Following induction, the new recruits have been busy working in a range of settings, including special schools and day centres, while receiving structured specialist training and mentoring. All eight musicians have completed Level 1 of Live Music Now’s Inspire programme, a unique framework supporting music-making with children of all abilities.
Our new recruitment process has opened up a wealth of talent and experience. We have lots of opportunities for our new musicians in Northern Ireland, including a special schools programme as part of ‘Our Place in Space’; a series of Songs & Scones concerts for older, isolated people, the Derry City Festival of Jazz outreach programme, ArtAbyss Festival and more.
We’re also delighted to welcome Rebecca Murphy, who had joined the scheme in Scotland before spending a year in Germany and returning to Northern Ireland.
Alice Lewis, Director of Live Music Now Northern Ireland says,
“After two years of the pandemic, our partners and participants are appreciating live music more than ever. We’re delighted to offer an even greater range of musical genres and talent with our eight new musicians.”
Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented,
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Live Music Now. Thanks to National Lottery players, eight Northern Irish musicians will be take part in Live Music Now’s impressive outreach and development programme which creates access to high-quality music making, helping to bring great art to all. Not only do the programme participants benefit but the musicians themselves also reap rewards by receiving specialist training and mentoring, thus developing their professional careers through the learning of new skills. Well done to all involved.”
We’d like to thank Principal Funder the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for supporting Live Music Now and the development of Northern Irish musicians.