Launch of irishmusiceducation.ie and performance of The Great Learning.

Friday 21st of January is an important date for those in music education in Ireland. The new web resource irishmusiceducation.ie will be launched in Mary Immculate College, Limerick by Gerry Godley and Elaine Agnew. Its music education in its broadest sense so, anyone engaged in music education whether its inside the classroom or in the arts centre, gallery, studio, community, university or any wider music context will want to be part of this. Anyone who works with music with children, young adults, young professionals, adults in all music genres such as classical, contemporary, jazz, rock/pop, electronic, traditional, world and more will be interested in this resource.  It includes formal and informal, music education in many genres, contexts and practices. It’s a way of connecting with what's happening in the wide world of music education in Ireland.

Every month a guest curator is invited to oversee the website and write a lead article on an issue either, in their particular field of music education, or to stimulate and challenge our thinking on a general aspect of music education.

Those interested in contemporary music might enjoy being part of part of a performance of Cornelius Cardew's The Great learning (par.7), lead by composer Elaine Agnew, taking place as part of the launch on Friday. The launch will also include details about a commission opportunity for Irish Composers.

At a time when Ireland is seeking innovative ideas, creative inputs, fresh energy and new perspectives, Irish Music Education or IME provides an inspiring new force for music education in the country. Most importantly, it is a ‘doing’ organisation. Its power and drive lies in the hands of its participants and so will derive guidance from their needs and interests. It has the potential to be a powerful development for Irish music education.