What is Music Generation?
Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme that transforms the lives of children and young people through access to high quality performance music education in their locality. Through partnership, we create rich and diverse ways for participants to engage in vocal and instrumental tuition delivered by skilled professional musicians, across all musical genres and styles.
Initiated by Music Network, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships.
Music Generation believes in the musical potential and innate artistry of every child and young person – that it is every child and young person’s right to have the choice of access and the chance to participate as a musical citizen, and that music doesn’t just change lives, it transforms lives.
Phase 1 of Music Generation is now established in 11 areas of Ireland (Carlow, Clare, Cork City, Laois, Limerick City, Louth, Mayo, Offaly/Westmeath, Sligo, South Dublin and Wicklow), as well as working with Donegal Music Education Partnership on a range of projects and initiatives.
Phase 2 of the programme is currently underway, seeing Music Generation expand into a further 9 areas by 2021. The new areas are: Cavan/Monaghan, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Galway City, Galway County, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Roscommon, Waterford and Wexford.
In December 2017 the Irish Government announced its commitment to support the nationwide expansion of Music Generation by 2022.
Locally, each Music Generation programme is managed by a Local Music Education Partnership, under the leadership of a Music Development Officer. The partnerships are supported and funded by Education and Training Boards, Local Authorities, and a range of local and community organisations.
