MEET SOME OF OUR STUDENTS

On Monday morning, September 20th, 2010, I proudly walked down Sunday’s Well Road on my way to UCC for my first lecture as part of a 4 year music degree. If someone had told me 2 years ago that I would be attending UCC to study music, I would have laughed in their face. I have always loved music, but growing up on Blarney Street on Cork’s northside during the 1980’s, there wasn’t much opportunity for me to do something about it as the facilities weren’t there.

After leaving school I worked as an apprentice carpenter and as a bar manager before falling out of the workforce due to illness. It was then that the local community outreach officer encouraged me to enrol on the course at the Cork Academy. I didn’t have any previous music qualifications but that didn’t matter. They were Happy to accept me and the tuition I received was second to none. In just one year I acquired the skills needed to pass the entrance exam for UCC’s music degree programme. Hopefully I will get my degree in 2014 and work in the music business for as long as I can.

Denis



At Cork Academy of Music, everybody is given a chance to learn music at their own level of ability. There is a real sense of community here and being part of that has given me a renewed sense of confidence. As an adult who is returning to education after a long time, it’s been really inspiring to see my peers go from here back to university and other 3rd level courses. The support and encouragement I receive as a student here has given me a new direction in my life.

Grace



My time at the Cork Academy of Music was probably the most important year of my life with regards to my future career. The course enabled me to reach the standard required by UCC in order to gain a place on their Music Degree Course, which was my ultimate aim when I joined. I had very little previous music theory knowledge and the guidance and the tuition given by Lawrence and Oliver was of the highest standard and enabled me to go from 0 to grade 6 level in 18 months. The free classical guitar lessons which I received were also crucial as a beginner.

I have now completed my 1st year at UCC and am looking forward to the next 3/4 years of following my dreams and indulging in my creative passions. I will always be grateful to the Cork Academy of music for enabling me as a lone parent, living on benefit, to access this education and for providing me with this important stepping stone, which will be beneficial to mine and my daughters security in the future.

Mary