Celebrating 40 years of creativity, Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) is widely recognised as one of Ireland's leading providers of Further and Higher Education and Training – with a national reputation for innovation and excellence.

In 1990, BCFE made history with the launch of one of Europe’s first practical education programmes specifically designed for creative musicians and songwriters. The course, widely known as the Rock School, has since welcomed a wealth of dazzlingly diverse and talented artists – including Lisa O’Neill, Wallis Bird and Junior Brother, to name just a few.

The Rock School is a two-year Higher National Diploma course in Contemporary Music Performance, aimed at students who aspire to become professional musicians, and who want to learn about the music industry. Classes are led by an experienced teaching staff with long-standing and established links to local and international music scenes – offering students the opportunity for interaction with working professionals daily. Small class sizes also means that artists get the attention they deserve, allowing them to flourish in a creative and collaborative environment.

“Although our industry is suffering badly at the moment, we are all pulling together and uniting to offer both moral support and expert advice," says well-known Irish musician and BCFE tutor, Pete Holidai. "At BCFE we see this as an opportunity to educate and up-skill those who wish to be prepared to enter a music career when we return to a vibrant and thriving Irish music industry.”

Now We're Talking gigs at the Ballyfermot BCFE. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

The wider Music Department at BCFE also features a High National Diploma course in Irish Traditional Music Performance and Music Production, as well as a QQI Level 5 course in Sound Engineering or Performance.

BCFE has adapted to meet the current challenges facing the music industry head on, and looks forward to welcoming and supporting the performers and producers of tomorrow.

BCFE has been putting students first not only during lockdown, but for the past 40 years – with open, flexible and learner-centred tuition. Class sizes are small, and students are supported through their educational journey in BCFE with specific guidance, learning, pastoral care and ICT supports

As the CAO deadline approaches, its also important to remember that there's more than one route to the career of your dreams. If you're not sure what to do after the Leaving Certificate, or if you want to develop your pre-university or pre-employment skills, BCFE  is an ideal place to spend a year building essential life and study skills.

There are thousands of BCFE graduates working in any number of fields. Their social care and tourism graduates are frontline workers and nurses. Their animation, games, TV and film graduates entertain us. Their business graduates keep the economy going. Their media graduates inform us. Their music and art/design graduates comfort and uplift us. So why not join them?

Chat with the BCFE team at their Virtual Open Day, taking place on March 10 and 11. Register now here.

For more information, visit bcfe.ie