About Music Generation Galway County
Creating Opportunities Through Music
Music Generation Galway County is a subsidised performance music education programme providing children and young people up to 18 years of age with access to high-quality music education and performance opportunities.
Initiated by Music Network in 2010 with founding philanthropic support from U2 and The Ireland Funds, Music Generation has since expanded to 29 regions across Ireland, providing high-quality performance music education to approximately 130,000 children and young people annually.
Approved in 2017 and launched in early 2018, Music Generation Galway County is managed locally by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), in partnership with Galway County Council and supported by a wide network of local, regional and national organisations.
Under the leadership of Music Development Officer Eric Cunningham, Music Generation Galway County has grown into one of the county’s most extensive youth music initiatives, engaging over 6,000 children and young people across 70 unique venues throughout Galway County. Its extensive provision includes more than 40 schools, 14 after-school Music Hubs, and a broad range of programmes delivered in partnership with youth services and community organisations.
With a strong commitment to accessibility, inclusion and progression, the programme reaches communities throughout Galway County, including rural areas, the Connemara Gaeltacht and the Aran Islands. Its geographical reach extends to Ireland’s most westerly Music Generation programme, delivering weekly tuition as Gaeilge at Áras Éanna on Inis Oírr, Europe’s most westerly arts centre.
The team at Music Generation Galway County takes particular pride in its extensive range of dedicated initiatives supporting children and young people with additional needs, those experiencing social or economic disadvantage, and others who may face barriers to participation.
Beyond weekly tuition, Music Generation Galway County creates opportunities for young musicians to collaborate, perform and learn directly from leading professional artists through ensembles, concerts, workshops, festivals and special projects. Initiatives such as Galway TradFest provide exciting pathways for young performers to develop their musical abilities, build confidence and gain valuable performance experience.
At its heart, Music Generation Galway County is committed to making music accessible to every child and young person, regardless of background, ability or location, while nurturing the next generation of musicians, performers and creative talent.
Music Generation Galway County – Contact Details
Music Generation Building | GRETB HQ | An Coiléar Bán | Athenry, Co. Galway
