City and Islington College

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City and Islington College hits the right note

4 December 2009

A groundbreaking partnership between an award winning Hackney based music studio and Canterbury Christ Church University (CCU), is giving students from City & Islington College the chance to progress into a music career.

The Creative Way Agreement gives college students studying vocational qualifications guaranteed interviews to a new HNC (Higher National Certificate) in music production at Hackney based Point Blank Music; named Best Music Production School for six years running by T-Scan Awards.

Students who complete the HNC at Point Blank are also guaranteed a place at CCU to attain a full degree in a number of related subjects. Both courses have access to state-of the art equipment and unrivalled industry links.
Rob Cowan, Chief Executive of Point Blank Music, said: “I'm delighted that through this partnership; the new, exciting courses in Creative Music Technology, Music Production and Music Industry Management are proving really popular with students.”

Liz Pearson, Director of The Creative Way, said: “We are proud to have funded this groundbreaking partnership. To get a cutting-edge private studio in collaboration with CCU, a leader in the field, is fantastic news for City & Islington College students.  Both courses offer students practical skills that the industry needs and allow these talented young people an opportunity to add to the growing creative economy.”

Frank McLoughlin, Principal of City & Islington College commented: "This collaboration shows City and Islington College’s commitment to providing our students with opportunities to enter both the professions and further study.”

Student profile

Picture of German Castaneda

German Castaneda

The course was well-structured with logical presentations, says German, who studied Accounting Advanced Apprenticeship. Once I have finished the technical stage, I will look into further options as this course opens doors to other qualifications. German was awarded the Andy Davison Award for 'Accounting Apprentice of the year' 2006.