Minister Simon Harris visits BIMM Dublin, chats to current and former students

Today, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, visited the BIMM institute in Dublin today to tour the facilities and to meet with current and former students.

British and Irish Modern Music (BIMM) Institute of Dublin first opened in 2011 and has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Students at BIMM are able to acquire the knowledge and skills that they will need to successfully navigate through a career in the music industry. Students often learn through hands-on experience like performing for their peers and producing their own original music.

Upon his visit, Minister Harris was given a plaque that listed the names of several successful BIMM graduates including Fontaines D.C, The Murder Capital, Erica Cody, Kynsy, Jafaris, Craig Fitzgerald (The Academic), Maria Kelly, Maria Somerville and Æ MAK.

"It is wonderful to see the work that BIMM Institute Dublin does," Harris said. "As the music industry recovers from a very difficult period, it’s important to have a third level institution such as BIMM to nurture and develop the next generation of music professionals, from performers to studying the business side of the industry."

We are delighted to welcome the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD to BIMM Institute Dublin,” added Executive Principal Dara Kilkenny.

"This college has become a foundation of the Irish music industry in helping to nurture and develop the best new music talent. As the industry recovers from the effects of the past two years, it is important to be able to show the Minister and prospective students the many career opportunities open to students who are accepted to study at BIMM."

As the minister was led through the halls of the campus, music of all kinds could be heard pouring out of every classroom.

In one of the facility's recording studios, Harris met with BIMM graduate Erica Cody. Since completing her degree at BIMM in 2018, she has played at Longitude and Electric Picnic as well as making supporting appearances for Jessie J and En Vogue. Cody reflected fondly on her time at the institute saying: "You're given all the tools to take it on to your career. I built my career at BIMM. I networked, I gigged, I really learned everything from here."

Another BIMM graduate that Harris was able to meet was Oisín Leahy-Furlong, lead singer of rock band THUMPER. Furlong was in a classroom speaking to students about how to network and put their music out into the world via Spotify and other streaming services.

Harris was also able to enjoy a performance from several BIMM students who were practicing for their Performativity class. Classes like this allow students to get a better understanding of sound mixing, stage presence, and other aspects of live performance.

"It is so great to see so many of you learning to be being able to pursue your passion and do what you are truly talented at," Harris said to the class.

Recently the BIMM launched a new scholarship in partnership with their former students Fontaines D.C., who will be actively involved in selecting the recipient. The deserving recipient of the scholarship will have their BA (Hons) Commercial Modern Music course fees paid in full for the four-year duration of the degree course, worth €12,000.

Applications are now being accepted to the BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music program. For those interested in scholarship and courses available at BIMM Dublin, see bimm.ie.