President to open first pop music academy in Cork

President Michael D Higgins will officially open the country's first academy of pop music tomorrow.

President Michael D Higgins will officially open the country's first academy of pop music in Cork tomorrow.

The Academy of Popular Music started at the CIT School of Music last September.

Students learn electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, drums and pop vocals.

The students will be performing a medley of hits from Queen, Van Halen and Snow Patrol.

Speaking to Cork's RedFM Director Brendan Manning explains how they secured the President for the official opening: "Last October, he mentioned in one of his speeches the the Academy of Popular Music, which is run in conjunction with CIT School of Music, is an example of how creativity in young people can be nurtured and supported.

"It was reported in the local media so we jumped on it and asked him if he would like to come down and officially open it."