"“I am so grateful for this chance to reconnect with learning to play an instrument and I never imagined it would be so much fun!’’" Wicklow Teaching Residency Participant
In Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, 15 residents from the Wicklow area recently graduated from the Wicklow Teaching Residency. The group of emerging musicians were led by the Trio Accord, Dermot Dunne (piano accordion/piano), Aoife Dowdall (violin) and Claire O’Donnell (harp).
The residency, a partnership between Wicklow County Arts Office and Music Network, invited residents of County Wicklow aged 55 and over to reconnect with an instrument they used to play but may not have picked up in some time. It provided participants with free tuition from professional musicians and access to instruments for the duration of the programme.
Since November the participants have been receiving tuition on piano accordion, violin, harp and piano and have been having fun exploring all kinds of music together
“If anyone is considering enrolling for this programme and is worried that they may be out of their depth my advice would be just jump right in. The whole atmosphere was very encouraging and enabling, a great learning environment, and a lot of fun” Maurice Hickey, participant
“The project turned out to be a gem - one of the best, most heart warming and confidence (plus back muscle) building projects I've been involved in. I enjoyed it from start to finish, both the individual and the group sessions. There was so much to learn and I loved the musical magic we all co-created in our final ensemble session. It was great to be infected with so much fresh enthusiasm... I'm fired up to keep going, no matter what I think my musical limitations are.” Marina Bilak, participant
At their graduation the participants spoke about how much they had enjoyed the classes while gradually growing more confident as the weeks progressed. The residency has ignited new friendships among the participants too and the group are already making plans to get together and practice now that project has ended.
The Wicklow Teaching Residency is presented by Wicklow County Council Arts Office and Music Network. This initiative is funded by Creative Ireland. With thanks to Clermont House, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow for facilitating the music classes each week.