Music Industry Legend Brian Cadd To Be Awarded Honorary Degree At Australian Institute of Music 7/11

"My parents always wanted me to get an education," says Brian Cadd, "but when I finished high school, the only way to break into the music industry was to get out and work. If you went to study music at a tertiary level, it was to become a music teacher or join an orchestra."

"These were the days that The Beatles were changing music forever. If you wanted to play popular music, you had to get out there, make it up as you go and learn from your mistakes."

And learn he did. One of Australia's iconic performers and member of ARIA's Hall of Fame, Brian Cadd became industry leader and innovator, finding international success as a singer, songwriter, administrator and entrepreneur.

The Australian Institute of Music will recognise his outstanding achievements by awarding him an Honorary Masters degree at school's graduation ceremony on Saturday 11 July.

"My mum is chuffed that I'm finally getting a music qualification and is coming up from Melbourne," says Brian. "I'll be just as excited as the other AIM graduates on the day with a proud parent sitting in the auditorium."

"Brian Cadd is recognized by his peers as a seminal figure in Australian music," says Dr Raffaele Marcellino, Dean of AIM. "He is such an inspiration to our students and staff that we felt it important to recognize his contribution to the music industry."

"After his first hits in the mid-60s, Brian is still actively recording and touring, as well as playing a pivotal role on industry boards and inspiring a whole new generation of musicians, writers and managers as a lecturer."

"I feel extremely honoured to be associated with the Australian Institute of Music," adds Brian.

"There has been a seismic shift in music education since I was a teenager the 1960s. Now at AIM young people have the opportunity to enter the industry as highly skilled and experienced musicians, composers, engineers and entertainment administrators."

For more information on the Australian Institute of Music, visit www.aim.edu.au or email enquiries@aim.edu.au or phone 9219 5444.