Please help us to raise the €50,000 we need to provide a bank of musical instruments for use by older people in a number of communities throughout Ireland by donating to our appeal, by sponsoring our Grade-1-a-thon Challenge or by taking on the Challenge yourself!

Playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full body workout, enhancing memory and cognitive ability, while also boosting self-esteem and confidence. And it’s not just a spoonful of medicine. Learning an instrument and playing with other like-minded musicians brings new friendships, opportunities to socialise and creative self-expression to many people’s lives.

The advent of Covid-19 has amplified the loneliness that many older people already experience. As we age, we ideally acquire new skills and discover new interests which fulfil and enrich our lives. However, sometimes life can contract as we grow older, be that through illness, isolation or losing friends and loved ones. Creativity is a valuable way to reconnect with ourselves and continue on that journey of growth. At Music Network, we want to encourage more older citizens to become actively engaged in making music. We’re aiming to ensure that all people, not only professional musicians, are afforded the chance to participate as musical citizens. We also know that by empowering and amplifying older voices, society as a whole will benefit. Just like an orchestra whose musicians play in harmony to produce a beautiful sound, a culture that includes and values all of its members will invariably reap the rewards.Music Network’s aim is to raise €50,000 to establish a bank of musical instruments which will be made available exclusively to older people wishing to embark on a course of instrumental lessons.