Music Generation's Inaugural National Seminar

Music Generation is one of the most significant current developments in Music Education in Ireland. Funded by U2 and The Ireland Funds it seeks to make performance music education accessible to all children country wide.  Music Generation's inaugural National Seminar was held at St Patrick's College Drumcondra on Tuesday 14 September and attended by over 150 delegates.  In welcoming delegates to the Seminar, Dr Pauric Travers President of St Patrick’s College, spoke of the importance of access to music education, the continuing relationship of the College with Music Generation to support their work through research and expertise, and the shared goal of St Patrick’s College and Music Generation in nurturing and enriching the lives of children and young people.  In his address, Dr. Tony Ó Dálaigh Chairman of Music Generation, thanked U2 and The Ireland Funds for their philanthropic donation of €7million which he acknowledged had ‘significantly mobilised and energised the music education movement in Ireland’. Speaking on behalf of the donors, Caitriona Fottrell, Vice President and Director Ireland of The Ireland Funds, praised Music Generation for its achievements, emphasised the importance of music education in the lives of children and young people and acknowledged the hugely positive national response to the initiative.

Music Generation seeks to develop a national infrastructure for performance music education through the development of county and regionally based Music Education Partnerships (MEP). Mayo, Sligo and Louth Music Education Partnerships were selected for participation in the programme in Round 1. The Seminar launched the call for Round 2 applications to apply for funding to help children and young people access vocal and instrumental tuition in their local area. A total fund €1.8million is available to fund three new Music Education Partnerships in this round.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the inspirational performances given by sixteen year-old Co. Louth harper Michael O’Reilly, The Rolling Wave–a twenty-member strong traditional Irish grupa ceol from Co. Mayo, and Quartet for Three– a jazz trio from Co. Sligo. These vibrant musical ambassadors from counties Louth, Mayo and Sligo commanded rapturous applause and focused the issue at the heart of the seminar – the importance of music in the lives of children and young people.Music resource organisations, music associations and societies and new music initiatives were present at the opening of the seminar. Among those with which the College is associated were, the Society for Music Education in Ireland (SMEI), The Contemporary Music Centre, the newly formed Music Educators’ Orchestra, and the music resource IrishMusicEducation (IME).

The Seminar included presentationsby representatives from Louth (Gemma Murray, Co-ordinator, Music Generation Louth), Mayo (Anne McCarthy, Arts Officer, Mayo County Council) and Sligo (Jessica Fuller, Co-ordinator, Music Generation Sligo). Each county provided a detailed account of the ambitions plans proposed to deliver a range of vocal and instrumental tuition to children and young people 0 – 18 years.

Throughout the seminar, Music Generation Director Rosaleen Molloy, posed the question ‘whose voice is most important – ours or theirs?’ highlighting the centrality of the voice of children and young people in music education, Gaye Tanham, Head of Young People, Children and Education at the Arts Council, highlighted the significance of the ‘largest-ever philanthropic contribution to arts education’ while Ann O’Mahony, Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Education and Skills, affirmed the Government’s commitment by Ruairí Quinn, TD Minister for Education and Skills to continue ‘to develop and sustain Music Education Partnerships with Exchequer funding in future years, when the Music Generation donations cease’. Breakout discussion groups scheduled throughout the day provided the opportunity for delegates to discuss a range of topics including social inclusion and music education and quality in teaching and learning.

Broadcaster and independent auditor for the day Doireann Ní Bhriain, provided a personal perspective at the end of the proceedings, drawing attention to the need to ‘rejoice in the generosity of U2 and The Ireland Funds’ in creating this opportunity for the country, the reality of our unjust society in providing access to performance music education for all children and the need to make the hidden work visible in ‘continuing to champion with passion.’

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Last Updated: Wednesday September 21 2011