Round 1 applications

Round 1 applications set new standards for music education in Ireland

An unprecedented national response has been received following Music Generation’s call for applications from Music Education Partnerships earlier this year. Just under 70% of the country have made their bid for the highly anticipated funding donated by U2 and The Ireland Funds. A significantly high standard has been set with many groundbreaking, hugely ambitious programmes being proposed – everything from ceilí bands to composition, hip-h’opera to high voices, kindermusic to kalviers and rock schools to rhythmic blues.

Rosaleen Molloy, Director of Music Generation has been working closely with Music Education Partnerships over the past two months, in supporting their planning and development. ‘The country has made a resounding response and clearly, there is a huge need for increased access to music education to be supported’ said Rosaleen. ‘Many of the Music Education Partnerships spoke of the extraordinary level of local interest and that they had never before received such a high level of public enquiry about one single issue.’

‘This is the power of philanthropy in action’ commented Tony Ó Dálaigh, Chairman of Music Generation. ‘The leadership and generosity of U2 and The Ireland Funds has empowered the country. The support from our donors has energised people to consider music education as a pressing matter and we are fortunate that something can be done about it particularly at a time when so many other services are being either reduced or cut.’

Round 1 selection decision are expected to be announced during May with Round 2 funding announced in autumn 2011.