THE Southside has been selected for inclusion in a national music education programme that is partly run by U2.
The South Dublin Music Education Partnership (MEP) will receive approximately e400,000 in seed funding to enable high quality, accessible music education programmes to be delivered to children and young people in the local community.
The Music Generation, U2 and Ireland Funds supported National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network, currently reaches some 15,000 children and young people across 10 counties.
A further 5,000 participants are being brought into the programme over the next three years and this includes the Southside, which has been selected for participation in the fourth and final round of the programme.
The South Dublin MEP aims to create an inclusive music education service via a combination of
‘Community Music Hubs’, and school-based and after school programmes.
The MEP will focus on creating a
‘Signature Sound’ for the Southside by providing performance opportunities for over 4,000 young people through choral and band development.
In order to increase access to music education two
‘Community Music Hubs’ will be established in Rathcoole and Collinstown, North Clondalkin.
These hubs will provide tuition, access to music technology and rehearsal space.
The programme will also launch a local
‘Music Capital Scheme’ to expand music resources within the area, with a focus on significantly increasing musical instrument provision across the county.
Music Generation was launched in 2009 as a result of a $7 million philanthropic donation by U2 and The Ireland Funds to support the implementation of a national system of local music education services.
Music Generation will provide three-year seed funding to establish local services on the Southside, which will be sustained by Music Education Partnerships on a long-term basis.
The Department of Education and Skills will continue to co-fund the programme when the philanthropic donations cease.
Minister Ruairà Quinn offered his congratulations to the South Dublin Music Education Partnership.
“Music Generation is a great example of how, when we put our heads together, we can deliver really exciting arts in education programmes in new and innovative ways through partnership,
? he said.
“Children and young people’s creativity can be unlocked by music. It is a core element of education, but music also offers much more.
“The development of musical skills can help young people to achieve their potential in the area of ICT and computer programming.
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U2’s The Edge praised the commitment of all partners involved in the programme’s success.
“There is music in all of us but it often takes some lessons from an inspired music teacher to open this world to young people,
? he said.
“We are very proud that Music Generation, working with our many crucially important local and national partners, have so far been able to provide high quality music lessons to over 15,000 children across the country.”