A wide range of styles will be covered over the eight-week programme.
People aged 55 and older are being invited to get involved in a new music programme coming to the midlands.
'Making Music in the Midlands: the Music Network Teaching Residencies' involves teaching an array of styles and techniques, focusing on returning to playing an instrument and sharing the joy of group music-making.
Co-ordinated by Music Network and Age Friendly Ireland, the project will be led by renowned musicians Alec O’Leary (guitar), Angelina Carberry (banjo/mandolin/whistle), Dan Brouder (button accordion), Adele O’Dwyer (violin/viola/cello), Phil Robson (guitar), Ciaran Wilde (saxophone/clarinet), Catherine McEvoy (flute), and Jacinta McEvoy (guitar/concertina).
Applicants must be 55 or over, resident in Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford or Roscommon, and have some previous experience in playing music.
People living in the five counties may apply to participate in any of the residencies. However, priority within each county will go to applicants from that county. The ability to read music is not essential.
The closing date for applications is 2pm on Friday 22nd July 2022.
Running through August and September, tuition is free, and instruments will be provided if required.
If demand is high, one of the residencies may be offered online to ensure financial circumstances or lack of transport do not act as barriers to participation. Technical support to enable online learning will be provided to participants if necessary.
Over eight weeks, three one-to-one and two group lessons and two ensemble sessions will be provided in each county. Two coffee sessions will also be held per county to give people the opportunity to socialise and reflect on their musical journey.
The project will conclude with two ensemble sessions per county, where participants and their teachers will play the music learned during the project together. Places are limited to nine per county. Priority will be given on a first come, first served basis. However, additional criteria will be used for selection, including county of residence, availability of teaching slots, ability to partake in the entire programme and geographical spread throughout the midlands.
The Midlands Teaching Residencies are presented by Music Network and Age Friendly Ireland. Music Network is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. This initiative is supported by Creative Ireland.
Residency Details
NOTE: Some dates/venues may change with the agreement of teaching musicians and participants.
LAOIS
Participants will receive individual and group tuition on guitar from Alec O'Leary between August and September 2022 at LOETB Learning Hub, 2 Park Villas, Harpur’s Lane, Mountmellick Rd. Portlaoise, Co Laois. R32 ED21.
OFFALY
Participants will receive individual and group violin, viola and cello tuition from Adele O’Dwyer between August and September 2022 at Tullamore Library, O'Connor Square, Tullamore, Co Offaly R35 X226.
WESTMEATH
Participants will receive individual and group tuition on traditional flute, guitar, or concertina from Catherine McEvoy & Jacinta McEvoy between August and September 2022 at Mullingar County Library, Áras an Chontae, Mount Street, Co Westmeath N91 FH4N.
LONGFORD
Participants will receive individual and group tuition on banjo, mandolin, whistle, or button accordion from Angelina Carberry & Dan Brouder between August and September 2022 at Ballymahon Library, Main Street, Ballymahon, Co Longford N39 E5C7.
ROSCOMMON
Participants will receive individual and group tuition on guitar, saxophone, or clarinet from Phil Robson & Ciaran Wilde between August and September 2022 at Trinity Arts Centre, Church Road, Castlerea, Co Roscommon F45 AW27.
You can access more information and sign up here or by calling 01-4750224.
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