Jonny Amos has taught music students in a wide range of settings throughout his career, and says Noroff students stand out in a positive way when they start their bachelor’s degree at BIMM University in the UK.
From artist to educator
Through a 2+1 partnership with BIMM University, music students at Noroff have the opportunity to build on their education and earn a bachelor’s degree. After completing the two-year vocational program in Sound and Music Production, students can apply directly to the third year of a bachelor’s program at BIMM. This offers a unique chance to gain international experience and insight into a vibrant global music industry.
Jonny Amos is a Senior Lecturer at BIMM Music Institute Birmingham, where he teaches degree courses in Songwriting, Music Production, and Music Business. With a diverse background as an artist, producer, and educator, he brings extensive experience from both the music industry and the academic field. Before moving into teaching, he worked for over a decade as a recording artist, songwriter and producer for a number of international artists.
- I started as a recording artist and later moved into writing and producing for others. After some successful song placements, I built a network of composers and music publishers, he explains.
Alongside his career in music, Jonny began teaching music production and composition — in schools, universities, prisons and even military bases.
- I’ve taught just about every age group in a wide range of settings. It began as something I did part-time, but after guest lecturing at several universities, it felt natural to take on a more permanent role at BIMM, he says.
A global approach to music
BIMM University has campuses in several major European cities and welcomes students from all over the world. For Jonny, this diversity is a major strength.
- People from different parts of the world bring their own roots and expressions to music-making. We now live in a digital, global music landscape where blending cultural influences is both natural and exciting, he says.
He points to examples like a Norwegian producer using West African percussion in a hyperpop track, or a Colombian composer incorporating a traditional Chinese moon guitar — creating something entirely new.
– Norwegians have music in their blood
Jonny has worked with many Norwegian students at BIMM, several of whom have come from Noroff. His impression is overwhelmingly positive.
- The standard is consistently high. In fact, I don’t think many Noroff students fully realise how developed they already are when they arrive here, he says.
According to Jonny, the key focus at BIMM is helping students take what they’ve learned and apply it professionally.
- The technical skills they arrive with from Noroff are very solid. What we do is help them transition those skills into a real-world setting — how to network, find opportunities and build a sustainable and fulfilling career in music.
More than famous names
BIMM is known for having educated artists like George Ezra, James Bay and Pale Waves. Still, what fascinates Jonny most is the variety of career paths its alumni have taken.
- So many former students are now working as festival bookers, sound engineers, songwriters, digital marketers, PR specialists and even AI developers. The alumni network is massive, and it gives our students a real advantage — especially in the UK music industry.
