Christoph Borchers (BIMM Berlin) helps students to kick off their music career

Christoph Borchers (34) works as Head of Events, Guests & Industry Liaison for BIMM Berlin. BIMM is a modern music institute based in 5 European cities. The institute focuses on students that want to be fully prepared for a career in the music industry. We spoke to Christoph and asked him about lessons for musicians, BIMM and his goals for the coming years!

What did you do before BIMM and how did you get to work at BIMM?

'Originally, I´m from Hannover but moved to Berlin 15 years ago to study cultural science where I did my bachelor and master’s degree. Since I can remember I've played guitar in different bands and always had a big fascination for music and events in general. I gained a lot of experience in this field working for various event companies / promoters and clubs. I then started working for the noisy Academy an electronic music school, one of BIMM´s partners in Berlin but finally ended up at BIMM getting our students connected with the Music Industry. This is what I do know and I have to say I´m quite happy with it.'

Christoph Borchers

What is BIMM exactly?

'BIMM stands for British and Irish Modern Music Institute and is Europe´s most connected music college with schools in Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, London, Birmingham, Dublin, Hamburg and of course Berlin. BIMM offers a range of higher education courses, full bachelor’s degrees accredited by the university of Sussex one of the leading universities worldwide. With James Bay, George Ezra, The Kooks or Tom Odell we look at list of very famous BIMM alumni.'

The institute is based in 6 cities in the UK and in Berlin and Hamburg, are there differences between the study programs?

'There are only slight differences between the course offer. For example, you can study 1-year diploma courses in the UK and Ireland, we don’t offer in Berlin or Hamburg. But generally, speaking you can study all courses at each college. The bigger differences are given by the city itself. Each college has is own vibe. Berlin is obviously famous for its massive electronic music scene and club culture, which reflects in the amount of music production students we have and the Masterclass guests we book over here.'

Is the institute fully focused on musicians?

'Our main strength is in the live performance sector. This field becomes more and more relevant since income through digital streaming has massively decreased. The tour is more important than ever before. At the same time, we offer a degree in Music Business for those who are non-performers but interested in the business side of things. These students run a label or become a promoter, tour manager or booker after they studied at BIMM.'

Do you think musicians can learn all the things the DIY (do it yourself) way instead of going to school?

'A fair amount and if we look at some big acts these days, they didn’t necessarily go to a music college. However, the Music Business is a people´s business and a lot is based on the people you meet and know. BIMM is helping students with its long-time experience and connections around the world to get them connect. Students have access to Masterclasses where they learn from the pros, we do Industry-Walk-Ins, Live Soundchecks etc. to give students an exclusive look behind-the-scene. Our tutor roster consists of full professionals shaping the music industry as we speak.'

What do you think are some essential things beginning musicians need to learn?

'Musicians often think the whole business is about being the best guitarist or drummer on stage, but in fact the social level is at least if not even more important. Not being responsive to mails or being difficult to work with doesn’t help the career. Venue bookers see many concerts per month, they often can´t remember the music a band is playing, but how they left the backstage and if they stick to the schedule. Social skills are very important, and the world is small, if someone is rude and unreliable – people will remember, share and recognize. Another important skill is to understand boring but necessary things like how to write an invoice / work as a freelancer and get an idea of how music licensing works.'

You also give 1 on 1 sessions at BIMM, how does that work and what do you tell the artists?

'That’s right. Students have access to tutorials and can book them across the whole tutor roster and selected members of staff. This is in addition to the course they study and can expand the horizon, if a Music Business student (who at the same time is a producer) wants to hear feedback on his/her new song he/she for instance. I give career advice, check CVs and cover letters and help with EPKs, which is basically a musicians business card.'

Christoph on stage

BIMM are based in the brand new House of Music in Berlin, what are the advantages of the new building?

'This building is literally tailored to musicians. Studios, rehearsal rooms, all room in room constructions and fully soundproof, accessible 7days a week. High-end mac labs with modern workstations and all relevant DAWs, multi-purpose and songwriting rooms, the list is sheer endless. All tenants of the house are music businesses and our students can benefit from them. Whether it´s Shure or Yamaha, MOD Devices or the music consultation institution Music Pool Berlin. They are all under one roof and it´s the perfect hub for musicians to network, practice and kickstart their music career.'

Can you describe Berlin as a live music city for us?

'When it comes to music Berlin is one of the top cities in the world. It´s full of creative people, great clubs and live venues and even though we keep complaining about gentrification and high rents, compared to other cities in Europe we are doing pretty good. There is a niche for every genre. For sure the electronic music scene is huge, but Berlin offers a place for all genres ranging from Pop over to Hip Hop, Rock and Hardcore.'

What are your goals for BIMM the coming years?

'First, keeping up the high standard of musical education and expanding the network here in Germany collaborating with great partners. We will have a huge intake of new students in Berlin this October and can´t wait to welcome them all in our brand-new building. And who knows, maybe some of them will have the first tour bookings through Gigstarter.'