Celebrate Culture Night with Music Generation
This One Night For All takes place on Friday 19th September 2025.
Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, provides access to performance music education for more than 100,000 children and young people every year. Today, Musician Educators from across Ireland gather at the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin for a national event recognising the extraordinary impact of their work with children and young people.
Through a series of interactive workshops, participants will explore new and creative approaches to music education, from songwriting technologies to multi-sensory music designed to support inclusive music-making with children and young people. Musician Educators will share their expertise on themes such as Developing Vocal Confidence through Improvisation, The Need for World Music in an Urban Education Setting, and more.
The event, opened by renowned musician and educator Pete Churchil, includes inspiring conversations with acclaimed percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and a live interactive “Big Sing” led by Churchill. These accomplished artists, known for their contributions to music and education, share insights and experiences from their own work to empower participants in their own practice.
Over 500 Musician Educators deliver Music Generation programmes across Ireland each year. They develop innovative teaching methods that foster creativity and inclusion, building vibrant learning environments that nurture young musicians.
Speaking on the significance of the gathering, Chairperson of Music Generation Board Leo Blennerhassett said, “It is truly inspiring to see so many Musician Educators come together in one place to celebrate their work. Their creativity, dedication, and commitment to excellence are transforming lives across Ireland. This event is not just a reflection of their achievements but a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and build stronger, more connected communities.”
"With it being my first-year teaching with Music Generation, attending and being a part of this national gathering feels incredibly exciting. To have the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded musician educators across the country is a gift. Our biggest resource is one another, to share our knowledge as well as our creativity, to be inspired and bring home new ideas to water our young budding musicians." Emma Grant, Musician Educator, Music Generation Limerick County
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.
Commenting on today’s gathering, National Director of Music Generation, Rosaleen Molloy, said “Today’s gathering reflects the incredible sense of collaboration that drives Music Generation forward. Our Musician Educators are constantly learning from each other, bringing new ideas and creativity into their work with children and young people. Every day, they help young people discover their voice and their place in the world through music. Their impact is profound, both musically and personally.”
National Musician Educator Gathering opened by Music Generation National Development Office with Guest Artists Dame Evelyn Glennie, Pete Churchill and Musician Educators Emma Grant and Sean Horgan
Cover Image - Pete Churchill, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Music Generation National Director Rosaleen Molloy and Musician Educators Emma Grant and Sean Horgan Music Generation Limerick County
Image 1 Pete Churchill's Opening Session
Image 2 Pete Churchill's Opening Session
Image 3 Pete Churchill, Music Generation National Director Rosaleen Molloy, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Emma Grant (Musician Educator Music Generation Limerick County), Dr.Margaret O'Sullivan (Director of Quality, Development and Learning Music Generation), Mairead Duffy (Quality, Development and Learning Manager) and Sean Horgan (Musician Educator Music Generation Limerick County)
Photos by Dave Keegan
https://www.davekeeganphotography.com/
