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Congratulations on winning the award! How do you feel about it?
I feel proud of myself for winning this award as it shows that I have impacted others around me in a positive way.
How was your time studying at ACC?
My time at ACC was phenomenal, everything I know about Music Production came from my tutors and the rest of the students are now some of my closest friends! By January of my second year, it felt like a second family to me. I’m going to take the skills I learnt at ACC and refine them to degree level and progress to my master’s and hopefully one day a PhD.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of college hours I’ve been commissioned to produce music for a cheerleading team with my friend Lennon. We completed it over two weeks and were really proud of the final product!
What is your proudest achievement to date?
My proudest achievement came last year when the rapper Bugzy Malone released a perfume. I was printing my music while tagging the artist and the brand of perfume with bottles of the perfume and he gave me some recognition by looking at my Instagram profile!
What advice would you give to students thinking about joining ACC?
The advice I would give is to be open-minded and take every opportunity that’s presented. Even if it’s not the music you enjoy, if you’re offered a chance to work and gain more skills take it as there might not be another one.
Recently, we had a chat with Mitch Prestedge, Lincoln’s winner for ACC’s Best Song/Composition Award for 2024. We spoke to him about how he feels after his award win, his time at Access Creative, and his plans for the future.
Hi Mitch, can you please tell us a bit more about yourself?
My name is Mitch, I am currently on the Music Production Level 3 course in Lincoln. I produce music in the style of classical/ambient cinematic. My music is mainly inspired by Ludovico Einaudi and Hans Zimmer, and my artist name is ADØRØ. I have also been playing the piano for nearly 10 years.
Not only do I produce music, but I also 3d model, create manga, write stories and draw realism in my free time. I have struggled a lot in the past, especially with my autism behavioural issues which ended up in me getting kicked out of a lot of schools and developing mental health issues. I have dealt with very bad anxiety, which caused me to not talk to people, sit in the corner by myself and just completely shut down. I thought I had no hope of getting into a mainstream college due to my issues, but Access gave me a chance to change myself for the better.
Congratulations on your ACC Award win. How do you feel?
I am very proud of my best composition win this year, I didn’t think I’d win but told myself “It’s worth a try.” I remember all that stress I felt, specifically finding a unique style of music to create, and learning how to mix tracks properly, but it was worth it! I was a little bit sad because I didn’t win the best song award nationally, but when I saw who won, I was very impressed, and couldn’t stay upset for long- the composition by the person who won nationally was amazing!
Tell us about your time at Access. What have you enjoyed about it? What have you learned?
I have enjoyed my time at ACC, although I am only in my first year of Level 3, I am looking forward to my next year as the course seems very exciting! This year has been very fun, my music has been improved a lot, the improvement from three years ago to now is huge. A big thing I have learned is mixing and mastering my compositions. A few years ago, I would have never considered mixing 37-track orchestral songs, but now I think I’m pretty good at it!
I love the staff a lot, for understanding my issues and helping me overcome them. I love how we have various tasks to do, ranging from creating EDM tracks to scoring music for a film. So, I’ve not only learned important things industry-wise, but I have learned how to communicate better, and even get myself a few friends!
Have you done anything in the industry outside of your studies? If so, tell us about it!
I have not really done too much in the industry outside my college studies due to my assignments, but I have applied for BBC Introducing Unclassified – as encouraged by teachers, (so fingers crossed I get on there!). I have recently subscribed to a distribution service to get my music onto all streaming platforms! I also aim to do more performances in the summer holidays.
What’s your proudest achievement from your time studying with us?
My proudest achievement from my time studying here is my performance at the awards ceremony at Home nightclub in early July. Me and my violinist friend (Ash) performed a violin and piano duet to a big audience. Despite being anxious about it, I made myself go on stage, and I am proud of myself. I went from a very anxious person who couldn’t even go to the shop or get a bus, to this person who enjoys performing on stage.
What are your plans for the future? How are you going to take what you’ve learned at Access into your career?
I have big dreams for when I leave Access. I will be going to University to study my greatest passion, film scoring. My big dream in life is to create film music similar to the Interstellar soundtrack. I will take my Logic Pro skills (and also my current film music skills) learned from my time here, into University.
My dream is to help people who are struggling with mental health through music, just like how Ludovico Einaudi and Hans Zimmer have helped me through my hard times. I also aim to buy my family a nice house in the future. Due to my multiple, (and sometimes stressful) lessons on mixing and mastering, I am now more confident in my chances of getting into university.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying at Access?
To anyone considering studying at Access, go for it! It has changed me so much, I am more confident and have made lots of friends. I’m confident I will succeed in my dream career. It may seem hard in the beginning, but keep going.
To hear the kind of music I create, head to my linktree, which contains all my social media!
This event is aimed at 16+ year olds and young musicians in Norfolk and Suffolk who are looking to improve their opportunities and artistry. There will be light refreshments availalbe to attendees.