Tipperary music groups and organisations encouraged to apply for grants

New grants are available for music education in Tipperary schools, and local music groups and organisations should apply, Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy has said.

Deputy Michael Murphy has encouraged local groups to apply for the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme, which was announced by the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee.

Michael Murphy said, “The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme is now open for applications to help organisations provide music education in schools.

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“A total of €100,000 is available in grants, which allow organisations with limited or no access to other forms of public funding to pay for music classes, instruments and other equipment.

“This scheme has helped children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, uilleann pipers and more. It is targeted at smaller organisations involved in non-mainstream music education and community music initiatives who cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

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“I encourage Tipperary music groups and organisations with a track record in music education or community and youth-based music projects to apply. These grants can help them provide invaluable music education to children in our local schools”.

Applications will be considered from organisations/groups that display the following:

· A well-established track record in music education provision.

· Service provision in the area of non-mainstream music education/community music.

· Delivery of non-mainstream music education for young people aged 18 years and younger.

· Strong learning outcomes for participants.

Preference will be given to those organisations/groups that can demonstrate that they cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Preference may also be given to organisations/groups that are eligible and may not have received funding from this initiative previously. The grant amounts from the €100,000 fund can vary, depending on the number of eligible applications and the number of children and young people supported by the applicant organisation.

The selection of proposals will also be informed by a desire for

· Geographic national spread, where possible

· A range of music genres

· A balance of practical and theoretical approaches

Funding will only be provided for non-mainstream music education initiatives outside of normal school hours and school curriculum.

The following categories of organisations are ineligible to apply:

· For-profit companies, schools and other educational institutions

· Music Education Partnerships in receipt of Music Generation funding at time of application

· Individuals under the age of 18

· Professional performing groups.