Masterclass opportunity for young Westmeath musicians
Young musicians from Westmeath are invited to apply for a unique Masterclass opportunity which is being offered by The Máirtín O’Connor Band as part of their national tour.
The multi-talented trad band are due to play a Midlands gig in the new Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore on Sunday night next, May 21, and they are seeking talented young musicians from Westmeath aged between 14 and 18 to joint them for three days of Masterclasses, culminating in a public performance.
Developed in partnership with Music Generations Offaly & Westmeath, this unique Masterclass opportunity offers young Midlands musicians a chance to work closely with three of Ireland’s most highly acclaimed traditional musicians, Máirtín O’Connor (accordion), Cathal Hayden (fiddle, banjo), and Seamie O’Dowd (guitar, voice, fiddle).
Geraldine Relph, recently appointed Development Officer with Music Generation Offaly said, ‘we were just delighted when the band put a Tullamore date onto their tour schedule, and then to build in this amazing opportunity for young musicians from Offaly and Westmeath was just brilliant.’
The Masterclass will take place over three days in Tullamore ensuring there’s plenty of time for young musicians to get to know the band who have planned a wonderful adventure of musical discovery which will culminate in a public performance.
Music Generation Offaly is looking for applications from any young musician aged 14-18 from either Offaly or Westmeath.
Young musicians do not need to be a Music Generation learner to apply for this opportunity, nor do they need to have a background in Irish traditional music as applications from musicians who have little/no experience with Irish traditional music but who are interested in exploring this genre are welcomed.
There are limited places available for the Masterclass, and participation is subject to application and selection.
Players of any instrument are welcome to apply but they should play to an intermediate/ advanced level. Singers are also invited to apply.
The Masterclass fee is a special Music Generation discounted rate of €30 payable on offer of place, and the fee includes a ticket for the full concert.
Further details are available online from https://soundwavesmusicspace.com/apply
Enquiries can be emailed to mgo@loetb.ie
Music Generation Offaly is a performance music education service which receives funding from Music Generation and the Offaly Music Education Partnership comprising of Laois & Offaly Education and Training Board (Lead Partner) and Offaly County Council.
Soundwaves 2023 current Masterclass programme with Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O'Dowd has been developed in association with I Teach Trad. It is supported by the Arts Council –Traditional Arts and delivered in partnership with: Music Generation Clare and Glór; Music Generation Limerick County, Limerick City and County Arts Office and Belltable; Music Generation Offaly and Music Generation Westmeath and Esker Arts Centre; Music Generation Galway City and Town Hall Theatre