MUSIC Generation Limerick has found a new home in the city centre and its programmes and workshops are open to not just young people but to people of all ages. The successful music network initiative was funded initially by U2 and The Ireland Funds and now enters its long term phase with its future secured by the Department of Education.
The VTOS Building on Presentation Court off Sexton Street is the new home of Music Generation Limerick. The programme is based on the principles of social inclusion and self expression, giving young people the confidence to express themselves and a platform to share it. “Everyone, whatever their background, gets access to music tuition,” explains U2’s Bono who initiated the programme. The location will also offer arts organisations a space to rehearse.
Boris Hunka of Music Generation Limerick talked to Limerick Post about the new location and the new programmes.
“From our point of view it is great. We have got this team of 15 musicians and we have always been scattered a bit. Now we are based in the same space allowing for collaboration and a creative energy to flow. It is a big part of our remit to have community crossover and now Music Generation have a big space in which to do that for the first time. You can see that happening in front of your eyes.”
The musicians give tuition and host songwriting, band mentoring and hip-hop programmes covering everything from rap music to rock and folk music with regular sessions weekly on Saturday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
The fruits of these sessions have been staged at gigs in Limerick Milk Market, Dance Limerick, Dolan’s Warehouse and an outdoor concert last summer in Pery Square.
Boris explains that Music Generation Limerick is now expanding its services to adults.
“Our approach is now firmed up. Our methodology is quite simple, creating a safe space for people to be creative and try things out.
“Now we are getting more and more requests from adults asking, Can we try this out as well?”
Liam Byrd and Aaron Moloney.
Picture: Keith Wiseman
Music Generation is now rolling out a new set of programmes, aimed at expanding their approach to all ages. Adult Song-writing courses will run on weekdays, Parents & Infants Making Music will be a fun chance for parents, and other carers, and preschoolers to make music together and the Singing and Vocal Technique programme will be expanded to cater for all ages.
“The singing and vocal technique programme has grown out of the work Music Generation are already doing in our National School programme. The mindfulness and breathing techniques grew out of that. We realised that the same approach works well with teenagers or with adults.”
These programmes are now all available to all ages at little or no cost.
“We don’t want to bring in fees or anything like that because it immediately creates barriers,” added Boris. “We have managed to keep all the after-schools session and weekend sessions free to the kids. For adults, fees are based on voluntary donation. Inclusively is our main thing.”
Music Generation is giving employment to 15 local musicians with specialists in voice, songwriting, guitars, rap, keys, bass, drums and production. Members of Choice Nominated band Windings and rap/ world music trio Rusangano are part of the tuition team.
“We have high retention rates for our participants. We hired the musicians on the basis of their natural talent and engagement. Everyone has got three years and many hours of intense and sometimes challenging experience behind them.”
To get more information on the new courses and workshops from Music Generation Limerick, email Boris Hunka at boris.hunka@lcetb.ie or go to Music Generation’s Facebook Page www.facebook.com/MusicGenerationLimerickCity
