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 we were aiming for.

He now has his own record label, and with our assistance has set up a commercial website. He has his own radio slot and is featured on the forthcoming "PRESSURE DROP" album. Over the next few months, he will be combining MCing dates in the USA with producing his next album.

"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."

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

Andrew Smith (secretary of state for work & pensions 2003)

Andrew Smith (Secretary of State for Work & Pensions visited us in February 2003 shortly after announcing that after 3 years of development the New Deal For Musicians Programme was to become a permanent part of the New Deal.

We have been involved in the programme since its inception and are currently NDfM contractor for London and the South East.

Among his other comments, Andrew had this 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 ...

BROADBAND VIDEO CLIP: Click here to download and view a QuickTime video clip (720Kbytes) in which Andrew talks about our involvement in the New Deal.

MP3 SOUND CLIP: Click here to download and listen to a sound edit from the above video clip (200Kb approx)

`You will need the QuickTime plug-in installed on your computer to view it. get it by clicking on the logo below.

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