Music Generation Annual Report 2025
We are excited to present the Music Generation Annual Report for 2025. In 2024, we proudly reached 10% of children and young people in Ireland.
Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, provides access to performance music education for more than 130,000 children and young people every year. Today, Musician Educators from across Ireland gathered at the Galmont Hotel in Galway for a national event recognising the extraordinary impact of their work with children and young people.
The event, opened by renowned artist, vocal performance coach and composer Juliet Russell, included day of interactive workshops led by Musician Educators from across Ireland. Musicians participated in workshops including hands-on choir experiences, youth-focused digital music production, strategies for managing multi-class rural settings, and reviving traditional playground singing games.
In a special remote session, Gaza Birds Singing founder Ahmedmuin Abu Amsha joined Music Generation Director of Quality Development, Research and Learning, Dr.Margaret O’Sullivan,to reflect on the group's journey, exploring how music brings connection, healing, and a vital voice to children navigating profound adversity
"We love life. We love music. We want to live with dignity and peace like everyone else." Ahmedmuin Abu Amsha
Speaking ahead of the event Musician Educator Claire Crehan (Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan) said
"The gatherings are so special because they offer a space where we are inspired equally by other Musician Educators and educators from outside of Music Generation. The conversation with Evelyn Glennie last year was life changing for me in both my life as a musician and composer and my work as an educator. It is also so meaningful to be in conversation with colleagues as we all learn and grow together, building a network founded on quality and joy."
Over 500 Musician Educators deliver Music Generation programmes across Ireland each year. Across Ireland, the network develop quality teaching methods that foster creativity and inclusion, building vibrant learning environments that aim to nurture young musicians.
Musician Educators Seán, Daithí and Claire
"Gatherings like today show how far we have come and how fast Music Generation continues to grow and evolve. In 2026, our Musician Educators are pushing boundaries more than ever, sharing expertise to bring richer, bolder creative and quality experiences to young people. Today provides great opportunity for the sharing of learning and experiences. By grounding their work in this shared practice our educators strive to empower every young person so they feel seen, heard, and trusted to lead their own musical journey." Rosaleen Molloy, Music Generation National Director
Established in 2010 by Music Network, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Youth, and Local Music Education Partnerships, where Education and Training Boards and Local Authorities play a lead role. Music Generation’s mission is to empower children and young people to realise their full potential through access to, and participation in, high-quality performance music education.
Photo Credits
Photo 1 by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
(From Left) Seán Horgan (Musician Educator Music Generation Limerick County), Mairéad Duffy (Quality Development and Learning Manager, Music Generation National Development Office),Claire Crehan (Musician Educator Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan), Juliet Russell (Guest Artist), Rosaleen Molloy(Music Generation National Director), Dr.Margaret O'Sullivan (Director of Quality Development, Research and Learning, Music Generation National Development Office), Daithí Mac Cruitín (Musician Educator Music Generation Limerick County).
Photo 2 by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
(From Left) Seán Horgan (Musician Educator Music Generation Limerick County), Daithí Mac Cruitín (Musician Educator Music Generation Limerick County),Claire Crehan (Musician Educator Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan).
