Music Generation Laois

The first official meeting of the Laois Music Education Partnership (MEP) under the newly-awarded Music Generation, took place in Áras an Chontae, Laois County Council, Portlaoise on Friday 16th December.  The Director of Music Generation, Rosaleen Molloy, attended the meeting and set out the processes and procedures entailed with Laois receiving the €511,000 funding towards performance music education in the county. Representation from the various agencies involved in the MEP were present at the meeting.  These include the County Council, the Laois School of Music, Laois VEC, Laois Partnership Co., Laois Third Level Centre and the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

Recruitment for the Music Generation Co-ordinator and a panel of tutors will commence early in 2012 - see job application

Music Generation Laois’ mission is to deliver a high-quality, relevant, inclusive, integrated and sustainable music education service which is accessible to all children and young people throughout the county.

Led by Laois County Council, and building upon the success of the Laois School of Music, over the next three years Music Generation Laois will roll out a series of exciting programmes including:

Laois School of RockStampede Drumming ProjectPipe Up – an uilleann piping initiative in partnership with Na Píobairí UilleannThe Music Box – an inclusive programme designed for young musicians with special needs.

A choral singing programme

A range of access programmes through primary, secondary schools and community groups which will provide vocal and instrumental tuition and access to instrument banks.

Further developments and announcements will be made by the Arts Office in the New Year.

Muireann Ni Chonaill, Arts Office. Telephone 057-8674342 and artsoff@laoiscoco.ie