Starting an instrument loan scheme
Na Píobairí Uilleann's CEO Gay Mc Keon offers helpful tips for organisations wishing to start their own instrument loan scheme.
Looking for an instrument?
Whether you’re searching for a bursary to help purchase an instrument for professional use, or an opportunity to hire a starter instrument for a child, our Find an Instrument search tool will help you find your perfect instrument match.
Start My SearchResource Hub
Building Your Online Presence in 2021
Getting your band, orchestra, or music school online has never been easier or more important. Keith Kelly's simple guide will have you up and running online in the space of a weekend!
Practice pleas(e)
Moving from dreaded arguments to positive outcomes: music educator Dr Majella Boland’s three-part blog addresses how parents and teachers can change the discussion around practicing for good.
8 great reasons to take up a musical instrument
It takes commitment to learn to play an instrument at any stage of life. But the effort you put in is always worthwhile.
Creating tuition plans
A guide to getting started by James Cavanagh.
How to record
Music producer Laoise O'Brien's guide for ensembles and individual musicians.
Governance: a beginner’s guide
Arts Consultant Imelda Dervin outlines how voluntary and small organisations can keep their governance shipshape.
Music Capital Scheme
A total of €1,040,000 in funding is available through the Music capital Scheme 2025, from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, for the following awards:
Award 1 - for non-professional performing groups
Award 2 – for individual established professional performing musicians
Award 3 – for individual emerging professional performing musicians
Deadline for applications: 2pm, Thursday 27 November 2025.
How you can help
Your support will help remove the financial barriers that prevent musicians from accessing an instrument that meets their needs. Find how you can get involved and become an instrumental supporter of music and musicians.
Who we have helped
To date we have made 544 awards to individual musicians and organisations to purchase instruments through the Music Capital Scheme. Find out more about the difference we’ve made to the musical lives of some of the recent awardees.
"The Music Capital Scheme provides an excellent opportunity for young professionals who find obtaining high-quality instruments nigh on impossible in today’s economy". - Patrick Rafter, violinist