Music Network set to offer free classes in Offaly

Ever wanted to play violin, viola or cello and are aged 55 or over? Music Network is offering free individual and group tuition on these three instruments to nine lucky people from Offaly as part of their teaching residency programme, which is to be rolled out across the Midlands next month.

Classes will run throughout August and September, instruments will be provided to those who require them and tuition will be provided in Offaly by acclaimed local musician, Adele O’Dwyer, in Tullamore Library.

To be eligible to apply for this wonderful initiative, participants must be aged 55 or over and must have some previous experience in playing music.

The closing date for all entries is Friday of next week, July 22 at 2pm.

While people can apply for tuition in any of the five residencies - which are spread over Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, Laois and Offaly - Music Network says priority within each county will be given to applicants from that county, and they also point out that the ability to read music is “not essential.” Priority will be given on a first come, first served basis. However, additional criteria will be used for selection, including county of residence, availability of teaching slots, ability to partake in the entire programme and geographical spread throughout the midlands.

The main aim of the project is for participants to return to playing an instrument and sharing the joy of group music making. The organisers have said that “if demand is high one of the residencies may be offered online” This is to ensure that financial circumstances or lack of transport do not act as barriers to participation. Technical support to enable online learning will also be provided to participants if necessary.

Over eight weeks, three one-to-one and two group lessons and two ensemble sessions will be provided in each county. Two coffee sessions will also be held per county to give people the opportunity to socialise and reflect on their musical journey.

The project will conclude with two ensemble sessions per county, where participants and their teachers will play the music learned during the project together. Places are limited to nine per county. P

To apply, please visit www.musicnetwork.ie or phone Music Network on 01-4750224, and remember that the closing date for all applications is Friday of next week, July 22, at 2pm.

The Midlands Teaching Residencies are presented by Music Network and Age Friendly Ireland. Music Network is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and the return to music initiative is supported by Creative Ireland.

Residency Details - Offaly: Participants will receive individual and group violin, viola and cello tuition from Adele O’Dwyer between August and September 2022 at Tullamore Library.

Additional information about all five residencies (including key project dates) is available on www.musicnetwork.ie/whats-on/making-music-midlands.