Music Generation, together with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to announce the appointment of accomplished musician, music educator and project manager, Dr Jennifer O’Connor-Madsen, as Music Generation Development Officer for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR).
Music Generation DLR is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s national music education programme initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and the Department of Education and Skills. Locally, Music Generation DLR is managed by DLR Music Education Partnership (MEP), led by DLR County Council in partnership with Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, TUSLA, Southside Partnership DLR, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Blackrock Education Centre, IADT, UCD and Crosscare.
In her new post, Jennifer will have responsibility for developing an affordable and accessible performance music education programme for children and young people ages 0 to 18. This will include the coordination of music tuition services within the DLR area, working in partnership with schools, community music groups and centres in the formation of choirs, ensembles, access programmes, performance initiatives and more, across a diverse range of musical genres and styles.
On the announcement of her appointment, Jennifer spoke of her vision for the programme: ‘I’m thrilled to take up the role of Music Generation Development Officer in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown following 15 hugely fulfilling years working across the fields of music education and tuition. As a researcher, music educator and programme manager I have experienced first-hand the enormous impact that access to creative musical experiences can have on children, young people and communities. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown already has an enormously rich infrastructure for music and culture. I look forward to working with my colleagues in DLR County Council and our partners in DLR MEP to grow and enrich the landscape for our next generation of young musicians.’
Jennifer holds a BA (Hons), an MA and a PhD in musicology from Maynooth University. She brings a wealth of experience to Music Generation DLR having taught piano, keyboard and music theory to both children and adults for many years, and having lectured in Music in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra (DCU). Previously Jennifer held the position of project manager for the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) Teaching and Learning Network and was senior examiner for the RIAM Local Centre Exams. She is a member of the Committee for the Society for Music Education in Ireland and is currently co-editing a volume on Women and Music in Ireland with Dr Ita Beausang.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown was among nine new areas of the country selected for participation in ‘Phase 2’ of Music Generation in September 2017, following an open national call for applications from new MEPs. The application for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown was led by DLR County Council, in partnership with Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, TUSLA, Southside Partnership DLR, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Blackrock Education Centre, IADT, UCD and Crosscare.
Chief Executive of DLR County Council, Philomena Poole, said: ‘We are delighted to announce Jennifer’s appointment to this pivotal role at Music Generation DLR, which will enable programme set-up and implementation to get underway with energy and efficiency. Jennifer brings a wealth of expertise to the role, including in the areas of programme development and planning, leadership and music education. She is a passionate advocate for creating access to inspiring musical encounters for children and young people and we very much look forward to working with her over the coming years to bring these new opportunities to communities across the county.'
Responding to the announcement, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Tom Murphy commented: ‘This great news of Jennifer’s appointment also marks an exciting next step in the implementation of the Music Generation programme for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The programme will be a great addition to our county’s rich culture of music and a game-changer in terms of access to music tuition for children and young people. On behalf of DLR County Council, I would like to welcome Jennifer into the role and wish her well in her work.’
Expansion of the Music Generation initiative into Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown was made possible as a result of philanthropic donations by U2 and The Ireland Funds, which will seed-fund 50% of the costs of developing the programme during its three-year set-up phase. DLR MEP will also generate a further 50% in funding locally. This matched funding will then be sustained on a long-term basis by the Department of Education and Skills once the philanthropic donations cease.
//ENDS
Media contact:
Dr Jennifer O’Connor-Madsen, Music Generation Development Officer, Music Generation DLR
E: jenniferoconnor@dlrcoco.ie
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