Alumni case study Adham Armeti

Adham Armenti’s love of playing bass started at age 16. Although he started playing later than others around him, his passion quickly grew to a point where he was heavily involved in his local music scene. WaterBear was his first formal education in music, drawing core influences from contemporary jazz and improvised music. Adham developed a versatility in his playing and approach to the music industry that would become central to his successful freelance career as a WaterBear graduate.

Adham initially discovered WaterBear online, and after watching a college-producer YouTube video applied for an interview. Despite not studying music beforehand, his passion to pursue it as a career was welcomed and encouraged by WaterBear.  

“This opened my eyes to a huge range of possibilities and helped me realise that performance is where my strength lies and that’s where I wanted to focus my career.” 

The college’s deep connections with Brighton’s venue circuit were a major pull, as was the access to free studio time and having its own venue. This access would prove pivotal, fueling a growing interest in mixing and production that would eventually define his career path. Furthermore, the availability of tutoring opportunities outside of scheduled hours demonstrated to him that the college was invested in his personal growth, not just his grades. 

On the music performance pathway he initially focused on his technical playing ability in lessons and through one-to-one mentoring, however over the years at WaterBear he found an interest in developing additional skills which became essential in the professional opportunities he was landing.

“When navigating professional situations, I have always followed the great examples around me such as WaterBear peers, tutors and industry professionals. They are always happy to share advice, and this has yet to lead me wrong.”

Since graduating in September 2023, Adham has successfully transitioned from balancing a day job to working as a full-time freelance professional bass player. His ability to balance technical skill with professional conduct has led to high-profile opportunities across the UK. 

Adham has joined the live band for HEIGHTS, opening for rock heavyweights You Me At Six on their final tour, has recorded at BBC Maida Vale and performed at On The Beach Festival with artist (and fellow WaterBear graduate) Lily Knott, as well as performed at the Jazz Cafe with London-based rapper FEUX. He performed at the Great Escape Festival with his band, Call Me Franco and he joined the Arjun Nala live band. 

Adham credits collaborating with other students in Live Performance Workshops (LPWs) and taking part in the mentoring scheme as providing him with the vital skills he now uses in his music industry career: 

Live music performance & stagecraft 

Playback programming & sound design 

Arranging & pre-production 

Group communication & professional conduct 

Freelance business development & strategy