The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester has announced the appointment of composer and guitarist Stuart McCallum as Deputy Head of Popular Music.
His varied career has involved collaborations with electronic artists such as Jordan Rakei, James Zoo, JP Cooper, Richard Spaven and Bjork percussionist Manu Delago; performances alongside Jose James, John Surman and Kenny Wheeler; recordings and performances with jazz stars including Ari Hoenig, Ira Coleman, Mike Gibbs, Gwilym Simcock, and Dan Weisz; as well as performances with prominent folk artists, such as Danny Thompson, Michael McGoldrick and John Smith.
McCallum rose to prominence writing for and playing with the Cinematic Orchestra, on their Ma Fleur and Live at the Albert Hall albums. In addition, he contributed to their award-winning Disney nature documentary soundtrack, The Crimson Wing, and their remix of Radiohead’s Exit Music for a Film for the band’s compilation album Exit Music: Songs for Radio Heads.
In 2015 the RNCM became the UK’s first conservatoire to offer a four-year BMus degree in Popular Music. Embracing innovation, diversity and change, the College now trains students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to become professional performers and independent original artists through a combination of intensive study and real-world experience.
Stuart McCallum said:
‘I’m very pleased and honoured to be appointed Deputy Head of Popular Music. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the talented students and staff to create some innovative music and musicians.’
Andy Stott, Head of Popular Music at the college, said:
‘I’m delighted that we were able to appoint Stuart as the new Deputy Head of Popular Music. He is a world-class musician and educator, and his creative skills as a performer, composer and producer will have a major influence on the future development of our programme. I’m very much looking forward to working with him in his new role.’
