Dear Friends,

‘We are Music Generation’ 2024 has officially launched!

‘We are Music Generation’ is all about celebrating the transformative impact of performance music education on the lives of children and young people. There are events taking place across the country throughout the year. We've included a few in this newsletter and the full list is on our website here.

We also want to tell you about two fantastic events that marked the launch in Dublin:

• 'We are Music Generation' at the Convention Centre on March 2nd, gathering over 1,000 music makers.
• Music Generation National Conference at Dublin Castle on March 5th.

Let's dive in!  

Stories

#WeAreMusicGeneration at The Convention Centre 

"Great day out, great place and overall, met a lot of great people. Can't express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity with Music Generation"

Music Generation National Conference at Dublin Castle

Music Generation's National Conference ‘Access, Artistry & Advocacy‘ took place on March 5th in Dublin Castle. It was a celebration of Music Generation's impact and dedicated partnerships. The day began with an opening address and warm welcome from Minister for Education Norma Foley. The Conference programme included discussions on national developments, exploring the profound impact of access to music through voices of children and young people and discussion on artistry in performance music education.

Memorable moments of the day included keynote addresses from Martin Drury and Dr Patricia Flynn, and a video message from U2.

The first panel session included representatives from the Department of Education, The Ireland Funds, Music Network, The Arts Council, Education and Training Boards and Local Authorities.

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to insightful perspectives from advocates across the youth, music and arts sectors on the right to access music and arts for all. Panellists included The Ombudsman for Children's Office, Children's Rights Alliance, Local Music Education Partnerships, Alumni, Musician Educators and Music Development Officers.

We heard inspiring words from our Youth Panellists, Tony (Music Generation Laois), Eva (Music Generation Mayo), Heidi (Music Generation Cork City), Nelvin (Music Generation Dublin City) and Fern Hope (Music Generation Waterford). They told their story about the incredible impact and meaning of music in their young lives.

Closing the Conference were very special performances from The Sunflowers (a group of young Ukrainian guitarists from Donegal Music Education Partnership) and The Hiccup Collective (Music Generation Cork City, Music Generation Waterford, Music Generation Wexford). Find out more about this inspiring day on our website here.

Local 'We are Music Generation' Events and Programmes across the Country.

• The launch of Féile Mhaigh Eo will take place on 13th of April at the Linenhall Arts Centre. This Youth Music Festival was dreamed up by their youth advisory panel. We can't wait to hear more about it. Follow Music Generation Mayo on social media here for updates. 

• Woodstown Songwriting Weekend closing gig will take place on the 14th of April at Woodstown Activity Centre in Waterford. Follow Music Generation Waterford for more information.

• Music Generation Sligo have launched Jam@TheSquare competition. One lucky band/ensemble is in with the chance to with €1,000 of music equipment and have a big gig opportunity at the Queen Maeve Festival. The 19th of April is the closing date for entries. Find out more here. 

• Youth bands and young musicians interested in recording their original music in a professional studio can apply to be part of the Recording and Mentorship Programme. Deadline to apply is the 19th of April. See more here.