🌟 Music Generation – Ireland’s National Music Education Programme
Music Generation is Ireland’s national music education initiative, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills, and various local Music Education Partnerships. Its vision is simple but powerful: every child, regardless of background, should have access to high‑quality performance music education. Operating in over 25 regions across the country, it delivers thousands of hours of subsidised instrumental and vocal tuition, supporting children to grow creatively, build confidence, and perform in inspiring ways.
🎹 St. Aidan's Thirty Weeks with Music Generation 2024/25
Junior Room – Music Discovery Programme
Our junior classes followed the Discovering Music (Music Discovery) Programme over thirty weeks. Led by professional musician, Kevin O’Gorman, this one‑hour weekly course immersed infants to 2nd class in a joyful exploration of music. Children engaged with a range of instruments, voice and musical props, developing their listening skills, sense of rhythm, and early musical confidence through playful and creative activities.
Senior Room – Discovery & Performing Programme
Senior pupils participated in the Discovering and Performing Music Programme, targeted at 3rd to 6th class over thirty weeks. These 75‑minute sessions focused on building instrumental skills—keyboard in our case—and covered various musical styles and carefully selected repertoire. The programme culminated in a class performance, preparing our children to shine in front of a large audience.
🎼 ATU Knocknarea Arena Concert
At the end of our thirty‑week journey, the senior room performed at a large-scale concert in the ATU Knocknarea Arena. Approximately 600 primary‑school students from across Sligo came together for this celebratory event. Each school showcased the tune and song learned during the term. For our pupils, it was not only thrilling to be onstage in front of a large audience, but also a powerful experience of performance confidence, and musical pride.
The atmosphere was electric—an unforgettable highlight of the year. We capped the day off with ice‑creams on the way back to school, celebrating the children’s achievements and the joy of coming together through music.
🌟 Reflections & Looking Ahead
Working with Kevin O’Gorman over thirty weeks allowed our children to:
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Develop instrumental skills and musical understanding
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Gain confidence and teamwork through group learning
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Experience performance in both informal settings and a major concert stage
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Enjoy a memorable and celebratory community event
It was an incredible, transformative experience for all involved, and we are thrilled to say we’ll definitely be taking part again next year!
