Ten years of BIMM Music Institute Dublin: success in music business
BIMM Music Institute Dublin has seen many now-successful bands and artists pass through its doors. But what about our successful music business students from the last ten years?
Over the last ten years, we have created an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and creativity, and our music business and events courses are no exception to this. We are aware that the music industry is exciting and ever-growing, and we support our students by helping them navigate toward success.
Here are some of our favourite music business success stories from the last ten years:
Catherine Smyth – After completing her BA in commercial modern music at BIMM Dublin, Cat began working for the Official Charts Company and, after only two short years, she was promoted to Senior Operations Executive at the company. In January 2022, Cat joined Warner Music Group and is now working there as an e-commerce manager. Cat also volunteers for Sofar Sounds and as part of ‘Singing for the Brain’, an initiative by the Alzheimer’s Society that brings together people affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Niamh White – Niamh began working for PIAS, a family of independent record labels, in 2019. Niamh’s current role as Digital Communications Manager makes her responsible for developing, implementing, and managing content strategy, online assets, and digital activity, including website, social media, and email marketing. She manages a roster of 35+ international labels, representing and promoting both established and emerging artists, and delivering campaigns that have resulted in Grammy nominations and wins.
Ema Stapleton – Following her study of commercial modern music at BIMM Music Institute Dublin, Ema studied masters of arts at Goldsmiths University, London. Since then, Ema has worked as an event coordinator and production assistant in professional development and fundraising for Mother Tongues, a social enterprise that promotes multilingualism and intercultural dialogue. In 2018, she began her work as a lecturer in BIMM Music Institute Dublin and Hamburg and in October 2021, Ema became the Head of Academic Studies at BIMM Music Institute Hamburg.
Saoirse Kavanagh – Saoirse Kavanagh graduated from BIMM Dublin in 2018 and since then, she has been heavily involved in music business and production. In September 2019, Saoirse joined the team at Warner Music Group as an audience and campaign coordinator, working on international campaigns with artists such as Ann Marie and Ed Sheeran. In 2021, Saoirse became an employee of the social media giant TikTok. She now works in London planning, building and executing B2B marketing campaigns across Europe.
Peter Walsh – Peter Walsh has been greatly involved in the licensing and publishing of new music both in Ireland and abroad since his graduation from BIMM Music Institute Dublin. Peter worked for Downtown Music in both their New York and London locations. Still living in London, Peter is now the creator of creative sync for the United Kingdom and Europe for Ultra International Music Publishing. They hold publishing shares for artists such as The Weeknd, Madonna and Kanye West.
Gemma Bradley – Gemma Bradley, is a pop and R&B vocalist who has immersed herself in the highly competitive Irish music scene. She has played a host of festivals, including Electric Picnic, Stendhal, Vantastival, and was crowned the winner of Dublin’s Christie Hennessy Songwriting Prize in 2018. Gemma became a presenter for BBC Northern Ireland in October 2019. Gemma replaced Huw Stephens in the BBC Radio 1 family less than a year later, presenting the esteemed BBC Introducing show on Sunday night. She is leading the hunt for new musical talent in the UK.
Ruth Cronin – After her time at BIMM Music Institute Dublin, Ruth went on to study at Trinity Business School, where she was awarded a first-class honours MSc in digital marketing strategy. In January 2021, she became the deputy music editor at The University Times. Ruth currently works as an audience development manager for DreamTeam, a fast-growing company based in London that helps independent artists and music companies to grow their businesses.
