Beverly Knight

"I think the work that Hurricane is doing is absolutely fantastic. Good luck, I'm supporting you, you've got my vote, keep pushing, keep doing what you're doing because what you're doing is fabulous."

MC Skibadee

Alphonso Bondzie, aka MC Skibadee, started an option with us in June 2000. Obviously talented, he needed some advice and practical help to further his business and technical skills. he has surpassed all the targets he was aiming for.

He is now a well known and respected recording artist and performer with his own record label, and radio slot.

"A lot of the advice has been invaluable. I don't think you could get this much help anywhere else. I would recommend Hurricane's course to anyone. No pressure, just good advice."

Our graduates

Jessica Ibbotson

Jessica successfully graduated from our Multimedia course in Sept 2008 having completed her qualification and found work in web design.

"To all at IMT Hurricane. Thanks so much for all the encouragement and ethusiasm! Here's to many more years funding for a course that helps so many. Best wishes and a great big thank you to Pat-C, Jessica xxx."

Anonymous comments

When they graduate, we ask students to give us some feedback. Here are a few recent comments ...

"Keep up the good work guys."

"Very enjoyable course, with knowledgeable instruction."

"Being a mature student, I had some technical problems because I'm not very computer literate, having been out of work for a while. Robbie was really helpful and patient and I now feel able to use a PC with some confidence. This is good as it seems to be a basic skills for so many jobs these days. Many thanks to all."

"This course must not stop, its excellent its helping many old and young people from all backgrounds to understand the fundermentals of music production. All that counts is that this course must not STOP."

"I have enjoyed the training provided by the multimedia tutors at IMT. It has given me a firm base to continue with studies and hopefully work in the future."

"I've been to a great many educational institutions, but I think this has to rate the best, as it was the first time in over ten years in and out of higher education institutions that I met teachers who were active professionals in the sector they were teaching, they actively cared about teaching as much as possible, and they provided us with the real tools to set about a new, highly technical, profession in just three months. I was really blown away by my luck in getting onto the course. I'm really devastated by the fact that the jobcentre are considering discontinuing their funding, as I really think that this course is valid and will help people get off jobseekers and into very good jobs. It certainly gave me a new chance in life and I'm terribly grateful."

"I enjoyed the course very much!"

"Before starting the course I read a lot about css layout and knew a way to apply it. This course showed me other ways to use it, using position. I was using the float and constantly getting into internet explorer problems. What I found really helpful was the information on SEO (I knew absolutely nothing on this subject), sites where you can get php forms and a brief look at shopping baskets and how easily and quick they can be inserted into webpages. In general the course further expanded my knowledge and that is ace."

Andrew Smith

Andrew was secretary of state for work & pensions and visited us in February 2003. This is what he had to say ...

"It's quite clear ... that the sort of support that Hurricane Studios is providing, whether through the New Deal for Musicians or the other advice you provide, really is tailored to bring out the most in the individual".

"The equipment is state of the art so people are going to be well prepared for what they encounter in the industry".

Listen to Andrew ...

QuickTime video clip ... in which Andrew talks about our involvement in the New Deal.

MP3 audio version

You will need QuickTime.

ALI - Adult Learning Inspectorate Dec 2002)

"Clients display very high levels of technical knowledge. They are provided with good personal and learning support."

In December of 2002 we were inspected by the ALI, the body responsible for the inspection of all government funded adult learning and work based training organisations.

In their concluding report they identified the following "key strength"s ...

Highly effective teamwork
Good promotion of equal opportunities and mutual respect
Very effective quality assurance of teaching
Very good challenging teaching
Good personal and learning support for clients

On a scale of 7 to 1 (where 7 is "very poor" and 1 is "exceptional") the inspectorate awarded us a grade of 2 (very good) following observation of lectures, and had this to say ...

"Clients are provided with very good theoretical and practical training using well resourced teaching studios. The training builds their knowledge and practical experience of sound engineering and music technology and teaches them how to apply complex theory effectively.

Tutors adopt a range of teaching strategies to ensure that all clients are challenged by the work and their knowledge and understanding are regularly tested. Clients display very high levels of technical knowledge. They are provided with good personal and learning support."

Needless to say we were more than pleased with these comments and feel they reflect our absolute commitment to putting our students first.

Ofsted inspection (September 2007)

The following quotes are from the official inspection report 316422.

Key strengths ...

Good employability skills
Outstanding learning resources
Outstanding additional programme activities
Good industry partnership links

Participants improve the quality of how to sell their skills to employers. Many promote their music well on innovative and inexpensive virtual advertising space. Participants state the increased confidence they gain from being part of the New Deal for Musicians programme. The quality of learners’ music ideas and products improve during the programme.

Outstanding resources are used well to promote learning ... music industry professionals are highly experienced industry individuals who use their extensive knowledge and experience to support and develop participants’ knowledge and understanding realistically and pragmatically. The service they provide is consistently excellent. Learning materials are outstanding.

Current and ex-participants recognise the good support they receive during and after the programme.

Participants get very useful advice and guidance about relevant careers and employment opportunities. Jobsearch support is generally good.

What participants like ...

Invaluable programme
Builds confidence
"I have better contacts"
"I’ve learnt a lot"
"I feel respected and supported"
Excellent music industry professionals
"I have gained a better knowledge and understanding of the music industry"
Armstrong learning staff are passionate about music and sharing music
industry information
Good workbooks
13 weeks is too short

What people say about us