KCETB Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board
Rialtas na hEireann Government of Ireland
Rialtas na hEireann Government of Ireland
Co-Funded by the European Union

Music Generation Kilkenny

Background

Music Generation Kilkenny is part of Ireland’s national music education programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Fund, the Department of Education and Local Music Education Partnerships. 

The programme aims to transform the lives of children and young people, aged 0-18yrs, by creating access to high-quality, affordable music tuition in their localities. 

Nationally, the programme creates more than 42,500 opportunities every year for children and young people to take part in high-quality, subsidised performance music education in all musical genres and styles – from trad to jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, samba drumming, brass band, choral and orchestral initiatives, composers’ clubs and much more. 

Musician Educators l-r Clare Kilkenny, Barbara Kelly, Féibhar Baldwin Wall Photo by Vicky Comerford
Music Generation
Music Generation Kilkenny

About Music Generation Kilkenny

The vision and ethos of Music Generation Kilkenny is to transform the lives of children and young people through access to high-quality performance music education. Underpinning this vision are the values of access, quality, inclusion, diversity, creativity, partnerships and sustainability. At its core are children/young people and musicians. International soprano Sinéad Blanchfield spearheads Music Generation Kilkenny, a partnership programme whose mission since 2019 has been to create inspiring musical experiences for children and young people across Kilkenny city and county. In 2021 over 6,000 primary and post-primary school children were given that opportunity by Music Generation Kilkenny. KCETB leads the programme locally in Kilkenny, in partnership with Kilkenny County Council.

Feel the Victory

Tradcamp

Hubs Promotional video

Programmes

Currently, Music Generation Kilkenny runs partnership programmes in:

  • 23 primary schools, aimed at junior infants to second class pupils, in five areas: vocal, ukulele, string , percussion, and a Music Makers programme. 
  • One Secondary school delivering small group tuition on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, banjo, and piano/keyboard during school hours.  
  • SEN programme – an inclusive music programme in two school settings in Kilkenny City.

Music Generation Kilkenny runs after-school music hubs for young people who wish to learn an instrument or explore their singing skills in a group setting.

Creative Music Space 

An after-school rock and pop music hub run in partnership with Foróige at the DRUM, MacDonagh Shopping Centre on Thursdays. Music Generation Kilkenny small group lessons in ukulele, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums and singing.

Trad Hub and Ensemble

Meets every Monday after school in Castlecomer. It provides an opportunity for young traditional players of primary school age to get involved in fun weekly lessons and performance opportunities. Instruments include fiddle, bodhrán, concertina, whistle, flute and banjo. 

Uilleann Pipe Hub

A blended mix of online and in-person tuition every Tuesday. The Hub’s dedicated young Uilleann Pipers performed ‘Uilleann Pipe Dreams’ as part of ‘ St. Patrick’s Day virtual parade. Check out the Music Generation Kilkenny YouTube channel to hear their captivating performance.

These are core programmes and in addition there have been many more initiatives such as community programmes, a TY programme, camps and a range of workshops from toddler music to sound production and song-writing workshops.

We try to capture every child by resourcing the programme through our instrument bank so that children can rent an instrument from us at a very low rate.

Programmes are underpinned by the talent and skills of a dedicated team of professional musicians who deliver programmes in schools and in the community throughout the year.

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