Music Generation & St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra Announce Music Generation Research Fellow

The Board of Music Generation and St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra are delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Johnston as Music Generation Research Fellow for a new two-year research partnership entitled Developing Diversity in Music Education in Ireland.

Commenting on the appointment, Tony Ó Dálaigh, Chairman of Music Generation said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra on this important Research Project, which marks a significant milestone in the evolution and development of Music Generation.”

Also welcoming the appointment, Dr. Daire Keogh, President of St Patrick’s College Drumcondra remarked “We are very excited about the initiation of a Research Partnership with Music Generation and the appointment of Thomas Johnston as Music Generation Research Fellow. The research project will undoubtedly contribute to informing the strategic development and future policy for a new infrastructure for performance music education in Ireland.”

From Co. Monaghan, Thomas Johnston carried out his doctoral studies at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. His PhD thesis explores the experience of Irish traditional music in post-primary music education in Ireland. He has presented his research at conferences in Ireland, Italy, the UK, Canada, and China. Thomas also holds a BA in Irish Music and Dance and a Specialist Diploma in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship from the University of Limerick. A founding member of the Society for Music Education in Ireland, he has also served as Education Officer on the International Council for Traditional Music Ireland (2009-2012).

An uilleann pipes and whistle player, Thomas has collaborated widely and toured extensively across Europe, Australia, Canada, the USA, and French Polynesia. He has taught on various music programs at the Irish World Academy (UL), Marino Institute of Education and St Patrick’s College Drumcondra. His education and community work includes facilitating music workshops for various organisations, most recently 'Tiny Voices', an Early Years Music Pilot in partnership with Common Ground, Early Childhood Ireland, and The Base in Ballyfermot. He is also involved in online teaching and learning at The Online Academy of Irish Music (www.oaim.ie).

Commenting on his appointment, Thomas said, “I am delighted to have been appointed to this exciting new role and to be part of the vibrant Music Generation programme. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

For further information, contact www.musicgeneration.ie.

Notes to Editors

Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and funded by U2 and The Ireland Funds, together with local Music Education Partnerships. Music Generation helps children and young people access high quality subsidised music education in their local area.

Music Network established Music Generation on receipt of a €7 million donation in 2009 from U2 and The Ireland Funds, following a ten year campaign for the development of a national system of music education in Ireland. Music Generation is now established in 10 areas of the country - Carlow, Cork City, Laois, Limerick City, Louth, Offaly/Westmeath, Mayo, Sligo and Wicklow.

Music Generation works closely with the Department of Education and Skills who have committed to continuing to develop and sustain the Music Education Partnerships with Exchequer funding in future years when the donations cease. Visit www.musicgeneration.ie for further information.

St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra is a College of Dublin City University and a leading centre of research in education and the humanities in Ireland. Key research centres include the Centre for Children’s Literature and Cultural Studies, Centre for Human Rights and Citizenship Education and the Educational Disadvantage Centre. The Music Department is a vibrant department with an extensive profile in composition, performance, teaching, research and service to community. Recently completed funded research projects include: local authorities’ contribution to music development in Ireland, giving rise to the publication, Knowing the Score and the co-participation with Common Ground and the Music Department of UCC in the Tiny Voices Early Years Music Project. Staff of the Department include two internationally recognised composers, both of whom are members of Aosdána and artists-in-residence the Fidelio Trio. Individual staff members also have a record of publications in musicological research with a particular emphasis on the field of music in contemporary Irish society. Visit www.spd.dcu.ie/music for further information.