Music Generation appoints Paula Phelan to the role of LMEP Support Manager

Music Generation is delighted to announce the appointment of Paula Phelan as Local Music Education Partnership (LMEP) Support Manager. Paula is a musician, music educator, manager and previously Programme Director of Music Generation Carlow. In this new full-time position she will work closely with both new and established LMEPs to support the sustainable development of performance music education provision for children and young people. She will also lead on professional development and learning programmes and initiatives for the Music Generation network over the coming years.

A native of Kildare, Paula completed her undergraduate BAmus degree in Maynooth University. She holds an MA Baroque Performance Practice from Queens University Belfast, an MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy from University College Dublin, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education From Maynooth University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Music from Birmingham City University.

Paula brings a breadth of experience to her role as LMEP Support Manager, spanning the worlds of arts and corporate management, music education leadership and practice. In addition to her extensive work at Music Generation Carlow, previously she was General Manager of the Irish Baroque Orchestra, a Post-Primary Teacher, Freelance Musician Educator and General Manager of Belvedere Youth Service.

Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. ‘Phase 1’ of Music Generation established the programme in 11 areas of Ireland (Louth, Mayo, Sligo, Cork City, Laois, Wicklow, Carlow, Limerick City, Offaly/Westmeath, Clare and South Dublin) and in September 2017 a further nine areas were selected for participation as part of ‘Phase 2’ (Galway County, Waterford, Wexford, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Leitrim, Kilkenny, Cavan/Monaghan, Galway City and Roscommon). In addition, in December 2017 Government announced its commitment to support expansion of the programme nationwide by 2022. Currently Music Generation creates more than 48,500 opportunities each year for children and young people to engage in high-quality, subsidised performance music education with some 400 skilled musician educators, across a hugely diverse range of musical genres, styles and contexts.