ADAM Audio Scholarship
The ADAM Audio scholarship is a unique opportunity for promising audio engineering students.
In cooperation with an international network of outstanding educational facilities, we have formed the ADAM Audio Academic Program including a scholarship. We would like to nurture young talents and help them to make their way into a flourishing career as an artist, producer or engineer.
On this page, you can get to know the ADAM Audio scholars and follow their progression:
- Alejandro Viña [SAE Institute Madrid]
- Alex Perkins [Academy of Contemporary Music Guildford]
- Alina Markina [Moscow Music School]
- Benjamin Verdier [SAE Institute Paris]
- Cristian Zárate [SAE Institute Barcelona]
- Dennis Linders [Conservatorium van Amsterdam]
- Dustin Painter [Middle Tennessee State University]
- Etienne Pelosoff [BIMM Berlin]
- Fabio Rodrigues [SAE Institute Berlin]
- Federico Zocchi [SAE Institute Milan]
- Gabriel “Gabz” Adedipe [PointBlank Music School London]
- Gabriell Pacino [Middle Tennessee State University]
- Gil Wallach [Pluto Studios, Tel Aviv]
- Iulian Popovici [SAE Institute Paris]
- Jakub Wielgus [Academy of Sound Engineering Jaworzno]
- Johanna Mori [SAE Institute Barcelona]
- Jonathan Daniel [BPM College, Tel Aviv]
- Keenan Bailey [Tileyard University]
- Martin Wolf [SAE Institute Berlin]
- Matt Flood [BIMM Institute Brighton]
- Ollie Edwards [University of Surrey]
- Owen Stavenuiter [University of Surrey]
- Paddy Springford [SAE Institute New Zealand]
- Robin Eveborn [SAE Institute Stockholm]
- Rory Cochrane [PointBlank Music School London]
- Sergi Alvarado [SAE Institute Madrid]
- Simona Melzer [POP-Akademie Mannheim]
- Ylva Brandtsegg [BIMM Institute Berlin]
- Yorgo Amin Jabbour Abboud [SAE Institute Mexico]
Alejandro Viña [SAE Institute Madrid]
With a solid academic background in audiovisual media, Spanish producer and sound technician Alejandro Viña currently works at Deluxe, where he performs quality control services for film and series platforms. Gaining lots of experience in event production, he has been working at the WiZink Center venue. There he is contributing to the successful process of hosting major concerts. Currently he is still training in musical composition for image making compositions that you can listen to via his networks.
Alex Perkins [Academy of Contemporary Music Guildford]
After graduating from The Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, UK producer and musician Alex Perkins immediately found himself working as a playback engineer for a Netflix production, and then as an Audio Engineer for popular TV-show The Voice. Building upon his extensive experience, Perkins went on to produce many artists and bands, of which the resultant recordings have received extensive airtime on UK radio. Alongside his production work, the multi-instrumentalist has also been busy working on his own sound, having already released several albums that merge singer-songwriter craftsmanship with a deeper understanding of electronics.
Alina Markina [Moscow Music School]
At just 18 years of age, Alina Markina has already managed to craft a unique sound with her music, one that blends together some of the better qualities of Mazzy Star, and the modern tenderness of FKA Twigs. Currently enrolled on a song writing program at the Moscow Music School, the self-produced singer songwriter has already amassed a small online catalogue — which includes her 2018 LP Childishness — that blend together traditional Russian instrumentation, poetry, and guitar work. Vocally trained, well versed in music theory, and audio production, Markina’s talent will undoubtedly shine for years to come.
Benjamin Verdier [SAE Institute Paris]
Currently enrolled at the SAE Institute Paris studying for his Bachelor in Audio Production, guitar enthusiast Benjamin Verdier was initially drawn into the world of music after hearing the album Americana by US punk band, The Offspring. His journey into the world of music academia wasn’t a straightforward one however. Following high school, Verdier wanted to become a mechanical designer, and ended up working in the aerospace industry for several years before leaving behind his career to focus on mixing and recording, and submersing himself into the deeper world of metal/rock music and audio production.
Cristian Zárate [SAE Institute Barcelona]
Self-taught Colombian musician and punk-rocker Cristian Zarate graduated in Sound Engineering at San Buenaventura University before going on to enroll at the SAE Institute, Barcelona. Starting out playing guitar in Bogota’s hardcore scene, Zarate can nowadays be found behind the mixing desk, for example recording EPs for local Spanish acts James Vieco (listen here on Spotify).
At the moment, Zarate takes part in the full stack producer program from engineer Jordan Valeriote and continues to improve his guitar skills, in addition to working as an illustrator and donating his time to social activist groups.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Dennis Linders [Conservatorium van Amsterdam]
Dennis Linders, aka DISTRAKT, is a drum and bass artist from The Netherlands. A conservatory graduate from Amsterdam, Linders initially explored hardstyle before finding his calling in the dynamic world of Drum and Bass. His music, characterized by energetic melodies, powerful basslines and captivating sound design, reflects a fusion of influences from his hardstyle roots. With a commitment to pushing boundaries, DISTRAKT’s innovative sound and dynamic performances are propelling him into the spotlight, captivating audiences with each beat.
Although still at the beginning of his career, DISTRAKT has no shortage of motivation. Combining his curiosity and innovation, all the ingredients are there to leave his mark on the electronic music scene.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Dustin Painter [Middle Tennessee State University]
Having already received a Graduate Certificate in Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television, Dustin Painter currently studies at Middle Tennessee State University, following through on his interests in audio, synthesis, and media production. It’s here, by combining his academic pursuits and interests in spatial audio and virtual reality audio implementation, that Painter is looking to create a new VR application for his final MFA project.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Painter works as a freelance producer, composer, and sound designer. To date the Nashville based musician has already worked with such established brands as Disney, IBM, and Siemens, in addition to having numerous film and TV credits.
Etienne Pelosoff [BIMM Berlin]
With a love for metal, jazz and classical music, the accomplished French producer and all-round adept musician Etienne Pelosoff has already amassed a wealth of academic and studio experience in just a short space of time. Along with producing a wide array of local European and American talents, the classically trained artist spends his free time developing his own self-titled solo project that blends together the jazz qualities of Miles Davis, and the black-metal tonality of Mayhem. Qualified in Music and Sound Production at BIMM Berlin, Pelosoff is now the institution’s in-house studio sound engineer, forever keeping an eye out for fresh talent to work with and produce.
Fabio Rodrigues [SAE Institute Berlin]
Originally from Brazil, Fabio Rodrigues first entered the industry as a guitar player for the band “Black N’ White” in 2011 which gave him his first glimpse into the world of recording studios. These sessions opened his eyes to the world of audio and after a few years of grinding by himself, he relocated to Berlin to pursue his audio engineering credentials from the local SAE Institute.
Since then, he’s been collaborating with numerous international artists as a producer and mixing engineer and has also engaged in various intriguing business ventures, including studio builds, app and game development startups, the establishment of the record label Nooketown Records, and the day-to-day management of his studio, Nooketown Studios, in Berlin.
Federico Zocchi [SAE Institute Milan]
Currently studying Audio Production at the SAE Institute Milan, guitar player and vocalist Zocchi Federico lives and breathes music on a daily basis. Either as part of the local folk-pop collective “Pure Souls”, DJing under the pseudonym “DJ Ponente”, or as the solo artist known only as “Fred”, Federico has already achieved so much with his singular vision. Building on his professional technical audio experiences, the Italian producer went about setting up his own recording studio and equipped rehearsal room where he looks to further his development as a studio engineer through experimenting with audio devices, mixers, consoles, and other musical instruments, to become an all-round, complete master of his trade.
Gabriel “Gabz” Adedipe [PointBlank Music School London]
With his debut single “Bitter Sweet”, Gabriel Adedipe aka. “Gabz the Great”, is already starting to establish himself as a unique voice within the UK’s R&B/Soul scene. Enrolled at London’s PointBlank Music School where he’s currently embarked on a Music Production & Sound Engineering course, the talent started his musical journey by being a part of the local church communities as a child. Having learned piano early on, his talents were encouraged by those around him, with gospel being ingrained into his musical development. With a love for “soulful” music and a background in studio management, Gabz the Great has a surefire future ahead of him as both an artist and a producer.
Gabriell Pacino [Middle Tennessee State University]
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, producer, engineer, and all-round talented musician Gabriell Pacino is currently enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University where he’s finishing his Bachelors in Music Production, and Masters in Recording Arts and Technologies.
Far from just being an academic, Gabriell has also amassed a substantial amount of studio experience. During school, Gabriell started to teach himself music production and engineering, and after recording several projects, two of which were his own solo LPs, he would go on to start his own business. After clocking in hours of experience as a studio assistant in Nashville, Gabriell now runs his own studio where he’s provided professional recording and mastering services for a vast number of domestic and international artists.
Gil Wallach [Pluto Studios, Tel Aviv]
With a background in jazz music, the Israel producer and sound designer Gil Wallach became more involved in production and music technology during her time playing in musical ensembles. Wallach recently graduated from Tel Aviv’s highly regarded Pluto Studios, where she studied sound engineering and design. It was whilst studying to become a studio technician that Wallach started to collaborate with local film and animation students. It was through her work creating soundtracks, designing foley and effects, that the classically educated musician began working on various short films, one of which received an award at the Tel Aviv “Animix” festival.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Iulian Popovici [SAE Institute Paris]
Parisian audio-scientist Iulian Popovici has always been fascinated by music theory. Fulfilling his desire to combine both science and creativity at a local engineering school, Popovici proceeded to enroll at the SAE Institute Paris to further study Audio Production. Alongside his course, Popovici has also been studying advanced harmony and composition for big bands at jazz school, while also working as a sound engineer for small festivals and events. Having built up a degree of studio experience recording others, Popovici looks to further his background in sound work by helping out other artists though their creation process in a professional engineering setting.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Jakub Wielgus [Academy of Sound Engineering Jaworzno]
With a background in classical music, Polish musician Jakub Wielgus made his first steps in 2015 after buying his first microphone in order to record what was happening around him. After graduating from the Academy of Sound Engineering in Jaworzno, Poland, Jakub Wielgus started his professional career as an assistant engineer at a local studio where he continues to work until this day. In parallel he also established his own home recording space, Sempre Records. An Avid Pro Tools Certified User and also a singer, the Polish engineer with a huge passion for editing and mixing was tutored by various renown mentors to help better his knowledge in terms of harmony, arranging and music theory; key competencies he applies daily in his professional and personal work.
Johanna Mori [SAE Institute Barcelona]
Alongside studying to become an Audiovisual Systems Engineer at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, DJ and producer Johanna Mori doubles up her student time at the at SAE Institute Barcelona, where she is enrolled on an Audio Production course. Having already clocked up hours of experience behind the decks in the local bars and clubs where she manages to slot in her own remixes into Latin dance music sets, the multi-instrumentalist has been more recently focussing her energies on audio production for live events, after recently collaborating with the Matinée Group at the Circuit Festival.
Jonathan Daniel [BPM College, Tel Aviv]
A graduate of acclaimed BPM College in Tel Aviv, Jonathan Daniel is an Isreali producer and engineer who specialises in pop, hip-hop, and soul sounds. A trained musician, Daniel’s interest in production grew after being introduced to Fruity Loops whilst in school, into a fully-fledged career producing and engineering for other local artists.
Since graduating from BPM, Daniel has worked on various EPs and albums from his home studio. Although Daniel’s style largely fits within the trap and pop world, there have been some surprises in his work catalogue to date, including a project alongside Rafael Biton, the head of the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Keenan Bailey [Tileyard University]
Based out of London, the young musician and producer plied his trade throughout many music related roles, including work at various festivals, studios, and the odd session job when required. With an academic background in music technology, production, and sound engineering, he founded his own production company in 2012, Abstract Sun. Focusing on production, recording, mixing and mastering, Bailey, alongside partner Steven Lewis, eventually set up his own studio space in 2016, which ran up until 2020, when it was forced to close due to COVID. With a new home studio setup, Bailey now offers his services to a multitude of clients while simultaneously pursuing his own musical career under the pseudonym “solarkidd” – a project that embodies his passion for soul, creativity, and the expression of musicality.
Martin Wolf [SAE Institute Berlin]
A graduate of SAE Institute Berlin, Martin Wolf began his musical journey toying around with various DAWs, before eventually finding his sound and releasing his first recorded track in 2012. Having gained vocations in Industrial Engineering, Media Engineering, and Musicology it wasn’t long before Wolf went on to put out his first EP in 2018 on Leipzig bass-focused imprint Defrostatica Records. A fan of instrumental bass music in all its forms, Wolf also works as a freelance DJ, producer and audio engineer, having worked at various establishments throughout Germany.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Matt Flood [BIMM Institute Brighton]
Having already released his debut album back in 2015 under the alias Surgecore, UK producer and music talent Matt Flood is no stranger to the studio. A somewhat musical prodigy, having achieved a distinction in Drum Kit Examination at age 15, he is currently enrolled at BIMM, Brighton, studying Music Production. His wealth of background experience includes playing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, performing at various orchestral concerts, plus producing records for UK-based singer songwriters. Alongside his studies Flood moonlights as a Performing Arts Technician at a local school close to his hometown where he’s taken on the role of in-house studio producer and recording engineer for various school projects.
In May 2020, Matt released an album with his rock band called THUDD featuring the single “What Once Was“.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Ollie Edwards [University of Surrey]
Over 12 years ago, Edwards picked up the guitar together with his father. Through intense practice the British music student has been able to master the instrument over time. Now, currently in his final year studying music at the University of Surrey, Edwards now performs, composes, and produces his own music, and is fully proficient in multiple musical styles and genres. Alongside his studies, Edwards also teaches guitar at the university, is in involved with multiple musical projects, performs live, works with several other producers, and is currently writing his final composition dissertation on “Rhythmic Distortion: Breaking Conventions of Popular Music Composition using Non- Idiomatic Metric and Rhythmic Strategies”. He also engages a lot in “genre bending”, exploring the use of modern production techniques and electronic stylistic approaches in contemporary rock and metal.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Owen Stavenuiter [University of Surrey]
After graduating from the University of Surrey with First Class Honors, Owen Stav has pursued a career as a videographer and photographer, but nevertheless keeping a foot in the audio world. Most of his customers come from the music industry, mainly classical and pop, seeking his expertise and services to create music videos, capture live performances or create event montgages. Owen’s clients range from independent artists and bands to larger businesses, labels and organizations, taking him to legendary locations such as the The Royal Albert Hall and BBC Maida Vale Studios. His client list includes The National Youth Orchestra, AMF Records and The London Philharmonic Orchestra and his work has been featured by BBC Radio 3, ClassicFM, BBC News and the Guardian.
Paddy Springford [SAE Institute New Zealand]
Currently working on his Bachelors of Music Production, the New Zealand producer, sound designer, and audio engineer Paddy Springford is not shy of experience. Alongside his primary work logging in multiple hours in the timber industry, the avid musician has already composed several bodies of work for various independent film projects, including bespoke productions for a local Pride event, and for a subsequent Vice documentary. Alongside his work scoring music, Springford also produces, records and provides mixes for many local prominent artists, such as Rainton Reuben, Prince Romana, and Rick for Real.
Having originally started out in the club scene with multiple electronic projects, the multi-instrumentalist now takes a more esoteric approach to his work with his latest projects earlyspring, and Pineapple People. Along with a few other sound design projects, plus some audio and mixing work for the publishing firm Penguin Random House, Springford’s roots in the world of production have already become very measured, especially for someone still in his prime.
Robin Eveborn [SAE Institute Stockholm]
Multi-instrumentalist and seasoned producer Robin Eveborn is a graduate of both SAE San Francisco, and SAE Stockholm. Having picked up drums from an early age, he later started to focus on songwriting, music production and synthesizers at around 18. Now, best known for his composition and production work with the Swedish pop outfit Last Lynx, Eveborn’s studio includes producing, mixing, and recording for groups such as Tella viv, Llojd, Therese Lithner, and more. As an artist he’s also done remixes for Adrian Lux, Urban Cone, Magic Man, plus others. And, along with all of this, he’s also lends his keyboard playing skills to do live sets for the local band Vacation Forever.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Rory Cochrane [PointBlank Music School London]
Having grown up in the UK just outside of London, Rory Cochrane’s love of house music from a young age inspired him to pursue a career in DJing and production. Currently studying Music Production and Sound Engineering at Point Blank Music School London, Cochrane also makes music and DJs under the alias “Blame Rory” as part of the duo “Funk Cartel”. Cochrane has also been instrumental behind the UK label and events company THUNDR productions, which has seen him, and his label cohorts, play at various showcases and events throughout the UK.
Rory and his brother have now been signed to Point Blank’s very own label to release his music.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Sergi Alvarado [SAE Institute Madrid]
Spanish rock musician Sergio Alvarado started to play drums and guitar back in 2008 and made a name for himself with the band Leather Heart. As a songwriter and bass player in the outfit, Alvarado was able to tour extensively, in addition to acting as the band’s producer. Following on from his time with the band, Alvarado went on to sign up at the SAE Institute Madrid, where he now records and produces other local talented acts.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Simona Melzer [POP-Akademie Mannheim]
At just three years of age, German musical talent Simona Melzer was already taking classical violin and ballet lessons. Her career from this point onwards has been nothing but awash with accolades, awards, and industry experience. With qualifications in Music Production and Sound Design, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Music, Melzer worked and performed at the Roundhouse in London, where she was chosen as a “Rising Sounds Artist”. She has more recently been furthering her experience composing and producing music within the gaming sector, for which she was nominated for various accolades, including the Annie Awards in Los Angeles, and the “Deutscher Entwicklerpreis”. Currently Melzer is pursuing a career as a producer and DJ in the house and techno scene and will be releasing music under her alias “Mona Yim”. The project was endorsed by the YouTube Early Career Scholarship and featured on RedBull Radio UK.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Ylva Brandtsegg [BIMM Institute Berlin]
Drummer, producer and vocalist Ylva Brandsegg obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Popular Music at Westerdals Oslo School of Art Oslo, before going on to BIMM Berlin to further her studies in Music Production. Originally starting out playing in bands, Brandsegg’s interest in composition and production started to take shape during her early studies. Gaining an interest in electronic music, she eventually decided to move to Berlin where she now produces music for others, as well as working on her material; a brooding, mystic style of electronic-pop she records under the alias Ylva Øyen. Ylva performed the song “Think About Things” by the band Daði & Gagnamagnið at the Eurovision Song Contest Final 2020 in Hamburg.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Yorgo Amin Jabbour Abboud [SAE Institute Mexico]
Growing up in an international household, Mexican producer, engineer and all-round musician Yorgo Amin Jabbour Abboud has an abundance of styles to draw upon at any one time. His family emigrated to Mexico City from Lebanon, before moving to Montreal with Yorgo in tow. At just three years of age, Yorgo was introduced to the violin, which he still studies to play to this very day.
Now firmly established back in the Mexican capital working at a recording studio producing scores for popular reality shows, the musically gifted engineer spends his spare time making music that pulls from his diverse upbringing. Citing Vivaldi, alongside Latin styles such as Salsa, Reggaeton, and Bachata as influences, Yorgo has set himself the goal of making music that combines violin theory with his more contemporary music tastes.
Currently enrolled on the Audio Engineering course at the SAE Institute Mexico, Yorgo is an AVID certified Pro Tools user, and is currently producing for Ricardo Mendez, in addition to making audio for TV, and videogames, alongside his own musical projects.