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Keep the music playing: Music Generation responds to COVID-19

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We're updating this article on an ongoing basis with news and resources to support children, young people and musicians to #KeepMakingMusic.

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Like so many organisations in Ireland and globally, Music Generation has heard and heeded the advice from Government and the HSE to try to slow the spread and curtail the potential impact of Covid-19. A large number of the tuition programmes and initiatives operating nationally have been impacted through the closure of schools and youth settings and the introduction of social distancing measures. But at this time of uncertainty we believe the need for music in children and young people’s lives is greater than ever.

Together we are working hard to find ways to keep music alive for our participants and partners in spite of our social distance. Many of our local partners have been working directly with their young musicians to make online tutorials or digital lessons available where possible. Contact your local Music Generation area for further information.

At the same time members of musician and management teams have taken to the digital airwaves to share their own music and ideas about how young musicians can get creative remotely:

Singer and musician with Music Generation in Waterford and Wexford, Rút Ní Ghallchóir, recorded a creative and very fun version of Bobby McFerrin's 'Don't Worry, Be Happy', encouraging young musicians to grab their shakers and join in:

Don't Worry Be Happy

Music Generation Laois musician and percussionist Dale McKay partnered up with RTÉ's Home School Hub to offer viewers a masterclass in beatboxing. His broadcast aired on Tuesday 26, Thursday 28 May and Tuesday 2 June, and you can find all past episodes on RTÉ Player.

Music Generation Laois on RTE Home School Hub

In Limerick City, Music Generation is makings its Creative Centre accessible online to young musicians, singers, producers and songwriters living locally. For more information visit the Music Generation Limerick City website.

Music Generation Laois invited young musicians from the county, members of its musician team and friends from Ireland and overseas to join them in a tune, celebrating the success of their transition to online tution and the beginning of the easing of restrictions. Players from as far away as Japan, Venezuela , Mexico and New York collaborate on this rendition of The White Fairy Reel, composed by Laois tutor Tommy Fitzharris, with mixing and video production by Siobhán Buckley:

MG Laois & Friends - The White Fairy Ree

Donegal Music Education Partnership's Donegal Youth Choir was featured on RTÉ News, marking the release of a recording of 'Fix You' in four-part harmony, recorded by the singers at home and edited together by their conductor, Sara Ní Lochlainn. Congratulations all:

This year, International Jazz Day was celebrated online and on the airwaves, with performance streamed and broadcast across the globe. At home, Music Generation Waterford musician educator Danny Pullman shared one of his jazz favourites, a solo transcription of Johnny Hodges' 'All of Me', below, while young Music Generation jazzers recorded snippets of themselves and were featured on RTÉ Home School Extra:

Nós Nua - Louth Youth Folk Orchestra is a collaboration between Music Generation Louth and The Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol. With funding from the Arts Council's Young Ensembles Scheme the Orchestra has been working on a new commission with multi award-winning musician Mohsen Amini. While unable to meet for workshops and rehearsals, the group decided to have a go at a virtual performance instead:

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