IMRO & RTE 2FM Announce BIMM Dublin Scholarship Winners

14 October, 2019

Esteemed panelists from BIMM Dublin’s industry partners IMRO & RTE 2FM recently awarded two students with scholarships to study Foundation Diplomas at the college in 2019/20. 

The financial grants were awarded to guitarist and aspiring producer Kieran French and young music business entrepreneur Colm Slattery, who both recently began their fully funded studies at BIMM.

“A huge honour”

Kieran, who hails from Inishowen in Co. Donegal, received his scholarship for a Foundation Diploma in Music & Audio Production from Irish radio station RTE 2FM, who sponsor one lucky student per-year at the college.

Kieran recalls the moment he first heard the good news.

“I’ll never forget the phone call I received from BIMM telling me I’d won. It was a huge feeling of joy and relief. Receiving a scholarship from RTE 2FM – one of the biggest radio stations in Ireland – is a huge honour and something I’m so grateful for. It has given me the confidence, motivation and support to put everything I have into becoming a successful audio engineer and producer. Thank you so much 2FM and BIMM!”

Last year’s 2FM scholarship winner

The previous recipient of the 2FM scholarship was Nabil Jamal, who completed his Diploma earlier this year. He recalled why the opportunity was so valuable for him.

“Studying at BIMM helped me to understand how to utilise several production techniques and softwares that are essential in the music industry. I had very little knowledge of sound and softwares like ProTools or Logic before, but now I can develop something to a professional standard. I feel more confident now. Thanks to 2FM and BIMM for the opportunity of a lifetime.”

A boost for Dublin’s Music Business

The second of this year’s scholarships was awarded to Colm Slattery from Donabate In north Co. Dublin.
His current ventures include Unsigned & Independent – a music magazine that champions independent artists, and Fluttertone – an independent record label and promotions company.

Slattery spoke about studying a Foundation Diploma in Music Business thanks to sponsorship from IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation).

“I was honoured to receive this award and am very thankful for the opportunity to study at BIMM with some great lecturers.

After my studies, I hope to expand my company with artists that have the same passion and drive to release music and play shows. I believe then I will be able to look after the business side while the bands take care of writing great songs.”

Keith Johnson from IMRO expressed how important it is that the country’s talent pipeline continues to grow with young music professionals like Colm.

“IMRO is delighted to partner with BIMM Music Institute Dublin to offer a scholarship for their Foundation Diploma in Music Business. A stable flow of well-informed and market savvy music business professionals is critical for the future development of the music industry in Ireland. We wish Colm all the very best as he embarks on this premier year-long upskilling programme”.

BIMM Dublin are incredibly pleased to welcome Colm and Kieran to their new cohort of students and look forward to watching their continued development within the music scene in the coming years.


If you’re interested in studying a Foundation Diploma, or any other discipline at BIMM Dublin, you can find the right course for you here.

Alternatively, if you’d like to visit our world-class facilities for yourself, why not click here to book your place at one of BIMM Dublin’s regular Open Days.