Aoife O’Connell appointed as Music Generation Development Officer for Meath

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB), together with Music Generation, is delighted to announce the appointment of musician and music educator Aoife O’Connell to the role of Music Generation Development Officer for Meath.

In her new post Aoife will develop and oversee an affordable, accessible programme of music tuition for children and young people aged 0 to 18 across the county. This will include building partnerships with music and arts services in the area and coordinating with schools, youth and community groups to create access to music education, embracing all musical genres and styles.

Under the leadership of LMETB, Meath is one of 25 areas now participating in Music Generation, Ireland’s national music education programme. Initiated by Music Network in 2010, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships.

Aoife’s appointment is an important milestone in the development of Music Generation Meath, marking the beginning of a focussed phase of planning. Over the coming months and years a full and comprehensive programme of vocal and instrumental tuition will be rolled out.

Commenting on her appointment Aoife said: ‘I’m thrilled to take up the role of Music Development Officer in Meath and to have the opportunity to extend the vision of Music Generation across the county. As a musician and music educator I have seen the impact that quality music education can have on children and young people. It can be transformative for individuals, groups and communities. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and partners to add to the vibrant music landscape in Meath and provide access for children and young people to a creative musical journey.’

Aoife brings a breadth of experience to her role as Music Generation Development Officer. She has worked as a professional opera singer in the UK and Ireland and as a music educator, designing and delivering education projects throughout schools and outreach programmes in the UK. Aoife holds an MA in Opera Performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, a first class honours BA in Music Performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music and an M.Phil in Theatre and Performance from Trinity College.

Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of LMETB Martin G. O’Brien said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Aoife to the role of Music Generation Development Officer for Meath. Aoife brings significant knowledge and expertise to the role spanning the fields of music education and programme management. Aoife’s appointment now marks an exciting step in the implementation of the programme for Meath, further supporting our vision to extend access to music tuition for children and young people across the county. LMETB very much looks forward to working with Aoife to achieve this vision.’

Jackie Maguire, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, welcomed the announcement of the Aoife’s appointment saying: ‘We are delighted to welcome Ms O’Connell to the position of Music Development Officer. Music Generation Meath is an ambitious and exciting project which will ensure much greater opportunities for our young people to participate in music education across the county. We wish Ms O’Connell every success in this new role and look forward to working with her on the Music Generation Meath programme implementation.’

Meath was among five new areas of Ireland selected for participation in the Music Generation programme in May 2019, along with Kerry, Kildare, Longford and Tipperary. The announcement of the five new counties was made as part of Creative Youth – a Creative Ireland Programme plan to enable the creative potential of every child and young person. Under the plan, the new counties will be co-funded by the Department of Education and Skills to establish the programme within their local communities. This funding will be matched on a 50/50 basis by money raised locally, ensuring long-term sustainability into the future.

Further information about Music Generation Meath is expected to be announced over the coming months. For details visit www.musicgeneration.ie