), a visionary educator who transformed music technology education and established the first independent music industry school in Europe through Gateway School of Recording.
The renamed award which has been running for many years continues to recognise exceptional achievement in creative education and will be presented annually starting in 2026.
"The new directors have the opportunity and enthusiasm to bring something new and the mandate to drive the company forward with the full support of the Executive," said Dr. Gary Bromham, JAMES academic advisor.
JAMES is also proud to announce the establishment of "The David Ward Outstanding Achievement Award". The award honours the memory of JAMES's founder and Executive Director David Ward FRSA (1943-2023), a visionary educator who transformed music technology education and established the first independent music industry school in Europe through Gateway School of Recording.
The renamed award which has been running for many years continues to recognise exceptional achievement in creative education and will be presented annually starting in 2026.
VIST TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS, LONDON
February 2025
JAMES representatives Phil Harding (left) and Phil Bodger (right) recently toured the excellent studio facilities at The University of The Arts, London (UAL). The main purpose of the visit was to talk to students from the three courses currently accredited by JAMES:
BA (Hons) Music Production / MA Music Production / MA Music Business (starts September 2025).
As many Londoners will know, there is a lot of building and development work going on around the Elephant & Castle area in South London and eventually the UAL music facilities will move into the new premises.
www.arts.ac.uk
February 2025
JAMES representatives Phil Harding (left) and Phil Bodger (right) recently toured the excellent studio facilities at The University of The Arts, London (UAL). The main purpose of the visit was to talk to students from the three courses currently accredited by JAMES:
BA (Hons) Music Production / MA Music Production / MA Music Business (starts September 2025).
As many Londoners will know, there is a lot of building and development work going on around the Elephant & Castle area in South London and eventually the UAL music facilities will move into the new premises.
www.arts.ac.uk
UNIVERSITY OF DERBY RE-ACCREDITS THREE COURSES
December 2024
The University of Derby has recently re-accredited three courses within its School of Music and Performing Arts - BSc (Hons) Music Production, BA (Hons) Popular Music and MA Music Production.
JAMES assessors Rita Campbell and Gary Bromham took the trip to Derby liaising with Course Leader Daithi McMahon and his team.
They commented, "We commend the attitude and approach of the staff in delivering courses which thoroughly embrace an environment of critical thinking and creativity. This is not always a given and can only benefit students in the long run when they enter real world working environments."
Photos - Top image Daithi McMahon (1st left) and team, bottom image JAMES' Gary and Rita.
www.derby.ac.uk
December 2024
The University of Derby has recently re-accredited three courses within its School of Music and Performing Arts - BSc (Hons) Music Production, BA (Hons) Popular Music and MA Music Production.
JAMES assessors Rita Campbell and Gary Bromham took the trip to Derby liaising with Course Leader Daithi McMahon and his team.
They commented, "We commend the attitude and approach of the staff in delivering courses which thoroughly embrace an environment of critical thinking and creativity. This is not always a given and can only benefit students in the long run when they enter real world working environments."
Photos - Top image Daithi McMahon (1st left) and team, bottom image JAMES' Gary and Rita.
www.derby.ac.uk
JAMES SPONSORS THE SMPR CONFERENCE AT LEEDS BECKETT
September 2024
JAMES sponsored and delivered a Music Producer and Engineers panel at the inaugural SMPR (Society for Music Production Research) Conference hosted at Leeds Beckett University. Panelists included Gary Bromham, Katie Tavini, Izzy McPhee and the legendary Ken Scott. JAMES Executive member and assessor, Phil Bodger, chaired the panel and the topics included - Change and Continuity: Traditions, Tensions and Transformations in Music Production.'
musicproductionresearch.org
September 2024
JAMES sponsored and delivered a Music Producer and Engineers panel at the inaugural SMPR (Society for Music Production Research) Conference hosted at Leeds Beckett University. Panelists included Gary Bromham, Katie Tavini, Izzy McPhee and the legendary Ken Scott. JAMES Executive member and assessor, Phil Bodger, chaired the panel and the topics included - Change and Continuity: Traditions, Tensions and Transformations in Music Production.'
musicproductionresearch.org
2024 SUMMER SCHOOL AT ROCKFIELD STUDIOS
July 2024
The Gus Dudgeon Foundation and JAMES are extremely pleased to confirm that this year's Post Graduate Summer School ran from 1 July for four days at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales!
Acknowledged to be the first residential studio in the world, Rockfield Studios has played host to many global artists - Oasis, Rush, Iggy Pop, Coldplay, Black Sabbath, Robert Plant, Manic Street Preachers to name but a few… and in 1975 was the primary studios used by Queen for the recording of the greatest pop record of all time Bohemian Rhapsody.
This was an amazing opportunity for the star JAMES students to soak up the vibes and learn from the engineers/producers who have worked with the best!
Represented at the Summer School were students from - University of the West of England, Leeds Beckett University, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Portsmouth, University of Winchester, University of South Wales, Ulster University, Bournemouth University, University of Salford and Northampton University.
Read a full account of the week here.
July 2024
The Gus Dudgeon Foundation and JAMES are extremely pleased to confirm that this year's Post Graduate Summer School ran from 1 July for four days at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales!
Acknowledged to be the first residential studio in the world, Rockfield Studios has played host to many global artists - Oasis, Rush, Iggy Pop, Coldplay, Black Sabbath, Robert Plant, Manic Street Preachers to name but a few… and in 1975 was the primary studios used by Queen for the recording of the greatest pop record of all time Bohemian Rhapsody.
This was an amazing opportunity for the star JAMES students to soak up the vibes and learn from the engineers/producers who have worked with the best!
Represented at the Summer School were students from - University of the West of England, Leeds Beckett University, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Portsmouth, University of Winchester, University of South Wales, Ulster University, Bournemouth University, University of Salford and Northampton University.
Read a full account of the week here.
