New return to music programme for over 55s

Age Friendly Ireland and the Music Network are looking for people aged 55 and over to sign up for music tuition in a programme based at Mullingar Library.

The invite is for people living in Counties Westmeath, Longford, Offaly, Laois and Roscommon and it’s for ‘Making Music in the Midlands: the Music Network Teaching Residencies’.

The sessions will be led by 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).

The project focuses on returning to playing an instrument and sharing the joy of group music-making.

Applicants have to be 55 or over, resident in one of the five counties above, and have some previous experience in playing music.

People living in the five counties can apply to participate in any of the residencies, but priority within each county will go to applicants from that county. The ability to read music is not essential.

To apply, visit www.musicnetwork.ie or phone Music Network on 01-4750224. The closing date for applications: July 22 at 2pm.

The programme runs 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 journeys.

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, and priority will be on a first come, first served basis.

Additional criteria will, however, be used for selection, including county of residence, availability of teaching slots, ability to take part in the entire programme and geographical spread in 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. The initiative is supported by Creative Ireland.

Residency Details

Westmeath: Participants will receive individual and group tuition on traditional flute, guitar, or concertina from Catherine McEvoy and Jacinta McEvoy between August and September 2022 at Mullingar County Library.

Longford: Participants will receive individual and group tuition on banjo, mandolin, whistle, or button accordion from Angelina Carberry and Dan Brouder between August and September 2022 at Ballymahon Library.

Offaly: Participants will receive individual and group violin, viola and cello tuition from Adele O’Dwyer between August and September 2022 at Tullamore Library.

Additional information about all five residencies (including key project dates) is available on www.musicnetwork.ie/whats-on/making-music-midlands.