News
August 31, 2009
International Tour and Tech Academy kicked off our third year in style with an unforgettable party at the Casbah in Hamilton on Friday, August 28.
The guest list was at the max inclusive of staff, friends, family, and some of the most recognized names in the music industry.
In anticipation of their record release in September, Spirits headlined the event and captivated the audience with what one reporter called "80's-tastic" style. The performance was virtually flawless, which couldn't have been easy for the Hamilton band as they took the stage after the Pixies (whose identity had been a close-kept secret until the performance).
Four of ITTA's student alumni volunteered their time and efforts to help ensure the show ran smoothly and their training paid off as they did a fantastic job.
Thanks to all who helped ITTA celebrate: the media, the fans, Spirits, and the Pixies.
Here are a few reviews from the night:
CHARTattack.com
exclaim.ca
It's going to be a terrific year!
May 22, 2009
For Immediate Release: The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities approves local Hamilton Tour and Technology School as a recognized private career college.
International Tour and Tech Academy (ITTA), located at 227 King Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, has received Ministry approval to begin operation as a private career college. ITTA offers a program that sets it apart from all existing career colleges, providing music industry training with a concentrated focus on tour management.
Success speaks for itself:
Prior to receiving the Ministry recognition, close to twenty candidates underwent the pilot program and the successes have been tremendous. Since their completion of the course, 100% of the students have had an opportunity for employment within the music industry: Students have been recruited for such large Canadian Music Festivals such as Canadian Music Week, and Pride (Toronto and Hamilton).
On an individual basis, the clientele has varied and has included such talented acts as:
- The Trews
- 54-40
- The Breeders
- Sloan
- Brian Melo
- Protest the Hero
- Delerium
- Kim Mitchell and more...
In just 10 weeks, students who successfully complete the course have a solid foundation in an industry where formal training has previously not been readily available.
ITTA provides ground up, true-grit music industry training with instruction given by veteran industry professionals. The school's founders have created a learning strategy that incorporates over 30 years of their own industry experience. The principals of Key Music Group Dan Brooks (The Marble Index, Lowest of the Low) and Richard Jones (Pixies, The Kills, Spice Girls) have developed the curriculum with a culmination of management skills, tour strategies and hands-on practical learning. ITTA Co-founder Dan Achen (owner of Catherine North Studios, guitarist for Junkhouse) contributed his talents and insight to the guitar tech component. The school has been strategically centralized in Hamilton and the ITTA team is excited to be part of the economic downtown growth.
ITTA president Dan Brooks says "...we're excited to have the ministry's approval, and even more excited that we are able to do our business right here in downtown Hamilton." "Imagine our grads assisting music industry veterans on the world stage across Canada, and around the world - from England to Sweden, and all over the USA."
Contact Dan Brooks at ITTA about up-coming program start dates.
Phone: 905-963-0304
Email:
