Music Generation Mayo in partnership with The Arts Council of Ireland and Songbirds offered an amazing opportunity for young musicians and singers in Co.Mayo aged 13-18 yrs. to participate in a unique project to explore and develop their songwriting and musical skills. The project took place over 3 months, culminating in a series of mastered recordings and a live concert.
This programme was made possible as a result of a new partnership initiative between The Arts Council of Ireland and Music Generation to support the work of professional musicians in a range of ambitious music education programmes. This exciting new partnership is aimed at adding significant value to the current core tuition being carried out by Music Generation programmes throughout Ireland.
Note: The closing date for participation in this programme has passed and the programme operated during Sept - Dec 2015. You can listen to some of the songs written and recorded here on Soundcloud
What was involved?
During the course of the project participants engaged in a series of workshops examining the songwriting process from sketch to demo to a final recording of their song/music.
The Songbirds musicians showed participants how to develop structure and harmony in their compositions, as well as looking at topics such as arrangement, music appreciation, recording and live performance tips including microphone technique and stage set-up.
Participants were encouraged to be involved in all project outcomes, e.g. event organisation, production roles, promotion, documentation and presentation. The project aimed to provide young musicians with the tools necessary for creative expression through lyrics and music and to become future drivers of similar projects as part of their own musical development.
Recordings will take place throughout the project with each individual producing a professionally mastered CD on completion. Shortly after the workshops ended, participants rehearsed and performed their finished songs at a live concert, followed by an official CD launch in March 2016.
Who are Songbirds Ireland?
Three artists/musicians make up the Songbirds team, Carol Keogh, Miriam Ingram and Colin J. Morris. Based in Dublin, the trio have a wealth of experience in mentoring young developing musicians and songwriters as well as recording, releasing and performing their own material as professional musicians, songwriters and music producers.
NOTE:
This programme is made possible as a result of a new three-year partnership programme between The Arts Council of Ireland and Music Generation to support the work of professional musicians in a range of ambitious music education programmes. This exciting new Partnership is aimed at adding significant value to the current core tuition being carried out by Music Generation which is aimed at creating better access to high quality performance music education for children and young people.
Music Generation Mayo is co-funded and supported by:
